The latest Opel Corsa is nothing like that bubble-shaped second-generation hatchback that South Africans first got to know in the 1990s, but its cheeky spirit remains in the way it looks and feels.
Priced from R374,900 in 74kW “Lite” guise and reaching up to R459,900 for the 96kW “GS Line” flagship that we tested recently, the Corsa is no longer what you’d call entry-level, but it does have a tangible feeling of sophistication and refinement.
What you see here is the recently introduced facelifted version of the sixth-generation Corsa. It was the first iteration to be based around Peugeot underpinnings, which back then marked the beginning of PSA’s, and then Stellantis’, ownership of the German brand.
The recent upgrades bring the Corsa into line with Opel’s latest “Visor” design language, where a smooth black panel incorporates the standard LED headlights and grille.
The GS Line rolls on 16-inch two-tone diamond cut alloy wheels and is further distinguished by its black roof and badging.
While the basic cabin architecture remains as before, the steering wheel gets a new design while the GS Line is now available with heated front seats.
What’s more, the midrange Edition and range-topping GS Line get a new 10.0-inch Intellilink infotainment system and these models also feature a 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster.
The cabin of the Corsa GS Line has a snug and sporty feel, and the materials appear to be of a good quality, although there is arguably a bit too much shiny piano black plastic spread throughout. It’s not quite as classy as a Polo inside, but it’s trying..
Rear legroom is a little on the tight side, although that is generally the expectation in a smallish hatchback, but the boot is as roomy as you’d expect at this level, with a capacity of 309 litres.
The Corsa GS Line is quite entertaining to drive. There’s a directness to the steering and a feeling of agility that its Peugeot 208 underpinnings have brought to the party.
It’s fun to chuck around, and its 1.2-litre, three-cylinder turbopetrol engine, credited with 96kW and 230Nm, provides sprightly performance. Pairing with a six-speed automatic gearbox, it’ll get the Corsa from 0-100km/h in a claimed 8.7 seconds.
Opel claims a combined fuel consumption figure of 6.3 litres per 100km.
VERDICT
Though it’s not what you’d call a hot hatch, the Opel Corsa 1.2T GS Line is relatively fun to drive as well as comfortable and refined in the way it operates. It is easy to operate and live with.
But it’s also a bit on the pricey side and at this level, where most buyers are opting for more practical SUVs, the Corsa will remain something of a niche player. But if you’re a die-hard hatchback fan, it does certainly make for an interesting and more distinctive alternative to the Polo.
IOL Motoring