How It Started: Opel Corsa

August 25, 2024

Several generations later, the Opel Corsa has evolved into a sharp and popular offering in the hatchback market, frequently clinching best-selling B-segment titles in Germany and the UK. Here is the story of how it started.

corsa

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The Corsa story cannot be told without mention of the popular Kadett. The original affordable Opel, the Kadett, once the smallest model in the German marque’s portfolio, was discontinued in 1991, with the cabriolet version available until 1993. Although the initial, pocket-friendly proviso of the Kadett could, at first, suggest the Corsa might be the more natural successor to the small sedan, that was not the case; “Astra” would be the moniker adorning the Kadett’s replacement, which was introduced in 1991.

However, the Corsa was conceived nearly a decade before the first-generation Astra would make its debut. The reason being that, with each Kadett iteration, the Rüsselheim-based brand’s family sedan gained upgraded convenience features and grew in size. As a result, what was initially built as a budget-oriented product became increasingly expensive over time. This opened a slot for a new entry-level offering in Opel’s lineup. The car to stop the gap came in the shape of a hatchback donning the “Corsa” moniker.

Introduced in 1982, the first Corsa was met with great acclaim, thanks to the three-door’s angular styling, compact dimensions (it measured only 3 620 mm in length), and, most notably, affordability. A sportier (75 kW) GSi and diesel derivative soon followed, and a more practical five-door model joined the line-up in 1985.

Over the subsequent generations, the Corsa’s story would remain one of success. Although each generation marked a noticeable increase in the car’s overall dimensions, they also ushered in improved technological features and more efficient powertrains; soldiering on as the opening gambit to the Opel product line.

A noteworthy mention, the Lite, a more affordable spin-off of the second-generation Corsa, which was produced in South Africa. This model was sold locally, alongside the third iteration which would spawn the incredibly popular Corsa Utility half-ton bakkie. 2007 would see the introduction of performance models wearing the OPC (Opel Performance Center) badge. The first Corsa OPC featured a 1.6-litre turbopetrol engine with a mighty-for-the-time 141 kW and up to 266 N.m, providing genuine hot hatch thrills for those on a budget.

How it’s going

With a history spanning more than four decades and six generations, the Corsa has managed to garner global sales in excess of 14 million units. In 2019, Opel debuted the sixth-generation model; the first to move away from a GM-sourced platform, adopting parent company PSA’s CMP1 platform. This model underwent a significant mid-cycle update in 2023.

Like its forebears, the latest model is more technologically advanced and is available with a choice of efficient — and even emissions-free — powertrains. The line-up incorporates naturally aspirated and turbocharged petrol units, both equipped with 48 V mild-hybrid tech, and all-electric setups. However, for the time being, the SA market will have to make do with only internal combustion units.

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