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Pros: improved electric model, smart looks, better in-car tech
Cons: electric version is pricey, dull interior design, average handling
Opel Corsa Design
The Corsa is the last model in Opel’s entire product range to gain the corporate ‘Vizor’ front-end design. This simply means the small hatchback now has a smooth panel between its all-LED headlights, while the daytime running lamps in the clusters have a strong horizontal-line motif to accentuate the visual width of the car. Elsewhere, it’s minor changes to the badging, alloy wheel designs and body colours for the Corsa, while the Electric version continues to look almost identical to the cars powered by internal combustion – only a small ‘e’ badge on the boot gives the zero-emissions version’s game away. All told, the Corsa is quietly handsome, without being massively eye-catching in a sector of the market where style plays a big part in potential purchase decisions.
Opel Corsa Interior
Useful technology updates are the key changes to the facelifted Opel Corsa, with almost all models in the line-up now gaining a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system in the centre of the dashboard – the only exception to this rule is the base-spec 75hp petrol model, which receives a smaller seven-inch affair. In front of the driver is a seven-inch digital instrument cluster, too, which might not be the most advanced display of its type in the world, but which does at least show off its vital information in a clear and concise manner.
Various upholsteries and new trim finishes are also drafted into the Corsa’s cabin, while the central boss of the steering wheel now has a bisecting lateral line on it, to put the driver in mind of the Vizor grille and lights. But while everything is put together in a decent fashion inside the Opel supermini, it’s all rather unexciting to look at. There’s precious little in the way of aesthetic visual relief, such as interesting contours on the dashboard or splashes of lighter, contrast-colour materials, so what you end up sitting in is a very flat-looking, somewhat dark cabin. Rivals, most notably the related Peugeot 208, do this sort of thing so much better than the Corsa.
One final word: choose either of the two Electric models and the boot space drops to 267-1,081 litres, depending on whether the rear seats are up or down. The petrol Corsas have bigger cargo areas, measuring 309-1,118 litres.
Opel Corsa Performance & Drive
The big news for the updated Corsa is that there is now a ‘Long Range’ Electric version, with a bigger battery for greater one-shot driving range and a more potent electric motor for sharper performance. However, in the interests of giving its customers maximum choice, Opel will continue to sell the pre-existing 100kW (136hp) Corsa Electric with the 50kWh gross (46kWh net) battery pack, most likely at the lower end of the specification scale.
The new model, though, has a 115kW (156hp) motor and a 54kWh gross, 51kWh net battery pack, increasing its driving range by 39km to 396km overall, while simultaneously trimming the 0-100km/h time from 8.9 to 8.2 seconds. Torque is unchanged at 260Nm.
To drive, the new Corsa Electric Long Range is definitely the most impressive version of them all. It’s quicker and quieter than the other models, with good ride comfort and a lack of excessive wind or tyre noise. Most of its controls are well-geared for its pleasing if modest power delivery, and the official increased driving range looks more than achievable, given it nearly matched its official efficiency on a fairly challenging test route. More gentle driving in urban areas should definitely see owners getting close to the 400km mark to a single charge.
The petrol models continue and are sweet enough, with appealing three-cylinder engines. It’s best to seek out the only turbocharged car, which comes with 100hp and an eight-speed automatic gearbox, as it is easier to drive in regular traffic conditions thanks to its much higher torque output than the non-turbo, five-speed-manual 75hp 1.2.
Opel Corsa Pricing
Opel sells the 75hp Corsa in all three specifications of SC, Elegance and GS, while the 100hp 1.2-litre petrol is only available as a GS. Prices for the updated Electric cars haven’t been confirmed as yet, nor have specifications, but we’d expect the former to all be beyond €30,000 while we’re guessing the 100kW/50kWh version will be sold in SC and Elegance grades, with the 115kW/54kWh newcomer reserved for Elegance and GS specs.
Every petrol Corsa is less than €30,000, though, and so represents decent value, especially as the standard equipment list is generous on Elegance cars and up – you’ll get alloy wheels, climate control, cruise control and the updated, faster-responding infotainment system for your money there, among more.
Carzone Verdict
Improving both the driving range and the performance of the Opel Corsa Electric was a canny move by the German company, as it keeps this supermini feeling just about fresh enough to remain relevant in a competitive – if shrinking – sector of the market. No Corsa is exciting to drive, and the petrol models represent the best value-for-money, but we’d recommend looking straight at the new 115kW Corsa Electric as the clear pick of the range.