South Africans have a strange affiliation with the Opel Corsa, the German brand's entry level hatchback caught the love and attention of many with it's dynamic nature when first introduced to the market in the late 90's, the fan fair continued with the launch of the Corsa bakkie which took the market by storm proving to be healthy competition to the market leader, Nissan Champ half tonne bakkie. Then with the introduction of the Corsa Lite, it made for the person student car and with the hilarious TVC campaign it became a cult classic in the country. Fast forward to modern day and the Corsa has lost its charm over the years, it grew up and kinda got mixed in the mundaness of Germany motoring but having spent some time with the face-lift Corsa GS, I think they might be sparking some of that magic again.
DESIGN
The new Opel Corsa GS boasts a sleek and sporty design, with sharp lines and a distinctive front grille that gives it a dynamic look. The car's compact dimensions make it ideal for urban driving, while the bold color options and stylish alloy wheels enhance its visual appeal. The front is striking, featuring a solid front face with no grille which makes many think it's an EV and don't ask me how, but that engine is pretty silent so at times I even got away with telling people it is an electric car. The new LED headlights follow that swooping edges to create a very modern looking front end, that really makes the car look futuristic and progressive. The rest of the cars design remains mostly the same, with the back lights featuring a slight tint to complete that sporty nature of the car. 16-inch diamond cut bi-clour rims in a 4-spoke design give a distinct look. Overall, very attractive looking package from Opel.
PERFORMANCE
Under the hood, the Corsa GS is powered by a 3-cylinder, 1.2-liter turbocharged petrol engine producing 96kW and 230Nm. The engine delivers a balanced performance, with enough power for city and highway driving. The GS being automatic transmission, provides smooth and efficient gear shifts, contributing to an overall relaxed and enjoyable driving experience. The Corsa GS handles well, with precise steering and a stable ride quality. It feels agile around corners, making it fun to drive in urban environments. The suspension setup effectively absorbs road imperfections, ensuring a comfortable ride for passengers. One of the standout features of the Opel Corsa GS is its impressive fuel efficiency. The combination of the small engine and automatic transmission helps achieve good fuel economy figures, making it an economical choice for daily commuting and long-distance trips.
COMFORT
Inside, the Corsa GS offers a well-appointed cabin with a focus on comfort and technology. The seats are supportive and ergonomically designed, providing good comfort for both short and long journeys. The quality of materials used in the interior feels premium for this segment, with soft-touch surfaces and a modern dashboard layout. The Opel Corsa GS comes equipped with a range of modern technology features, including a user-friendly infotainment system with a touchscreen display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration allow seamless connectivity with smartphones. The car also features a digital instrument cluster, adding a high-tech feel to the driving experience.Safety is a priority in the Corsa GS, with a comprehensive suite of safety features included as standard. These features include lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and traffic sign recognition. The car's solid build quality and array of airbags provide additional peace of mind for drivers and passengers.
VERDICT
The Opel Corsa GS is a well-rounded hatchback that offers a stylish design, modern technology, and a comfortable driving experience. Its compact size and efficient engine make it an ideal choice for city dwellers and those looking for a practical and economical car. With its competitive pricing and extensive list of features, the Corsa GS stands out as a strong contender in the small hatchback segment and in my personal opinion, it's a better overall package than its locally manufactured German competitor. It's a bold statement I know, but get in the new Corsa GS and see what it has to offer and you tell me if I'm lying. Down side though its the resale value of the car, but many who buy these type of cars are not looking to offload them after 2-3 years so I don't see the resale value being a major issue. My one grip would be the screens in the car, the digital instrument cluster seems like it could be bigger and display more info than it currently does and the infotainment screen seems to be bullied by the climate control display, making the casting of the mobile apps seem small on such a big display. Other than that, I'm pretty chuffed with the Corsa, I wouldn't mind having one in my garage as a daily run around.
SPECIFICATIONS
| Engine | 3 cylinder, 1.2 Turbo Petrol |
6-speed automatic | |
Fuel Economy | 6.3L per 100km |
R459,900 |
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