Opel Corsa Review: Affordable Compact Hatchback in the UAE

Introduction

The Opel Corsa is the German automaker’s affordable and compact B-segment offering in their lineup in the Middle East. The Corsa has been available in various markets since its unveiling in late 1982 in Europe. Built on General Motors’ GM4200 architecture, the first generation of the Opel Corsa was offered as a hatchback and a sedan. It remained in production until the early 1990s when it was succeeded by the second-generation model. The Corsa continued to utilize the same GM platform, but was now available in station wagon and two-door pickup body styles. Over subsequent generations, the Corsa has been modernized with improved powertrains and enhanced safety equipment.

Current Model Overview

In most markets, the current generation of the Opel Corsa was first showcased at the Paris Motor Show in 2014. Built on a tweaked version of the same platform used for the smaller Opel Adam hatch, the fifth-generation Corsa is primarily sold as a hatchback (3-door and 5-door). In the UAE, the Opel Corsa competes with vehicles like the Hyundai Accent, Honda City, and Nissan Sunny, all of which are similarly priced. Customers can choose from three trims: the entry-level Essentia, 3-door Color Edition, and 5-door Color Edition.

Exterior Features

The Opel Corsa is a compact car, measuring 4.021 meters in length, 1.746 meters in width, and 1.481 meters in height. Interestingly, the 3-door version is nearly identical in size to its 5-door counterpart. Both versions have a wheelbase of 2.510 meters and a boot space of 285 liters.

The Opel Corsa features a modern and appealing exterior design, characterized by:

• Trapezoidal grille with chrome 'wing'
• Funky headlights
• Sculpted hood and sleek bumper with chrome trim around the fog lamps
• Flared wheel arches and crisp character lines
• 16-inch alloy wheels

The rear design includes chunky tail lamps, a prominent 'Opel' logo on the liftgate, and a relatively large exhaust pipe.

Interior Comfort and Features

Inside, the Opel Corsa presents a compact space that feels small. While the 5-door version offers easier access, the 3-door variant, despite its chic appearance, is less practical. The seats are comfortable, but the rear bench is tight, accommodating only two adults. The 5-door Corsa offers excellent outward visibility, facilitating parking and maneuvering.

Key features of the Opel Corsa include:

• Keyless entry
• Power windows (front only)
• Split-folding rear seats
• Air conditioning system
• Cruise control
• Leather-clad multifunction steering wheel
• Audio system with Bluetooth, AUX, and USB connectivity
• Power-operated wing mirrors

Safety features include anti-lock brakes, six airbags, electronic stability control, hill assist, and ISOFIX anchor points among others.

Engine and Performance

The Opel Corsa is powered by a 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers 90hp and 130Nm of torque, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. Although this powertrain offers a fuel efficiency of 6.0 L/100 km, its performance is moderate, with a time of nearly 14 seconds to reach 100 km/h. The top speed is a reasonable 170 km/h for its class.

Conclusion

The Opel Corsa is priced between AED 55,000 to AED 65,000 in the UAE. For this price, it serves as a small and attractively styled urban hatchback, though it lacks many modern features and exhibits slower performance.