Opel Corsa: buying guide, opinion, technical sheet, from 15,250 euros

Close relative of the Peugeot 208, the city car of the Blitz does not have its aura, but its technique. That it also makes a little more affordable.

Which version to choose?

If money weren’t an issue, the 100% electric Corsa-e would certainly be the go-to. When it comes to driving pleasure, no other engine in the catalog can compete on a daily basis. Alas, same bonus deducted, this version is not accessible to all budgets. Not to mention that while waiting for the multiplication of charging solutions in our territory, occasional long journeys require a minimum of anticipation. This is why the internal combustion engine remains in our favor, the 3-cylinder 1.2 Turbo gasoline 100 hp rounding off the versatility of this Opel. Tempting, although less affordable, its 130 hp counterpart sees its additional tone partly annihilated by the procrastination of the automatic transmission with which it is systematically associated.

Qualities

The latest generation of Opel Corsa rests no more and no less on the technical basis of number one in the sales ranking in France: the Peugeot 208. Difficult to find more solid foundations. This modular CMP platform thus allows it, with a few nuances, to benefit from the same vital organs. First, the two city cars of the Stellantis group (ex-PSA) share their successful running gear and their modern engines… that of their respective 100% electric version included.

Elements which, combined with each other, guarantee a great versatility, this little German girl not only revealing her talents in an urban environment, on the contrary. From a well-organized driving position and impeccable ergonomics, the Corsa evokes in some ways, the seriousness of its road behavior in particular, the assurance of models in the superior category.

However, she shows greater modesty than her Sochaux cousin. Without wanting to be amazed at all costs, its presentation limits the risks of premature weariness. And the Opel also sees less in terms of tariffs, tighter by several hundred euros on average.

Defaults

To share everything, or almost, with the Peugeot 208, the Corsa inherits its qualities, but also some defects. Like narrow access to the rear seats, because of the brevity of the doors, or even a very unspecified modularity, just served by folding bench backs 2 / 3-1 / 3. The Opel is even embarrassed by a few additional faults. The choice of materials, often dark and rigid, does not give the same opulent atmosphere to the interior. And despite similar running gear, damping, one of Peugeot’s areas of excellence, is not so finely calibrated. Less sparkling to drive, the Blitz city car does not offer the same walking comfort either.

Notice

Thanks to the group policy, the Corsa has almost as many arguments as a Peugeot 208. And partly compensates for its lesser charm by an additional pragmatism.