All New Opel Corsa in Depth

Press Release

Page 1: Short Version (I)
Page 2: Short Version(II)
Page 3: Market/Model
Page 4: Design
Page 5: Comfort
Page 6: Powertrain
Page 7: Chassis
Page 8: Safety
Page 9: Quality/Running Costs
Page10: Specifications
Page 11: Glossary of Technology

Low consumption gasoline engines, powerful and efficient diesel units

At its market launch, the Corsa is available with three gasoline and two common-rail turbo-diesel engines, which all feature ECOTEC four-valve technology. They cover an output range of 60 to 90 hp. Soon after the start of sales, a new 125 hp, 1.7 CDTI with diesel particulate filter as standard will follow as the interim top-of-the-line unit.
At 2300 rpm, this engine produces 280 Nm of torque, giving the Corsa impressive propulsion power.

Low fuel consumption is also a trademark of modern Opel diesels. The new Corsa with the 90 hp, 1.3 CDTI engine needs only 4.6 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers (MVEG mix test cycle). Modern technology such as the TWINPORT system also ensures higher fuel efficiency in gasoline engines. The 1.2-liter, 80 hp Corsa with Easytronic needs only 5.8 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers (MVEG-mix test cycle).

In addition to the five and six-speed transmissions (combined with the two more powerful diesel engines), and the automated Easytronic manual gearbox (option for the 1.2-liter gasoline unit), the Corsa 1.4 is also available with a four-speed automatic transmission.








Corsa engines overview:

Newly-developed chassis for dynamics with high reserves

Excellent driving dynamics, outstanding handling – it is that easy to describe the goal Opel/GM engineers set when designing the fourth-generation 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 with three roll-rate levels. Depending on the engine, these provide an ideal alignment to the different front axle loads.
The newest generation of ABS and ESP systems boasts additional functions. The Corsa’s standard ABS system features electronic brake force distribution, Cornering Brake Control (CBC) and Straight-Line Stability control (SLS). The ESP system, which brakes up to four wheels individually when required, was tuned so that it firstly gives complete control to the driver, even at very high cornering speeds, and only progressively applies when there is danger of losing safe control of the car.

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 Electric Power Steering (EPS). The power assistance was increased to 40 to 55 Nm (depending on the engine) to further reduce the steering effort necessary for example when parking. All Corsas with engines from 1.3 liters feature steering with variable feedback curve. The Corsa Sport also offers a segment first: newly-developed steering with variable progressive feedback curve. At 13:1, the system already delivers a direct response during straight-ahead driving. As the steering-wheel angle increases, steering becomes even more direct - 12:1 at 90 degrees - creating a sports car feeling. Variable progression ensures that the response ratio again increases at greater steering angles to enable easy maneuvering and parking.

SAFETEC, the comprehensive safety system

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 thanks 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 the event of an accident, Corsa passengers are protected by optimized crash zones and restraint systems specifically adjusted for these zones, including two two-stage front airbags, side airbags for driver and front passenger, and – from Edition – head curtain airbags which deploy like curtains to cover the entire length of the interior. The front passenger airbag can easily be deactivated by a button on the instrument panel.

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 material of the hood, which was especially designed for efficient energy absorption, reduces the severity of head impacts, and the generous space between the hood and the engine provides adequate deformation distance. The fenders’ slotted fittings also deform on impact.

A first in the Corsa class, optional curve and cornering light is a real benefit for active safety. The Corsa’s AFL system is combined with halogen light to keep the price as moderate as possible while retaining all functions. The dynamic curve light reacts to the steering angle and speed of the car, turning the high or low beam headlamps up to 15 degrees outward and eight degrees inward. At speeds below 40 km/h, static cornering light is activated. Depending on turn signal and steering wheel position, the headlamps illuminate intersections and garage driveways.

Other lighting innovations in the Corsa include automatic lighting control and adaptive brake lights, a system which warns following drivers by blinking all three brake lights five times per second in case of ABS braking. If airbags or belt tensioners are activated, the hazard warning lights are automatically switched on.