Opel South Africa has outlined its local plans for 2019, confirming that a handful of new derivatives (including the Corsa GSi) will touch down over the course of the year, while certain ranges will benefit from specification updates, too.
As we’ve already reported, the three-door Corsa GSi is scheduled to arrive in April 2019. While it will share its 110 kW 1,4-litre turbocharged petrol engine with that of the Corsa Sport already at the top of the local line-up, the GSi warm hatch will bring an OPC-developed chassis and braking system plus Recaro seats. Of course, it will serve as something of a swansong for the badge, since the next generation of the Corsa hatchback is scheduled to be revealed soon.
A Corsa 120Y Special Edition is also on the cards for South Africa, conceived to celebrate the German firm’s 120th birthday. Based on the Corsa Enjoy derivative, this special edition will arrive in March 2019 featuring “many extra styling and specification features”. These are expected to include front and rear parking sensors, a reversing camera, added chrome-effect exterior trim, an Opel-branded door sill plate, new jet black cloth trim and velour mats complete with “120 Years” lettering.
And the Astra? Well, the C-segment hatchback range will grow with the arrival of an automatic 1,6T Sport model in March 2019. The newcomer will feature an “OPC-Line” exterior styling pack as well as alloy pedals, a sport mode switch and a leather steering wheel. The rest of the Astra range, meanwhile, is set to gain added spec. The Astra 1,0T, for instance, will benefit from the brand’s IntelliLink system, while 1,4T Enjoy derivatives will gain keyless entry, the so-called advanced park-assist system, a rear-view camera, dual-zone climate control, an electronic parking brake and blind-spot detection.
A diesel-powered Enjoy model will join the Crossland X range in April 2019, drawing 68 kW from its 1,6-litre oil-burner and employing a five-speed manual gearbox. And the Grandland X Enjoy 1,6T AT will in March 2019 upgrade from 17- to 18-inch alloys as well as gain front foglamps, rear privacy glass and roof rails. A new optional package for the latter will also be offered, bringing a panoramic sunroof, the SatNav 900 IntelliLink infotainment system and heated leather seats.
May 2019 will see the introduction of the Combo 1,6TD Panel Van, which will be offered in short-wheelbase form and run on 15-inch steel wheels. It will feature a payload of 600 kg and ship standard with a sliding door, a partition wall, manual air-conditioning, a four-speaker audio system and dual front airbags. While the Combo will be available on pre-order from January 2019, the Vivaro is scheduled to arrive only in November 2019.
