The new Opel Corsa is on its way to South Africa as we speak with its official launch penned in for the middle of 2024, the local arm of Opel confirmed to TopAuto.
The hatchback features new exterior styling and enhanced standard equipment, and in other countries, it “will soon become the first Opel with a 48-volt hybrid system,” said the automaker.
South Africa will, unfortunately, not be getting the mild-hybrid drivetrain nor the two fully-electric Corsa options, but Opel reiterated that “low-emissions vehicles are continually being studied” for the domestic market and that they are not completely ruled out for a possible future introduction.
As such, South African buyers will retain access to the same powerplant as the current Corsa, comprising a single 1.2-litre turbocharged mill with two output levels.
Everything new
The facelifted Corsa has adopted Opel’s next-generation “Vizor” design concept which can be seen on models such as the new Grandland and Mokka.
The hatchback therefore sees a dramatically re-imagined front fascia incorporating a gloss black panel brandishing the Opel badge and connecting the two headlight clusters, which themselves have gained a new light signature, and if the optional adaptive Intelli-Lux LED Matrix Lights are fitted, see seven individual LED elements on each side.
The front bumper and air intakes were redesigned as well, and at the rear, the only change compared to the outgoing Corsa comprises bold model lettering now placed on the tailgate.
Every updated Corsa gets a new Flank Guard system that gives audio-visual warnings if the side of the car could touch or collide with an object, as well as a new high-resolution panorama rear-view camera.
This is in addition to existing helpers such as lane-keep assist, driver drowsiness alert, and forward-collision alert with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection.
Depending on the trim line, buyers will further be able to specify a new “fully-digital cockpit” with a digital instrument cluster and 10-inch infotainment display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support, and a wireless smartphone charger.
In terms of engines, the Corsa retains the 1.2-litre turbo-petrol block options of the current hatch.
This unit puts out 74kW and 205Nm in six-speed manual guise with fuel usage recorded at 5.7l/100km, 0-100km/h acceleration at 9.9 seconds, and top speed at 194km/h.
When matched with the six-speed auto-box, it generates a higher 96kW and 230Nm with the important stats coming in at 6.3l/100km, 8.7 seconds, and 208km/h.
2024 Opel Corsa
Keyword: New Opel Corsa confirmed for South Africa – Launch date and features