Opel revises Corsa models, drops prices

The changes came after intensive market research conducted by the local team, with over 600 B-segment hatchback owners polled across South Africa. The lineup has been reduced by one derivative and the rest of the models are changing specification.

Bottom of the price range

The most noteworthy revisions come at the bottom of the price range. The Essentia still spearheads Corsa on the affordability front and it receives a new 1.0-litre three-cylinder powerplant mated to a six-speed manual.

As with all turbocharged Opel engines, the 1.0T punches above its weight with its meaty band of torque - there's 170Nm all the way from 1,700 to 3,700 revs/min - delivering great driveability. The combined cycle number is 4.6 litres per 100 from its newly-acquired 66kW three-cylinder turbo petrol and has a CO2 rating of 107 grammes per kilometre.

The Essentia costs R200,600 and the radio/Bluetooth/USB/aircon option package moves that to R210,600 - a price cut of R4,000 on the final dealer floor price compared to before.

Midstream

In the midstream of the Corsa range are two Enjoy models - manual and auto, both with six ratios to choose from. That's where the mechanical similarity ends though and, as before, the manual is the 85kW version of the turbo triple, while two-pedal versions are equipped with the 1.4-litre normally aspirated four-cylinder.

Both enjoy the benefits of finessing the specification sheet and while front foglamps and LED running lamps disappear, both get the acclaimed IntelliLink infotainment system as well as tyre pressure monitoring. Like the Essentia, key information is imparted via a new monochrome display cluster. Other changes include a single-piece rather than a 60/40 split rear seat, improving comfort and support for rear occupants.

Pricing has been sharpened too and the manual comes down from R234,800 to R234,300 and the auto from R235,100 to R234,800.

Corsa Cosmo discontinued

Previously, flagship honours were shared jointly by the Corsa Sport and the Corsa Cosmo, but due to the large overlap in what they offered the consumer, the latter has been discontinued and the Sport re-specced. It remains mechanically unchanged and its 1.4-litre turbo petrol (110kW/220Nm) is said to provide efficient power for performance.

There have been enhancements on the passive safety front too: as on the Enjoy models, tyre pressure monitoring has been added, along with advanced park assist and side blind spot alert (which is optional on its Enjoy stablemates). The flagship Corsa's price has come down R276,200 to R275,600.

The Corsa range has long-term ownership appeal, featuring a five-year/120,000km warranty and three-year/60,000km service plan.