…6 generations and 40 years later, the Opel Corsa is as fresh as ever
Opel has refreshed the popular Corsa range for 2023 with even more appealing features and desirable performance to match its smashing good looks.
The future-ready German city car blends everyday driving fun with big car technology. It’s one of the reasons the Opel Corsa revolutionised the small car segment when it was launched in 1982 and today, now in its sixth generation, it is more in demand than ever. The current OPEL Corsa is amongst the most popular small cars in Germany and has been the best-selling car in the UK. It has a staunch South African following, especially with the legendary Lite name returning to the range.
The Opel Corsa Lite arrived in November 1996 as a South African-specific model, the second-generation Corsa being produced locally in three-door guise. Powered by OPEL’s 1.3-litre eight-valve engine, the peppy hatchback quickly captured the country’s imagination and support, so much so that production of the Corsa Lite continued until 2007 alongside the third-generation Corsa hatch.
The popular – and affordable – little hatchback won the hearts and pockets of South Africans. Powered by the uprated 65kW 1.4-litre engine, the special models survived as Lite, Lite+, and Lite Sport during its lifetime, offering lively mobility for vibrant consumers.
Now, the Lite name returns to the sixth generation of Opel Corsa. The new entry-level model may be Lite in name, but it is far from light in specification, including spearheading the use of OPEL’s turbocharged 1.2-litre engine across the range. It makes the new hatchback livelier than ever thanks to 74kW, an engine that it shares with the middle-weight Edition model and a big leap forward from the normally aspirated 55kW engine used previously in the entry-level Corsa. The top-of-the-range Elegance model still makes use of the 96kW version of this spectacular engine.
Opel Corsa Lite’s performance continues to benefit from some of the best aerodynamics in its class. Those aren’t just good looks: it’s impressive drag coefficient of just 0.29 means better performance and better fuel economy. Imposing on 16-inch alloy wheels, OPEL’s six-speed manual transmission is now also standard.
The Lite is also not light on comfort or safety. The new OPEL Corsa range-starter is impressively equipped with front electric windows, air conditioning, Eco LED headlamps and safety features such as tyre pressure monitoring and Active Lane Keep Assist. Drivers will enjoy the seven-inch touchscreen radio and the latest in connectivity from the IntelliLink Infotainment system.
Edition models continue to impress with additional features such as LED front fog lamps and front and rear parking sensors.
Elegance models are packed with tech that includes too many big car features to mention for the compact hatch.
With a national dealer footprint, a standard five year / 120 000 km Warranty and a three year / 45 000 km Service plan, OPEL Complete Care adds even more confidence behind the wheel of your new OPEL Corsa. The OPEL Corsa is made to be seen – just have a look!
