“The Corsa showcases its talents to perfection on the winding roads.”

___

Thomas Wanke, Lead Development Engineer
of the sixth generation of the Corsa

More than 650 journalists from 30+ countries follow the call to the Adriatic coast of Croatia, where they are shown several versions of the new Opel Corsa in a range of engines and new trim lines. The ingredients of the 17-day press event for the compact car from Rüsselsheim even sound like a promising recipe.

The bends and curves of the roads between Split and Šibenik act as seasoning for a soup. “The car can show off its enormous driving dynamics and agility perfectly there,” explains Thomas Wanke, Lead Development Engineer of the sixth generation of the Corsa. “But the focus is also on the variety options for more comfort, the assistance systems, and the new range of engines. It’s all about offering the right mix of things.”

The results of the first test drives were correspondingly positive, which was also reflected in the media’s response. Trade magazine auto motor und sport came to the following conclusion: “This new one is zestful, smart, trim, and trendy. With modern technology, and no nonsense. It’s simply Opel.” Auto Bild finds the new vehicle “successful in two respects. First, it features sportier driving properties AND more comfort than its predecessor. And second, it passes for a real Opel.” (see also Press Reviews.)

The “menu” for the event includes several versions of the Corsa. The new model in red presents the dynamic GS Line model with a 130-hp 1.2-liter turbocharged engine and the first eight-speed automatic transmission ever available for the Corsa. The driver and front passenger seats feature a sporty design in the car’s interior, along with aluminum sports pedals, a black roof lining, and red color accents on the dashboard.

“The coupé-like roof line and the compact overall vehicle size underline the sporty impression.”

____

Carsten Aengenheyster, Exterior Chief Designer

With a waterside view: the new Corsa is taking a break at the seafront for this photo in Marina Kaštela.

Those who prefer more comfort can test drive the gray version of the Corsa Elegance, which is also new – equipped with a 1.2-liter turbocharged engine and six-speed manual transmission, including leather seats with an in-seat massager, a six-way power-adjustable passenger seat, chrome trim, and high-quality decorative seams. The newcomer is also available in white with a 1.5-liter diesel engine. “We get a lot of praise for the eight-speed automatic,” continues Wanke. “It is unique in the segment, features very smooth shifting, and ensures high driving dynamics. And thanks to the rocker switch, the driver can shift gears manually.”

The design emphasizes the dynamic enthusiasm of the newcomer, which is one of the most aerodynamic models in its class with a drag coefficient of 0.29. “The coupé-like roof line and the compact overall vehicle size underline the sporty impression,” says Carsten Aengenheyster, Exterior Chief Designer. “In addition, the driver sits lower than before and the vehicle’s center of gravity is lower, as well.”

The lightweight construction throughout is another equally positive attribute – after all, the new model weighs only 980 kilograms in its lightest version, which is 108 kilograms lighter than its predecessor. According to Thomas Wanke: “This is another reason why the Corsa is so agile and dynamic – and thanks to the new range of engines, we have also significantly increased fuel economy.”

“When driving to Šibenik at night, the strengths of the matrix light come to the fore.”

____

Ingolf Schneider, Director of Lighting Technology

The glare-free IntelliLux LED® matrix light is one of the main ingredients that the Corsa is introducing into the compact car segment. “This shows that we are once again democratizing technologies in the Corsa,” claims Ingolf Schneider, Director of Lighting Technology. “The strengths of the system come to the fore on the night drives to Šibenik. That’s why we arranged the press conferences in such a way that our guests would travel to the hotel after dusk.”

In addition to representatives from TV, print, and social media, there were 90 Opel dealers from more than 20 markets among the guests, including the recent recipients of the Dealer of the Year, which had been presented to them by Opel CEO Michael Lohscheller.

Actors Jannis Niewöhner and Pasquale Aleardi were also present as Opel brand ambassadors. Niewöhner is currently one of the top-class stars on the German scene and, at 27, has already received several awards such as the German Cinema Young Talent Award and the Grimme Award. Aleardi, the 48-year-old Swiss actor, has already proven his versatility in more than 80 TV and cinema productions. He is currently gracing the screens in the musical adaptation of “Ich war noch niemals in New York” (I Have Never Been to New York).

After arriving at Split Airport, guests will be taken to Kaštela Bay just outside Split until next Friday, 29 November. Thomas Wanke’s experts will serve up the most important information on the Corsa at the restaurant “Spinnaker” before the bounty from the sea is brought to the tables: seafood salad, tuna pâté, and European bass.

The menu offers some of the finest contributions that can be had: risotto with mushrooms and panna cotta with wild berries. There is a pleasantly salty tang to the wind. It’s all about offering the right mix of things.

Facts and Figures

The new Corsa GS Line is equipped with a 96 kW/130 hp 1.2-liter turbocharged engine with an eight-speed automatic transmission, which is offered exclusively for the GS Line. It can accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in 8.7 seconds with its top-of-the-line gasoline engine, reaching speeds of up to 208 km/h. The engine delivers maximum torque of 230 Nm, and the price starts at €19,880 (MSRP including VAT).