New Opel Corsa GSE: Hot Hatch Tradition Reloaded

• Back to the future: Opel Corsa GSE revives the tradition of sporty Corsa models
• Small, strong, fast: 207 kW (281 hp), 345 Nm, from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.5 seconds 
• From the Opel Corsa A GSi to the new Opel Corsa GSE: Each Corsa generation enthuses fans with at least one highly dynamic version

Compact, quick and seriously powerful: the new Opel Corsa GSE 1 delivers electrifying driving pleasure in its purest form! This new everyday performance car – which will arrive later this year and will celebrate its exhibition premiere at the Paris Motor Show in October – is turning heads not just with its striking, racy ‘hot hatch’ design. Above all, its performance figures speak for themselves: With 207 kW (281 hp) and 345 Newton metres of torque it will offer just as much electric power as the Opel Mokka GSE. Added to this is the fastest acceleration of any current Opel production model: in just 5.5 seconds, the Opel Corsa GSE propels the speedometer needle from 0 to 100 km/h 1. This is high performance in a compact package and makes the new Corsa GSE the most powerful production Corsa to date.

At the same time, the new high-performance version of Germany’s and UK’s bestselling small car takes the sporty GSi genes of the first Corsa generation into the future. Ever since the first generation of the model, Opel has been offering Corsa fans the chance to drive an extra-hot and sporty version of the beloved small car. The ‘hot hatch’ fun all began in 1988 with the Corsa GSi. Since 2007, the various versions and generations of the Corsa OPC have been providing adrenaline rushes. And now the new, all-electric Corsa GSE is on the starting blocks, ready to deliver the ultimate driving experience a small car can offer!

The first Opel Corsa GSi: A car as dynamic as a motorcycle

In 1988, the first Opel Corsa GSi entered the market. A car as dynamic as a motorcycle: ultra-compact, 820 kilogrammes light, with prominent wheel-arches, sports seats, 74 kW (100 hp) and 188 km/h fast.

The 1.6-litre injection engine newly developed for the launch accelerated the sportive first-generation Opel Corsa to 100 km/h in around 9.5 seconds. With powerful low-end torque, the car has always brought a smile to Opel Corsa GSi drivers’ faces when they step on the accelerator pedal. To bring the higher performance and agility onto the road, Opel engineers adapted the chassis and brakes of the Corsa to the GSi specification. The extra features included stiffer springs, specially tuned shock absorbers as well as larger, internally ventilated front disc brakes. Anti-roll bars at the front and rear kept the car safely on track in corners.

The designers also reflected the sporty character of the first Opel Corsa GSi in its appearance. The standard specification at the time already included sports seats, a three-spoke sport steering wheel, a rev counter, sports alloy wheels and wide tyres. With its technology and design, the first-generation Opel Corsa GSi paved the way for future generation sporty Corsa models.

GSi = fun-to-drive: Opel Corsa B GSi and Opel Corsa C GSi boost performance

A particularly sporty model variant hit the road in 1993, the Opel Corsa GSi 16V. It featured colour-keyed side-sills and bumpers as well as front and rear spoilers. The standard equipment also included electronically controlled ABS, a rev-counter and wide tyres.

As most powerful Corsa model of its time, the second-generation Opel Corsa GSi offered 80 kW (109 hp) and impressed once more with plenty of power from low revs (‘low-end torque characteristics’). The small car could sprint from zero to 100 km/h in 9.5 seconds and reach a maximum speed of 195 km/h. A sporty chassis and gas-filled shock absorbers helped to bring the performance onto the road. The Corsa driver could shift gear using the five-speed sports gearbox, and the standard power steering helped to steer through tight bends with ease. Sports seats and a leather-trimmed steering wheel created the right atmosphere in the cockpit.

