By Otsile Kadiege

In a bid to remain a relevant contender in a segment where the Volkswagen Polo reigns supreme, Opel spruced up its Corsa with fresh, new looks and new technologies. The range of powertrain will feature 48V mild hybrid technology making the Corsa the Opel model to feature that technology. There’s even a fully-electric version which we doubt will ever see the shores of South Africa.

Exterior updates

On the outside, the updated Corsa  boasts the brand’s new signature Opel Vizor fascia that’s flanked by redesigned headlight cluster with adaptive, glare-free Intelli-Lux LED Matrix Lights. Its front bumper has been tweaked sporting a modern look. Its shod with darkened 16-inch “Diamond Cut” light alloy wheels while the rear spots darkened LED taillights and Corsa lettering on the tailgate.

Interior updates

New to the interior of the updated Corsa is an optional fully digital cockpit that’s based on the Snapdragon Cockpit Platform from Qualcomm Technologies. It features a new intuitive infotainment system with colour touchscreens up to 10 inches in size. For the first time, wireless smartphones compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto can be connected via the Multimedia system and charged wirelessly.

Safety and driver assistance systems

Every new Corsa already has numerous technologies and driver assistance systems as standard equipment. The list includes forward collision alert with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection; lane-keep assist; and drowsiness alert. Additional electronic “helpers” make driving and manoeuvring safer and more relaxing. The offer extends to flank guard and the new, high-resolution panorama rear view camera.

Powertrains

As mentioned above, the new Corsa will be the first Opel to feature 48V mild hybrid technology. The range of powertrains include the 56kW 1.2-litre petrol engine, a 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine with two states of tune (75kW and 97kW) and an 82kW 1.5-litre diesel engine. The petrol engines will either be paired with a 6-speed manual or 8-speed automatic transmissions while the diesel will solely be available with a 6-speed manual.

Opel shared a few details on the Corsa Electric exact details. What we know thus far is it will feature a more powerful motor as well as a new battery that enables a driving range of up to 405 kilometres in the WLTP cycle. It will come with a 7.4kW on-board charger and two electric drivertrains including a new 115kW option.