Opel has updated its popular Corsa hatchback, bringing back the more affordable Lite specification in the process.
The sixth-generation model is now available in three trim levels at a starting price of R349,900.
Specifications
Standard features on the new Corsa Lite include 16-inch alloy wheels, automatic Eco LED headlamps, halogen daytime running lights (DRLs), front electric windows, cloth seats, manual air conditioning, a multifunction steering wheel, cruise control, hill assist, front pedestrian detection, lane-keep assist, ABS, a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, and a 7-inch infotainment screen with Bluetooth and four speakers.
The mid-range Edition also comes with LED DRLs, all-round electric windows, a 180-degree reverse camera, six speakers, and smartphone pairing.
The Elegance then adds chrome styling elements, a two-tone paint scheme with a black roof, electronic side mirrors, rain-sensing wipers, leatherette upholstery, a leather steering wheel, heated front seats, automatic climate control, driver alert monitoring, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, traffic sign recognition, and an additional storage compartment in the centre console.
All three versions of the front-wheel-drive Corsa are powered by a 1.2-litre, turbocharged petrol engine with two different outputs. Previously, the entry-level specification was driven by a naturally-aspirated motor, but this option has now been completely removed from the market.
This means the Corsa Lite has access to 74kW and 205Nm – much more than the 55kW and 118Nm found of the old base model – putting it on par with the mid-range Edition.
The top-of-the-line Elegance, meanwhile, produces 96kW and 230Nm.
It’s a similar story with the gearbox, as the Lite shares a six-speed manual with the Edition, while the six-speed automatic is reserved for the top-end model. The trade-off is that the Lite and Edition have a better fuel consumption of 5.7l/100km, compared to the Elegance’s 6.3l/100km.
The 74kW models can also manage a 0-100km/h time of 9.9 seconds and a top speed of 194km/h.
Thanks to its higher output, the Elegance is able to reduce its 0-100km/h time to 8.7 seconds while also increasing its top speed to 208km/h.
Pricing
The South African pricing for the updated Opel Corsa range is as follows:
- Opel Corsa Lite 1.2T – R349,900
- Opel Corsa Edition 1.2T – R356,900
- Opel Corsa Elegance 1.2T – R436,900
Each purchase comes with a 5-year/120,000km warranty and a 3-year/45,000km service plan.
Opel Corsa Lite
Keyword: Opel launches new entry-level Corsa with impressive features in South Africa