Opel Corsa 1.4 Review
25 Dec 2009|16,505 views
Simply put, small cars like the Opel Astra, Hyundai Accent and Honda Civic were very much a use-and-throw-away sort of affair. There was hardly any sheetmetal to protect you, the plastics were hard as stone, and the engines were great for puttering around town.
But very useless.
But it would not be a surprise to say that a puny little hatch like the Corsa has grown into something resembling that of an Astra – bigger, roomier and safer. And the biggest surprise of all is reserved for its build quality, which rivals last year’s Opel Astra head-to-toe.
The 90bhp 1.4-litre 16v engine features Twinport technology. That develops on standard four-valve technology of the ECOTEC engine range, so believe it or not, even Opel has its “i-VTEC equivalent” that works pretty darn well.
GM says that the savings come by way of a special intake manifold in combination with a high rate of exhaust gas recirculation.
The advantages of the so-called Twinport technology are achieved by means of a a fuel injection system that incorporates into it a component that controls the exhaust emissions with a rather efficient three-way catalytic converter.
This reduces technical complexity and consequently the cost to the customer, because no one wants a complicated simple-hatch. That makes the Twinport solution a good and practical one cars in this segment.
But very useless.
But it would not be a surprise to say that a puny little hatch like the Corsa has grown into something resembling that of an Astra – bigger, roomier and safer. And the biggest surprise of all is reserved for its build quality, which rivals last year’s Opel Astra head-to-toe.
The 90bhp 1.4-litre 16v engine features Twinport technology. That develops on standard four-valve technology of the ECOTEC engine range, so believe it or not, even Opel has its “i-VTEC equivalent” that works pretty darn well.
GM says that the savings come by way of a special intake manifold in combination with a high rate of exhaust gas recirculation.
The advantages of the so-called Twinport technology are achieved by means of a a fuel injection system that incorporates into it a component that controls the exhaust emissions with a rather efficient three-way catalytic converter.
This reduces technical complexity and consequently the cost to the customer, because no one wants a complicated simple-hatch. That makes the Twinport solution a good and practical one cars in this segment.
 |
But like all rivals, the Corsa hasn’t been able to run away from the “porkifying” way of things.
First, it was 855kg. And then it gained nearly 150 kilos on top of that. Now, it’s a not-too-bad 1,085kg, but a whopping 230 kg heavier than the original one.
So while not nearly managing to supersize itself, the Corsa has indeed piled on more than a McDonalds happy mean since its debut in 1993.
Ironic, but unavoidable, considering how its class-rivals have developed - Peugeot 207, Renault Clio, Fiat Punto and Volkswagen Polo – they’re all bigger, faster, but thankfully just as, if not more efficient.
 |
You’ll also be glad to know that part of this weight gain comes as a direct result of safer Euro NCAP test gains, with a massive gain of 3 more stars to its credit.
And like we’ve said, the engines have become more powerful and more efficient as well.
If you compare torque-specific outputs over the years, the 1993 its 1.4-litre engine only had 82 Nm, while the 125 Nm figure of the current one vividly illustrates how despite the extra weight gain of 26.8%, the ability of the engine far out-weighs a 230 kg deficit two-fold.
Needless to say, better torque equates to better fuel economy when driven normally. Not to mention the benefits of space, equipment, etc etc.
As the five-door body styleequipped with the aforementioned 1.4-litre petrol engine, the rounded-off silhouette nicely incorporates side windows that peel from the roof to maximise headroom while maintaining its bubbly shape.
But as it is, rear passenger space isn’t that spectacular for tall adults, but that’s made up with additional luggage space.
But those front seats are indeed, very comfortable with provisions for a perfect driving-position, courtesy of the tilt-and-reach adjustable steering wheel and supportive seating.
The materials used are generations ahead of what the old model was, and is the most important factor here. Sad to say, there isn’t a four-switch driver control console for the powered windows, and the lack of arm-rests at the back can be a little disorienting for what the Corsa is, but bulletproof build quality and good ride/handling abilities more than make up for a few minor shortcomings.
Translucent orange lighting on the centre console, round air-vents, and a good stereo give the Corsa’s dash a nice, modern appearance, bringing it in line once again, with all of its rivals.
And like we’ve said, the engines have become more powerful and more efficient as well.