In 2001, the Opel Corsa C GSi followed in the footsteps of its predecessor – stronger, faster and more powerful than before. With a top speed of 202 km/h and acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 9.0 seconds, the third-generation Corsa GSi was the fastest production Corsa to date. At the same time, the Corsa GSi’s 92 kW (125 hp) 1.8-litre engine impressed not only in terms of power but also, thanks to 165 Newton metres of torque, with sporty bursts of acceleration while maintaining modest fuel consumption. This was made possible by an advanced engine management system controlling sequential fuel injection, particularly precise fuel distribution, ignition and other functions. Even back then, the developers focused on delivering sporty driving pleasure in the most resource-efficient way possible.

Start of the Opel Corsa OPC era in 2007: Even sportier, stronger and more expressive

From 2007 onwards, the ‘OPC’ abbreviation had finally come to stand for pure dynamic driving fun in the Opel Corsa as well. In that year, Opel presented the Corsa D OPC with 141 kW (192 hp) and 266 Newton metres of torque. With a dark-contrasting diffuser, striking gills, powerful front and rear aprons and a roof spoiler, the OPC showed at first glance what drivers could expect. But the end of the line had not yet been reached. In 2010, the Corsa OPC ‘Nürburgring Edition’ – the most powerful Corsa to date – followed. Its characteristics: 154 kW (210 hp), 280 Newton metres of torque, from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.8 seconds and a top speed of 230 km/h! The newly developed Bilstein performance chassis and the special high-performance braking system from Brembo brought the power safely to the road.

Opel continued to cater to GSi fans amongst Corsa drivers too: For all those who preferred a more discreet sportiness with superior power delivery, Opel had also the fourth-generation Corsa GSi on offer. With 110 kW (150 hp) and a top speed of 210 km/h, the for the first time turbo-charged car closed the gap between the ‘ordinary’ production Corsa and the high-performance OPC variant.

 

The OPC of the fifth-generation Corsa, which followed in 2015, also demonstrated right from the start that, whether on the famous Green Hell of the Nürburgring race track or in the urban jungle, the Corsa E OPC feels at home anywhere. Once again being the fastest member of the Corsa family with a top speed of 230 km/h, it combined uncompromising sportiness with superb everyday practicality. This sporty car, just under four metres long, impressed with its powerful turbo engine delivering 152 kW (207 hp) and 280 Newton metres of torque, its agile handling and, last but not least, its sporty design: Recaro performance seats, a flat-bottomed leather steering wheel and sports pedals inside, as well as large air intakes, a strongly contoured bonnet, bold side skirts, a dominant rear spoiler and the twin exhaust tailpipes flanked by a diffuser on the outside all bore witness to the power of the Corsa OPC. And to channel this power onto the road in a controlled manner, the Corsa E OPC featured, for the first time, a suspension system with Frequency Selective Damping technology.

‘Hot hatch’, the next level: The new Opel Corsa GSE electrifies the public

To all who want to experience an exhilarating, high-performance driving experience in a state-of-the-art small car before the end of this year will not have to wait much longer. The new Opel Corsa GSE is on the way. It succeeds the Opel Corsa OPC as the most powerful Corsa to date and takes the ‘hot hatch’ experience to the next level – uncompromising, thrilling and, above all, fully electric and locally emissions-free. After all, that is exactly what GSE stands for: Grand Sport Electric!

 With 207 kW (281 hp) – that is 181 hp per 1,000 kilogrammes of vehicle weight! – and 345 Newton metres of torque, the new Opel Corsa GSE will offer just as much electric power as the Opel Mokka GSE. At the same time, however, the top-of-the-line version of the model family becomes even more dynamic. With an acceleration of just 5.5 seconds from 0 to 100 km/h1, the high-performance Corsa pushes its driver into the GSE sports seat more vehemently than any other current Opel production model.

Sophisticated technology also contributes to the exceptional performance, handling stability and direct feedback: the Opel Corsa GSE has front-wheel drive with Torsen-multi-plate limited-slip differential and a lowered sports chassis with specifically designed axles, stabilisers and hydraulic shock absorbers. GSE-optimised steering and pedal tuning underlines the highly dynamic driving experience. And if necessary, four-piston performance brakes ensure immediate deceleration from high speeds.

