WHY THIS?
Hatchbacks cannot be beaten in terms of the blend of fun to drive and practicality, nor by any comparable SUV. For a commuter, varsity student, or young professional, this really is a great option.
OUTSIDE
You have no idea how many people asked me what I was driving, because the new Opel Corsa, particularly when painted black like my test car, verges on looking exotic, almost menacing. That’s quite a feat for a small car!
The shiny black grille that sweeps across the breadth of the front looks so good against black paintwork, but it also works on every other hue. It’s paired with a black air dam below the bumper, and this combination, added to angular headlights, gives a premium look that wouldn’t be out of place on a hatch from a far more expensive German brand.
INSIDE
The interior isn’t as exciting as the rest of the car, but that doesn’t mean it’s bad – everything is sensible, classy, and where it should be to make life easier. Yes, there’s a lot of black surrounding you, but the 10-inch infotainment screen and fully digital cluster add the necessary tech to bling up the situation.
In terms of spec, there are plenty of big-car features, from automatic air-con to heated seats (I know!) and some impressive driver aid systems such as active lane keep assist, traffic sign recognition, and side blind zone alert. It even tells you when you’re getting tired.
THE DRIVE
This is a zippy little number, thanks to the 96kW that the German engineers have managed to eke out of the 1.2-litre, three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine. The GS Line has a six-speed automatic gearbox, and the combination allows for fuel consumption of 6.3L/100km.
What specs and figures don’t tell you, though, is how poised and engaging the Corsa is to drive. It’s the kind of car that wills you to take corners a little quicker, accelerate a little faster, and perhaps even go out for an extra drive on a warm summer’s night.
FINAL WORD
I love products that punch above their weight, and the Corsa does this. It’s a genuinely good car that we should see more of on our roads. After all, it’s the best-selling small car in Germany, and they know cars! A few acquaintances did point out that Opel disappeared from South Africa for a while and asked if that could be a problem in the future. We can’t predict the future, and Chinese car companies are placing the traditional brands under immense pressure, but Opel is backed by Stellantis, the third-largest car company in the world. They should be fine.
GO GET IT
If the old Opel Corsa Lite is your reference point, you won’t be expecting a price starting at R374 900 and going up to R459 000. But if you’ve been looking at VW Polos, you’ll know they can run to over R500k, which makes the Corsa’s price far more palatable! The price includes a three-year/45 000km service plan and a five-year/100 000km warranty. Visit www.opel.co.za for more.
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