ROAD TEST: A touch more cosmopolitan
by Deon van der Walt,
2015-07-02 07:40:20.0
IS CHANGE always a good thing? In the past decade or so, Opel has gradually reinvented itself from an X-rated performance brand, squeezing the last bit of blood from the tulip, to a more moderated and sophisticated marque with a performance aspect.
The Opel Corsa has been a global sensation with 12.4-million sales during its 32-year existence. We tested the fifth incarnation of this well known B-segment name to see if it still has its Corsa persona.
At first glance it does look like a conservative approach was taken in the styling department to preserve the Opel corporate look. When looking closer, however, the wealth of modern lines and creases serve as an indication of the take-off from the previous model. The company’s latest answer to the competitive B-segment only experienced a minuscule growth spurt in dimensions as it is 22mm longer, and 7mm taller than the outgoing model.
The most prominent feature on the front end is the multidimensional headlight section. The main unit features the headlamps, complemented by daytime running light LEDs and a bottom piece acting as the indicator. Combined, the cluster creates an interesting sickle-like shape to give the small car attitude. Subtle styling cues not only extend to the headlamps, as the trapezoidal grille boasts a horizontal chrome bar looking like a bird in flight. The Cosmo trim model on test also features fog lights with model specific chrome accents.
Admittedly, the view from the back looks very familiar. The frontal theme is carried over to the rear as the bulky looking tail lights adapt roughly the same shape as the headlamps — although less striking.
Stepping inside, the interior layout feels extremely German as everything is where you would expect it to be. It could be described as being a tad emotionless. Black and dark grey materials have mainly been used to create the interior space of the Cosmo on test. Seats have been stitched together using both cloth and vinyl, while the rest of the interior has been assembled using high quality plastics.
A two-tone effect has been used on the fascia with dark grey cladding stretched across the width of the entire dashboard, while a piano black finish surrounds the infotainment screen and extends down to the centre console. Casting light on the modern aspects of the Corsa is red ambient lighting fitted as standard on the range-topping Cosmo. Further highlights on the interior include the use of satin chrome accents found across the fascia, on the door handles and gear lever.
Urging the little hatchback forwards is a three-cylinder 1.0l engine producing an impressive 85kW and 170Nm of power. Although not performance figures to overthrow the hatchback segment, the torque is readily available from a low-revving 1,800r/min, defying gravity as it climbs up a hill. Thanks to the near immediate torque delivery, turbo lag is almost unheard of. Opel claims an average fuel consumption of 5.0l/100km; however, after a week of commuting between Pretoria and Johannesburg it registered a still impressive 6.2l/100km.
The company’s engineers lowered the centre of gravity by 5mm and it shows. Through tight bends it sticks to the tarmac as the suspension keeps the wheels firmly planted on the road. The Cosmo features cornering light control as standard which illuminates dark areas in front of the car when turning the wheel. During testing it proved handy for sharp turns.
The Cosmo comes with a crowded standard features list justifying its price tag. Stop/start technology, daytime running light LEDs, automatic headlights, cruise control, city steering feature, navigation and hill hold assist are some of the standard features on the range-topping model.
In this case change is a good thing. The Corsa is capable of putting the marque back on the charts for people looking for everything the Corsa of yesteryear was known for. This leopard has definitely not changed its spots.
The Cosmo is priced at R236,300, right between its two main competitors, the Ford Fiesta and Volkswagen Polo. At the price it is good value for money as it offers buyers one of the most complete packages available in terms of technology and features, fuel efficiency, handling and performance to boot.
OPEL CORSA 1.0T COSMO
WE LIKE: Punchy engine, fuel efficiency, infotainment system, new chassis
WE DISLIKE: Lacks character, dull interior styling
VERDICT: Despite its price it has all the elements to make it a hit
TECH SPECS
ENGINE
Type: Inline, three cylinder, turbocharged petrol
Capacity: 999cc
Power: 85kW at 5,000r/min
Torque: 170Nm at 1,800r/min
TRANSMISSION
Six-speed manual
DRIVETRAIN
Front-wheel drive
PERFORMANCE (claimed)
0-100km/h: 10.3 seconds
Top Speed: 195km/h
Fuel Consumption: 5.0l/100km
Emission: 117g/km
STANDARD FEATURES
Stop/start technology, daytime running light LEDs, automatic headlights, cruise control, navigation, hill hold assist, city driving feature, touchscreen infotainment system, central locking
COST OF OWNERSHIP
Warranty: Five-year/ 120,000km
Maintenance Plan: Three-year/60,000km
Price: R236,300
Lease*: R5,020 per month
* At 10% over 60 months no deposit
• Deon van der Walt is the SA Guild of Motoring Journalists 2015 bursar student
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The frontal styling reflects the Corsa legacy. Picture: QUICKPIC
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The interior is well equipped but is a little dull. Picture: QUICKPIC
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The rear looks similar to the old model. Picture: QUICKPIC
IS CHANGE always a good thing? In the past decade or so, Opel has gradually reinvented itself from an X-rated performance brand, squeezing the last bit of blood from the tulip, to a more moderated and sophisticated marque with a performance aspect.
