Opel Corsa upgraded for 2010

Opel has chosen to leave the exterior and interior of the 2010 Corsa untouched, and focus on improving the car's performance and handling traits in the facelift. The upgraded Corsa is expected to go on sale across Europe early next year.

The Corsa gains a new 1.3 litre CDTI diesel ecoFlex engine that produces 95bhp, and Opel says that it is the most fuel efficient engine in the Corsa range, with a claimed fuel consumption figure of 3.7 litres per 100km on the combined cycle and 3.2 litres per 100km for the extra-urban cycle.

Other new engines include a 75bhp version of the same 1.3 litre CDTI engine, and a 1.7 litre CDTI diesel that produces 130bhp. The petrol engines have also been tuned, with the 1.0 and 1.4 litre petrol engines gaining 5bhp each to produce outputs of 65bhp and 85bhp respectively, and the 1.4 litre petrol now producing 100bhp, up from 90bhp previously.

Most models also get a new eco gearshift indicator in the instrument panel to advice drivers on the ideal shift pattern to take. Opel has also given the chassis a makeover, with new set-ups for the steering and suspension systems.

The new Corsa now has softer springs in the front suspension, mated to an anti-roll bar with new bushes and an increased diameter to improve ride and control. Additionally, the Corsa also gets revised damper settings all round, an optional re-tuned ESP system and enhanced steering geometry.