If you compare torque-specific outputs over the years, the 1993 its 1.4-litre engine only had 82 Nm, while the 125 Nm figure of the current one vividly illustrates how despite the extra weight gain of 26.8%, the ability of the engine far out-weighs a 230 kg deficit two-fold.
Needless to say, better torque equates to better fuel economy when driven normally. Not to mention the benefits of space, equipment, etc etc.
As the five-door body styleequipped with the aforementioned 1.4-litre petrol engine, the rounded-off silhouette nicely incorporates side windows that peel from the roof to maximise headroom while maintaining its bubbly shape.
But as it is, rear passenger space isn’t that spectacular for tall adults, but that’s made up with additional luggage space.
But those front seats are indeed, very comfortable with provisions for a perfect driving-position, courtesy of the tilt-and-reach adjustable steering wheel and supportive seating.
The materials used are generations ahead of what the old model was, and is the most important factor here. Sad to say, there isn’t a four-switch driver control console for the powered windows, and the lack of arm-rests at the back can be a little disorienting for what the Corsa is, but bulletproof build quality and good ride/handling abilities more than make up for a few minor shortcomings.
Translucent orange lighting on the centre console, round air-vents, and a good stereo give the Corsa’s dash a nice, modern appearance, bringing it in line once again, with all of its rivals.
Driving Impressions
While you might imagine that there isn’t much to be left to one’s imagination coming from a car like the Corsa, you’d be very surprised.
First off – power delivery. It might only have a conventional four-speed automatic, but we aren’t complaining at all. The Corsa pulls in a very un-1.4-like manner, if you get what we mean.
Yes, the car is light, but it also manages to fool you into thinking that you’re driving a bigger model with more heft than you might imagine.
As a result, off-the-line acceleration always catches you off-guard. 0-100 km/h takes just under 12-seconds, which is again, on-par, if not faster than most cars of its class, in particular the slow-ish Peugeot 207 Vive.
The Corsa handles like a typical Opel from recent years. We first noted the brand’s dynamic strengths in the Zafira. Now, it’s translated down well into the Corsa – hardly any body-roll was to be noticed, while every bump and pothole was well-damped, even through crappy backroads that we accessed for photography purpses, so to be honest, there’s nothing to complain about in this department.
Price
The cheapest, but arguably slightly smaller and more complicated model, the Volkswagen Polo, starts from $66,000 but is vastly better-equipped inside.
The sprightly but small Ford Fiesta starts the competitor’s list off $70,000, with the Opel Corsa being in between from a starting price of $71,888. The most expensive car in this class would be the Peugeot 207 at $72,900.
It’s a tough fight these days, but it’s worth noting how far Opel and GM has come with the Corsa these days. Even when taking their financial situation into account, we’d definitely say that the Corsa is worthy of scrutiny, twice-over.
While you might imagine that there isn’t much to be left to one’s imagination coming from a car like the Corsa, you’d be very surprised.
First off – power delivery. It might only have a conventional four-speed automatic, but we aren’t complaining at all. The Corsa pulls in a very un-1.4-like manner, if you get what we mean.
Yes, the car is light, but it also manages to fool you into thinking that you’re driving a bigger model with more heft than you might imagine.
As a result, off-the-line acceleration always catches you off-guard. 0-100 km/h takes just under 12-seconds, which is again, on-par, if not faster than most cars of its class, in particular the slow-ish Peugeot 207 Vive.
The Corsa handles like a typical Opel from recent years. We first noted the brand’s dynamic strengths in the Zafira. Now, it’s translated down well into the Corsa – hardly any body-roll was to be noticed, while every bump and pothole was well-damped, even through crappy backroads that we accessed for photography purpses, so to be honest, there’s nothing to complain about in this department.
Price
The cheapest, but arguably slightly smaller and more complicated model, the Volkswagen Polo, starts from $66,000 but is vastly better-equipped inside.
The sprightly but small Ford Fiesta starts the competitor’s list off $70,000, with the Opel Corsa being in between from a starting price of $71,888. The most expensive car in this class would be the Peugeot 207 at $72,900.
It’s a tough fight these days, but it’s worth noting how far Opel and GM has come with the Corsa these days. Even when taking their financial situation into account, we’d definitely say that the Corsa is worthy of scrutiny, twice-over.
