Press Release
Driving Dynamics with High Reserves
- Completely newly-developed chassis
- Variable progressive steering
- Newest-generation ESP, with braking at up to four wheels
“A small car with lots of driving fun. And that’s exactly what we had when we tuned the new Corsa on some of the world’s most demanding test tracks.” Hans Demant, Managing Director, Opel
Excellent driving dynamics, outstanding handling – it is that easy to describe the goal Opel/GM engineers set when designing the fourth generation of the Corsa. Thanks to a completely new architecture, they were able to create the best conditions for this right from the start. In addition to the stiffer body, the Corsa features a new short front subframe, allowing for optimum chassis geometry, and a torsion-beam rear axle – familiar from the Astra – with three roll-rate levels. Depending on the engine, these provide an ideal alignment to the different front axle loads. Other features include new
low-friction stabilizer suspension, V-shaped positioning of the rear trailing arm, and the separation of the load paths for suspension and damping at the front axle.
The engineers also focused on enhancing the steering system for the new Corsa, giving it a considerably stiffer steering column with height and reach-adjustable steering wheel and higher performance, speed-dependent Electronic Power Steering (EPS), which in turn allowed a smaller steering wheel to be fitted. In addition to the steering ratio, which is either linear or variable depending on the engine, Opel chassis experts also developed a segment-first for the sport version of the Corsa: variable progressive power steering. This steering reacts very directly at the straight-ahead position and at low steering angles. But at higher steering angles the reaction is more gradual, to make maneuvering and parking easier.
The combination of driving dynamics and high safety reserves, unusual for this vehicle class, is also highlighted in the design of the braking and electronic driving safety systems. The new two-stage brake booster not only provides much better pedal response, but also functions as a brake assistant during emergency braking, immediately producing full braking power if the brake pedal is pressed especially quickly.
The newest generation of ABS and ESP systems boasts additional functions. The Corsa’s ABS system features electronic brake force distribution, Cornering Brake Control (CBC) and Straight-Line Stability Control (SLS). When braking in a corner, CBC reduces the braking pressure at the inner-most wheel, delaying the application of ABS and reducing the braking distance. SLS prevents skidding when braking during straight-ahead driving by reducing braking pressure on one side of the car as required, which is especially useful on uneven road surfaces or poorly-maintained streets.
The ESP system was tuned so that it firstly gives complete control to the driver, even at very high cornering speeds, and only gradually takes over when there is danger of losing safe control of the car. The Corsa features especially dynamic performance at its cornering stability limit thanks to Enhanced Understeering Control (EUC), an ESP function: ESP controls braking individually at up to four wheels if necessary. Other new ESP functions include Deflation Detection System (DDS), and Hill Start Assist (HSA). This system prevents the car from rolling backwards when driving off on a slope without having to use the handbrake.
Safe on the Road
- SAFETEC, comprehensive safety system
- Double seat-belt tensioners and six airbags
- Headlamps which illuminate curves
“Avoiding accidents altogether is always the best approach to safety. That is why the Corsa has a new chassis, new ESP functions, as well as innovations such as new curve light, a first in this class.” Klaus Nüchter, Vehicle Line Executive, Corsa
Opel has an integral approach to safety. All active and passive safety systems that contribute to reducing dangers when driving are categorized under one heading: “SAFETEC”. This includes assisting the driver with innovative features such as Adaptive Forward Lighting (AFL), avoiding accidents due to advanced chassis and highly-developed support functions such as ABS and ESP, reducing the effects of an accident with extensive restraint systems, and protecting other road-users with features such as adaptive brake lights.
In keeping with its philosophy of making sophisticated technology available to as many motorists as possible, Opel offers adaptive curve light in the new Corsa, making it the sixth model line with such a system after the Vectra, Signum, Astra, Zafira and Meriva. The curve and cornering light in the Corsa is a first in this vehicle class. The Corsa’s AFL system is combined with a halogen light to keep the price as low as possible while retaining all functions. The dynamic curve light reacts to the steering angle and speed of the car, swiveling the high or low beam headlamps up to 15 degrees outward and eight degrees inward. At speeds below 40 km/h, the static cornering light is activated. Depending on turn signal and steering wheel position, it illuminates intersections and garage driveways to the right or left with the help of an additional reflector. This function is also activated when reversing.
Other lighting innovations in the Corsa include Automatic Lighting Control (ALC), whose sensors automatically activate the headlamps. This system can recognize an approaching tunnel for example, and differentiate it from an underpass.
Another feature is adaptive brake lights, a system which warns following drivers by blinking all three brake lights five times per second in case of ABS braking when traveling more than 30 km/h. If airbags or belt tensioners are activated because of a collision, the hazard warning lights are automatically switched on.
In the event of an accident, Corsa passengers are protected by an extensive restraint system, including two two-stage front airbags, side airbags for driver and front passenger, and – from Edition – head curtain airbags which fold down like curtains to cover the entire length of the interior. When transporting a baby in a carrier, the front passenger airbag can easily be deactivated by a button on the instrument panel. The ISOFIX system ensures optimal anchorage of baby carriers and child seats, and is enhanced in the rear bench seat to include a special safety harness to secure the upper part of the seat.
Opel/GM engineers also took special care when enhancing the safety belts. In the event of a front or rear impact, the shoulder belt is held tightly by a pyrotechnic seat-belt tensioner fitted to the seat, keeping the driver and front passenger in position. From Edition, another seat-belt tensioner secured to the car’s body pulls the lap belt tight and, together with ramps integrated into the seats, prevents passengers from sliding forwards. At the same time, a belt-force limiter in the belt reel prevents the safety-belt force from exceeding acceptable levels. Front safety belts are height-adjustable for optimum comfort; visual and acoustic warning signals remind driver and front passenger that seat belts should be fastened.
From Edition, the restraint system is complemented by active head restraints in front. In the event of a rear-end collision, they automatically move up and forward simultaneously, reducing the risk of whiplash. The Pedal Release System (PRS) decouples the pedals from their mountings in a severe frontal impact to protect the driver's feet.
Not just the occupants, but also pedestrians are protected by a range of up-to-date safety measures. Features include a special low-density foam material in front of the bumper crossmember to lessen the intensity of lower-body impact, and a stiffening of the bumper’s lower section spreads out the load over a larger area, thus limiting force to the knees. The hood’s especially thin sheeting reduces the severity of head impact, and the generous space between the hood and the engine provides adequate deformation distance. The fenders’ slotted fittings also deform on impact.
