IN December 2007, we tested the 1,3 turbodiesel derivative of the all-new Opel Corsa. One of our biggest criticisms of the new model was the fact that General Motors SA had chosen to downsize the powerplant of its oil-burner, thereby leaving this model with less than sprightly performance. We were perplexed by this decision, as most companies prefer to upgrade performance with each successive model. Another problem was the fitment of a six-speed gearbox with high gearing that, combined with the lower power output and extra weight, resulted in a sluggish driving experience. Across the board, though, the new Corsa range seems to have picked up where the old model left off, performing near the top of the passenger car sales charts. And that is a vindication of the overall quality and wellrounded nature of the new model. We noted previously that the little car bears a close resemblance to its larger stablemate, the Astra, which should please the Opel-loving brigade. Inside, too, the levels of perceived quality impressed us. The overall ambience belies the competitive pricing of the model, with plastics of varying tactile quality and colour used on the facia, door trim and other surfaces.
On this Enjoy specification test unit standard equipment includes an MP3/CD audio system with auxiliary input jack and remote controls, and powered front windows with one touch operation. All the fittings are of good quality, work really well, and are laid out in a far more user-friendly pattern than in the Astra. The seats initially feel a tad firm, but provide a good balance between support and comfort. Height adjustment for the driver’s seat is a welcome feature in a car of this price. Space abounds, with plenty of room for front and rear passengers
Minor gripes about the interior? One is the fact that the column- mounted stalks have a self-centring action, which annoyed some of us. And the other is the fact that the rake/ reach adjustable steering does not retract far enough into the facia. For shorter members of our test crew, this meant sitting too close to the wheel to be able to adequately operate the pedals. As with any car aimed at the younger buyer/empty-nester, A good all-round package, but is up against really strong competition in this segment – SM controls are light and this feeling pervades all aspects of the Corsa’s driver interface. The clutch and throttle actions, and particularly the steering, are all devoid of weight and feeling. This ultimately means that setting off and driving the Corsa is a doddle: the driving experience is in no way engaging, you just sit back and enjoy the scenery. Zero feel from the electrohydraulic steering system is not ideal, and some induced feedback could prove useful.
However, this problem seems to plague most electrically assisted set-ups we’ve encountered. On the go, the Corsa is very comfortable, with a suspension tuned towards comfort, having plenty of travel to soak up the bumps. We did notice a bit of noise intrusion into the cabin from the suspension components. These thumps sounded worse than they actually felt. With a capacity of 1 364 cm3, the Corsa’s d-o-h-c engine feels smooth and refined. In the lower gears, it spins easily and without protest to the redline. The gearshift action is smooth and without vices, again adding to the leisurely driving feel. Although the engine is willing, subjectively the car does not feel quick, and this fact was emphasised at our test trip. From rest to 100 km/h, the 1,4 Corsa registered 14,03 seconds, which is over 1,5 seconds slower than the Mazda2 1,3, one of its main rivals. A body tipping the scales in excess of 1,1 tons is always going to be a handicap for the 66 kW motor. Top speed was clocked at 173 km/h. The engine does feel torquey enough for a 1,4, but in-gear acceleration times underline the fact that one needs to make use of the gearbox for quick, safe overtaking manoeuvres. Braking is taken care of by a disc/drum set-up, which boasts ABS, with EBD and BAS. In our brake test routine from 100 km/h to zero, the Corsa managed an average stopping time of 3,2 seconds. This may rate as poor on our scale, but is pretty much on par for this class of vehicle.
Test summary
Compared with the 1,3 CDTI tested previously, this petrol Corsa was a far more enjoyable car to drive, even if the figures say it is actually slower. However, the light car class boasts some of the toughest competition that it has ever seen. No longer does one just plump for the appropriate Toyota or VW product and move along. Serious competition from the likes of Honda, Mazda, Ford, Daihatsu, Hyundai, and others makes a buying decision in this category extremely difficult. The new Corsa is not a bad car by any means, and offers a very appealing package to those more interested in comfort, rather than performance and handling.