Simply put, small cars like the Opel Astra, Hyundai Accent and Honda Civic were very much a use-and-throw-away sort of affair. There was hardly any sheetmetal to protect you, the plastics were hard as stone, and the engines were great for puttering around town.
But very useless.
But it would not be a surprise to say that a puny little hatch like the Corsa has grown into something resembling that of an Astra – bigger, roomier and safer. And the biggest surprise of all is reserved for its build quality, which rivals last year’s Opel Astra head-to-toe.
The 90bhp 1.4-litre 16v engine features Twinport technology. That develops on standard four-valve technology of the ECOTEC engine range, so believe it or not, even Opel has its “i-VTEC equivalent” that works pretty darn well.
GM says that the savings come by way of a special intake manifold in combination with a high rate of exhaust gas recirculation.
The advantages of the so-called Twinport technology are achieved by means of a a fuel injection system that incorporates into it a component that controls the exhaust emissions with a rather efficient three-way catalytic converter.
This reduces technical complexity and consequently the cost to the customer, because no one wants a complicated simple-hatch. That makes the Twinport solution a good and practical one cars in this segment.
But very useless.
But it would not be a surprise to say that a puny little hatch like the Corsa has grown into something resembling that of an Astra – bigger, roomier and safer. And the biggest surprise of all is reserved for its build quality, which rivals last year’s Opel Astra head-to-toe.
The 90bhp 1.4-litre 16v engine features Twinport technology. That develops on standard four-valve technology of the ECOTEC engine range, so believe it or not, even Opel has its “i-VTEC equivalent” that works pretty darn well.
GM says that the savings come by way of a special intake manifold in combination with a high rate of exhaust gas recirculation.
The advantages of the so-called Twinport technology are achieved by means of a a fuel injection system that incorporates into it a component that controls the exhaust emissions with a rather efficient three-way catalytic converter.
This reduces technical complexity and consequently the cost to the customer, because no one wants a complicated simple-hatch. That makes the Twinport solution a good and practical one cars in this segment.
|
But like all rivals, the Corsa hasn’t been able to run away from the “porkifying” way of things.
First, it was 855kg. And then it gained nearly 150 kilos on top of that. Now, it’s a not-too-bad 1,085kg, but a whopping 230 kg heavier than the original one.
So while not nearly managing to supersize itself, the Corsa has indeed piled on more than a McDonalds happy mean since its debut in 1993.
Ironic, but unavoidable, considering how its class-rivals have developed - Peugeot 207, Renault Clio, Fiat Punto and Volkswagen Polo – they’re all bigger, faster, but thankfully just as, if not more efficient.
|
You’ll also be glad to know that part of this weight gain comes as a direct result of safer Euro NCAP test gains, with a massive gain of 3 more stars to its credit.
And like we’ve said, the engines have become more powerful and more efficient as well.
If you compare torque-specific outputs over the years, the 1993 its 1.4-litre engine only had 82 Nm, while the 125 Nm figure of the current one vividly illustrates how despite the extra weight gain of 26.8%, the ability of the engine far out-weighs a 230 kg deficit two-fold.
Needless to say, better torque equates to better fuel economy when driven normally. Not to mention the benefits of space, equipment, etc etc.
As the five-door body styleequipped with the aforementioned 1.4-litre petrol engine, the rounded-off silhouette nicely incorporates side windows that peel from the roof to maximise headroom while maintaining its bubbly shape.
But as it is, rear passenger space isn’t that spectacular for tall adults, but that’s made up with additional luggage space.
But those front seats are indeed, very comfortable with provisions for a perfect driving-position, courtesy of the tilt-and-reach adjustable steering wheel and supportive seating.
The materials used are generations ahead of what the old model was, and is the most important factor here. Sad to say, there isn’t a four-switch driver control console for the powered windows, and the lack of arm-rests at the back can be a little disorienting for what the Corsa is, but bulletproof build quality and good ride/handling abilities more than make up for a few minor shortcomings.
Translucent orange lighting on the centre console, round air-vents, and a good stereo give the Corsa’s dash a nice, modern appearance, bringing it in line once again, with all of its rivals.
And like we’ve said, the engines have become more powerful and more efficient as well.
If you compare torque-specific outputs over the years, the 1993 its 1.4-litre engine only had 82 Nm, while the 125 Nm figure of the current one vividly illustrates how despite the extra weight gain of 26.8%, the ability of the engine far out-weighs a 230 kg deficit two-fold.