The Opel Corsa has been a global sensation with 12.4-million sales during its 32-year existence. We tested the fifth incarnation of this well known B-segment name to see if it still has its Corsa persona.
At first glance it does look like a conservative approach was taken in the styling department to preserve the Opel corporate look. When looking closer, however, the wealth of modern lines and creases serve as an indication of the take-off from the previous model. The company’s latest answer to the competitive B-segment only experienced a minuscule growth spurt in dimensions as it is 22mm longer, and 7mm taller than the outgoing model.
The most prominent feature on the front end is the multidimensional headlight section. The main unit features the headlamps, complemented by daytime running light LEDs and a bottom piece acting as the indicator. Combined, the cluster creates an interesting sickle-like shape to give the small car attitude. Subtle styling cues not only extend to the headlamps, as the trapezoidal grille boasts a horizontal chrome bar looking like a bird in flight. The Cosmo trim model on test also features fog lights with model specific chrome accents.
Admittedly, the view from the back looks very familiar. The frontal theme is carried over to the rear as the bulky looking tail lights adapt roughly the same shape as the headlamps — although less striking.
Stepping inside, the interior layout feels extremely German as everything is where you would expect it to be. It could be described as being a tad emotionless. Black and dark grey materials have mainly been used to create the interior space of the Cosmo on test. Seats have been stitched together using both cloth and vinyl, while the rest of the interior has been assembled using high quality plastics.
A two-tone effect has been used on the fascia with dark grey cladding stretched across the width of the entire dashboard, while a piano black finish surrounds the infotainment screen and extends down to the centre console. Casting light on the modern aspects of the Corsa is red ambient lighting fitted as standard on the range-topping Cosmo. Further highlights on the interior include the use of satin chrome accents found across the fascia, on the door handles and gear lever.
Urging the little hatchback forwards is a three-cylinder 1.0l engine producing an impressive 85kW and 170Nm of power. Although not performance figures to overthrow the hatchback segment, the torque is readily available from a low-revving 1,800r/min, defying gravity as it climbs up a hill. Thanks to the near immediate torque delivery, turbo lag is almost unheard of. Opel claims an average fuel consumption of 5.0l/100km; however, after a week of commuting between Pretoria and Johannesburg it registered a still impressive 6.2l/100km.
The company’s engineers lowered the centre of gravity by 5mm and it shows. Through tight bends it sticks to the tarmac as the suspension keeps the wheels firmly planted on the road. The Cosmo features cornering light control as standard which illuminates dark areas in front of the car when turning the wheel. During testing it proved handy for sharp turns.
The Cosmo comes with a crowded standard features list justifying its price tag. Stop/start technology, daytime running light LEDs, automatic headlights, cruise control, city steering feature, navigation and hill hold assist are some of the standard features on the range-topping model.
In this case change is a good thing. The Corsa is capable of putting the marque back on the charts for people looking for everything the Corsa of yesteryear was known for. This leopard has definitely not changed its spots.
The Cosmo is priced at R236,300, right between its two main competitors, the Ford Fiesta and Volkswagen Polo. At the price it is good value for money as it offers buyers one of the most complete packages available in terms of technology and features, fuel efficiency, handling and performance to boot.
OPEL CORSA 1.0T COSMO
WE LIKE: Punchy engine, fuel efficiency, infotainment system, new chassis
WE DISLIKE: Lacks character, dull interior styling
VERDICT: Despite its price it has all the elements to make it a hit
TECH SPECS
ENGINE
Type: Inline, three cylinder, turbocharged petrol
Capacity: 999cc
Power: 85kW at 5,000r/min
Torque: 170Nm at 1,800r/min
TRANSMISSION
Six-speed manual
DRIVETRAIN
Front-wheel drive
PERFORMANCE (claimed)
0-100km/h: 10.3 seconds
Top Speed: 195km/h
Fuel Consumption: 5.0l/100km
Emission: 117g/km
STANDARD FEATURES
Stop/start technology, daytime running light LEDs, automatic headlights, cruise control, navigation, hill hold assist, city driving feature, touchscreen infotainment system, central locking
COST OF OWNERSHIP
Warranty: Five-year/ 120,000km
Maintenance Plan: Three-year/60,000km
Price: R236,300
Lease*: R5,020 per month
* At 10% over 60 months no deposit
• Deon van der Walt is the SA Guild of Motoring Journalists 2015 bursar student
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