This is the first all-new Opel Corsa in thirteen years, so that's an extra reason to be very curious about this car.
Especially because it's presented at the same time as the second generation Peugeot 208, with which it shares a lot of technology.
On the outside, you barely notice the similarities. This is clearly an Opel, with a distinctive Astra-like rear and a very 'Opel'-appearance.
Opel has chosen to give the electric Corsa's the same appearance as their combustion versions, just like the Peugeot's 208, which results in this...
huge fuel filler cap, behind which you can also fit a plug. This is still a combustion Corsa though, powered by a turbocharged 1.2-litre 3-cylinder,
producing 100 horsepower. Also, it's a GS-line, the sportiest label available on the Corsa.
Because the Corsa has more straight lines in its design, you might think it's more spacious than the 208, but that's not the case.
Both aren't the most spacious cars available, even though the Corsa has a bigger boot than the 208.
On the inside, only the multimedia screen gives away the fact it shares a lot of technology with Peugeot.
We know the the screen very well. It has buttons around it which help with the functionality, but it's still not the fastest or most ergonomic...
interfaces available today. A big difference with the Peugeot is found in the instrument cluster. It's a very normal instrument cluster, typically Opel.
Nothing fancy, just regular dials. Nothing wrong with that, it also fits the personality of this car.
What is the same as in the Peugeot is the lovely seating position. You're able to pull the steering wheel really close to you. That means you're...
a tad far away from the dashboard, but the seating position is very nice. Better even than in the 208, because it has a normal steering wheel.
Right now we're driving the 1.2 Turbo which produces 100 horsepower. It's available with 130 horsepower as well, but I wouldn't spend extra...
money on that, this is powerful enough. There's enough power in the lower revs. Also, the gears aren't incredibly long.
Sixth is however, so you might have to change back at 80 km/h sometimes. The gearbox has a fairly long stroke and enough feeling to it.
So there's nothing wrong with the engine, a lovely little machine.
The steering is direct and offers a lot of feedback. Also, the car moves on the right moments. When you want to feel movement...
to experience the dynamicism the chassis offers, the rear will position itself slightly.
We're talking about corners here at high speeds. It really feels like a good drivers car. For that, you have to accept the fact it's a sturdy chassis.
Some imperfection can feel hard to process at times.
When it comes to appearance, which is the most subjective part in this review, the Peugeot clearly wins. Especially in this color scheme.
We haven't opted for the GT-line, because that would've given it black plastic wheel arches. This Allure-spec is the best if you ask us.
The interior then. Peugeot has truly made a party of the dashboard, as always. It's partly touch, partly haptic, and it even has some switches.
The seating position is the same as in the Corsa. This seat doesn't offer a lot of positioning options. Also, we have to mention the i-Cockpit,
it's a matter of taste of course. I'm able to live with it nowadays, but some people really hate it.
Where the Corsa has regular dials, Peugeot has treated us with a true 3D-dashboard. It looks fantastic.
The multimedia system is exactly the same as in Opel, or rather the other way around. Not very quick and not very accurate.
The engine range is exactly the same as in the Opel. The 100 horsepower version is more than enough for this car. It's called 1.2 PureTech in here.
The big difference between the Opel and the Peugeot is the drive. This Peugeot has softer springs, the chassis moves a tad more,
it heaves a little more. As if it's been aimed at comfort more than the Opel. And that's not a bad thing, because Peugeot and Opel are able...
to do their own things within the concern. The steering also is a tad less direct than in the Opel. Marginally, that is, so maybe the sharpness will...
be saved for the GTI-version.
As the 208 stands here, it'll cost you €26.180. The Corsa over here will cost you an additional €11. When it comes to trim level,
they're pretty similar. You could compare the panoramic roof of the Corsa with the 3D-instrument cluster of the 208.
Indeed, the Peugeot distinguishes itself with a funky appearance, a futuristic instrument cluster and a nice interior. That's where it takes the win.
The Corsa on the other hand steers better, has a better chassis and offers 60 litres more luggage than the Peugeot.
So that's why scores better on our sober scorecard. - But that styling...
We sure are lucky with those colors aren't we. - I'm very curious what happens if someone orders a black one with hubcaps.
Also, there's one thing I'm annoyed by. I like the way it looks, don't get me wrong, but the rear doors are too short.
I'll wait for the 3-door versions. - Which won't be coming at all...