Needless to say, better torque equates to better fuel economy when driven normally. Not to mention the benefits of space, equipment, etc etc.
As the five-door body styleequipped with the aforementioned 1.4-litre petrol engine, the rounded-off silhouette nicely incorporates side windows that peel from the roof to maximise headroom while maintaining its bubbly shape.
But as it is, rear passenger space isn’t that spectacular for tall adults, but that’s made up with additional luggage space.
But those front seats are indeed, very comfortable with provisions for a perfect driving-position, courtesy of the tilt-and-reach adjustable steering wheel and supportive seating.
The materials used are generations ahead of what the old model was, and is the most important factor here. Sad to say, there isn’t a four-switch driver control console for the powered windows, and the lack of arm-rests at the back can be a little disorienting for what the Corsa is, but bulletproof build quality and good ride/handling abilities more than make up for a few minor shortcomings.
Translucent orange lighting on the centre console, round air-vents, and a good stereo give the Corsa’s dash a nice, modern appearance, bringing it in line once again, with all of its rivals.
Driving Impressions
While you might imagine that there isn’t much to be left to one’s imagination coming from a car like the Corsa, you’d be very surprised.
First off – power delivery. It might only have a conventional four-speed automatic, but we aren’t complaining at all. The Corsa pulls in a very un-1.4-like manner, if you get what we mean.
Yes, the car is light, but it also manages to fool you into thinking that you’re driving a bigger model with more heft than you might imagine.
As a result, off-the-line acceleration always catches you off-guard. 0-100 km/h takes just under 12-seconds, which is again, on-par, if not faster than most cars of its class, in particular the slow-ish Peugeot 207 Vive.
The Corsa handles like a typical Opel from recent years. We first noted the brand’s dynamic strengths in the Zafira. Now, it’s translated down well into the Corsa – hardly any body-roll was to be noticed, while every bump and pothole was well-damped, even through crappy backroads that we accessed for photography purpses, so to be honest, there’s nothing to complain about in this department.
Price
The cheapest, but arguably slightly smaller and more complicated model, the Volkswagen Polo, starts from $66,000 but is vastly better-equipped inside.
The sprightly but small Ford Fiesta starts the competitor’s list off $70,000, with the Opel Corsa being in between from a starting price of $71,888. The most expensive car in this class would be the Peugeot 207 at $72,900.
It’s a tough fight these days, but it’s worth noting how far Opel and GM has come with the Corsa these days. Even when taking their financial situation into account, we’d definitely say that the Corsa is worthy of scrutiny, twice-over.
While you might imagine that there isn’t much to be left to one’s imagination coming from a car like the Corsa, you’d be very surprised.
First off – power delivery. It might only have a conventional four-speed automatic, but we aren’t complaining at all. The Corsa pulls in a very un-1.4-like manner, if you get what we mean.
Yes, the car is light, but it also manages to fool you into thinking that you’re driving a bigger model with more heft than you might imagine.
As a result, off-the-line acceleration always catches you off-guard. 0-100 km/h takes just under 12-seconds, which is again, on-par, if not faster than most cars of its class, in particular the slow-ish Peugeot 207 Vive.
The Corsa handles like a typical Opel from recent years. We first noted the brand’s dynamic strengths in the Zafira. Now, it’s translated down well into the Corsa – hardly any body-roll was to be noticed, while every bump and pothole was well-damped, even through crappy backroads that we accessed for photography purpses, so to be honest, there’s nothing to complain about in this department.
Price
The cheapest, but arguably slightly smaller and more complicated model, the Volkswagen Polo, starts from $66,000 but is vastly better-equipped inside.
The sprightly but small Ford Fiesta starts the competitor’s list off $70,000, with the Opel Corsa being in between from a starting price of $71,888. The most expensive car in this class would be the Peugeot 207 at $72,900.
It’s a tough fight these days, but it’s worth noting how far Opel and GM has come with the Corsa these days. Even when taking their financial situation into account, we’d definitely say that the Corsa is worthy of scrutiny, twice-over.
Car Information
Opel Corsa 1.4 5dr (A)
CAT A|Petrol|14.7km/L
Horsepower
74kW (99 bhp)
Torque
125 Nm
Acceleration
14.8sec (0-100km /hr)
This model is no longer being sold by local distributor
All Used Opel Corsa
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