Corsa Electric makeover: Opel’s smallest model shows a new face

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One in every three Opel Corsas sold so far has an electric motor. This situation is expected to improve in the future and that is why Opel is sending its bestseller to the next round. This gives the small electric car a boost in performance and range.

Its appearance becomes more attractive: After its older siblings Astra and Mokka, the new Corsa also has a new front end specific to the brand. In addition to the internal combustion engine and electric versions, there will also be a Corsa with hybrid drive from 2024. During a test tour, Opel’s blockbuster next-generation electric model managed to show us what it can do.

More modern and sharper

The biggest changes are visible at first glance: the black “visor”, brand logo and radiator grille passing through the LED matrix headlights; This makes the little Corsa look more grown-up and modern. But the dimensions remained the same and the loading volume did not change compared to the previous model; It was between 267 and 1042 liters.

A lot happened inside. Corsa borrows its new cockpit design from its bigger brother, Astra. In addition to a larger 10-inch touchscreen for navigation and entertainment, this now includes wireless smartphone connectivity, making the inductive charging dock even more practical.

There are also numerous assistance systems available, including a new panoramic reversing camera: intelligent cruise control and limiter, emergency braking assistant and forward collision warning with pedestrian detection, lane keeping assistant as well as traffic signs and drowsiness detection are standard.

More power and range

Until now, the Peugeot e-208’s corporate sibling, the Corsa, was available with a 1.2-litre petrol engine with power outputs ranging from 55 kW (75 hp) to 96 kW (130 hp) or an electric version with 100 kW (136 hp) . hp) powerful electric motor. Together with the 50 kWh battery, this provided a range of 331 to 373 kilometers.

The combustion engine remains unchanged in the portfolio. Additionally, Corsa will be the first Opel model to hit the market with a 48-volt hybrid drive in 2024. The electric version is also getting stronger: in addition to the 136 hp Corsa, there will also be a long-range GS version with a more powerful 115 kW (156 hp) electric motor from the end of this year. The new top model has a more efficient battery that delivers just one kilowatt-hour more power than the less powerful version, with a net 51 kWh. However, the improved battery pack increases the maximum range by 48 to 405 kilometers.

It reaches zero to 100 km/h in 8.1 seconds in the long-range version, and the 136 hp Corsa-e in 8.7 seconds. There is no change in the electronically limited top speed of 150 km/h. The maximum charging power of 100 kW remains the same even after the facelift. The small electric car charges from 20 to 80 percent in 27 minutes with a fast charger.

Stylish city car

The 4.06 meter long Corsa-e handles as dynamically as you’d expect from a Corsa, thanks to its tight suspension setup. Especially on rural roads, it goes really fast in sports driving mode thanks to rapid acceleration. In the other two modes, Normal and Eco, the power is reduced to 109 and 82 hp respectively, allowing you to keep up with the speed of city traffic. With 16 or 17 inch rims you quickly get used to the rather tight springs on the front and rear axles. The steering of the 1.5-ton electric vehicle provides good feedback and moves precisely. This, together with its new look, makes the Corsa a fine city car.

The new generation of the compact Corsa is now available at dealers in Switzerland. The base price of the Corsa Electric is 32,790 francs. The more powerful electric version will arrive at the end of 2023. Internal combustion engines remain in the range and start at 21,990 francs.

Source: Blick