The new Opel Corsa GSE confidently showcases its performance. Numerous details – from the GSE-specific front and rear to 18-inch wheels, performance seats, yellow seatbelts to digital displays with performance data and much more – create a Corsa GSE design with genuine wow-factor and demonstrate what emotional, all-electric ‘hot hatch’ driving fun is all about in its purest form.

[1] All data are provisional. Vehicle not yet homologated and not yet available.

[2] The values of a vehicle depend not only on the efficient use of fuel by the vehicle, but are also influenced by driving behavior and other non-technical factors.

40 years of Opel Corsa: Success story in Six Acts

• Successful model: Over 14 million Corsas sold since 1982
• Pioneer: Opel introduces top technologies from higher classes in small car
• Bestseller: Sixth Opel Corsa generation again a market success
• E-car: Electric Opel Corsa-e already accounts for around one-fourth of sales

2022 is an anniversary year for Opel: the company has been making innovations affordable for everyone for 160 years, and at the same time one of its biggest bestsellers is celebrating its 40th birthday. Opel Corsa revolutionised the small car class with its premiere in 1982 and today, in its sixth generation, is more in demand than ever. Last year, the current Corsa was the most popular small car in Germany and the best-selling car in the UK. Battery-electric Opel Corsa-e won the “Golden Steering Wheel 2020” 1, now already accounts for around one-quarter of Corsa sales and is successfully competing in motorsport as an emissions-free rally car.

But to fully understand the popularity of the Corsa since its debut in 1982, it is first necessary to look at another successful model with the Blitz – Opel Kadett. Initially an approximately 3.8-metre-long small car conceived and designed to bring mobility to more people at a time when driving a car was still real luxury. Then over the decades customers quickly became more discerning as their prosperity increased. Small Kadett became larger and more powerful in the second half of the 20th century, moving closer to the compact class with the arrival of each version. This created a slot below what had become Rüsselsheim’s classic entry-level model.

So it was high time for a new, genuine small car – time for the Corsa. The new small model rolled off the production line for the first time in the autumn of 1982 in the newly built car plant in Zaragoza and immediately took off on its path to becoming a bestseller for Opel. To date – 40 years after its launch – well over 14 million units have left the plants, most of them produced in Zaragoza and Eisenach.

This success is due in no small part to the numerous top technologies that have been introduced in the various Corsa generations and that were previously only available in higher vehicle classes. These include safety and assistance systems such as ABS and airbags as well as the front camera with distance indicator, traffic sign recognition and lane keep assist and, most recently, the adaptive glare-free Intelli-Lux LED Matrix light. Now in its sixth generation, the best-selling small car shows just how fit it is for the future. Since 2019, it has also been completely emissions-free for the first time: as the battery-electric Opel Corsa-e.

Opel Corsa – Success story in six acts

Act One: Opel Corsa A 1982 to 1993

Opel Corsa A featured close-coupled proportions within a short length of just 3.62 meters. It had bold, flared wheel-arches like a rallye car and an exceptionally low 0.36 drag coefficient which was possibly record-breaking for its class. Chief designer Erhard Schnell had created a sporty small car with crisp, chiseled lines, intended to particularly appeal to ‘the man of the house’. Highlight was the 100 hp Corsa GSi, and diesel power was also introduced. Two-door hatch and notchback line-up was expanded in 1985 with the addition of the popular five-door model. Opel Corsa A became a highly acclaimed top seller with 3.1 million units built.

Opel Corsa A GSi

Act Two: Opel Corsa B 1993 to 2000

Despite success of Corsa number 1, decision was taken in Rüsselsheim to position its successor as a real ‘ladies’ darling’. Opel design legend Hideo Kodama set to work and created a much rounder, softer Corsa, with appealing ‘saucer-eye’ headlamps which perfectly fit with cute, child-like looks. Opel Corsa B was ten centimeters longer and much more spacious inside than its predecessor. It also introduced higher safety standards to its segment, including ABS cadence braking, side-impact protection and front airbags. For special markets, next to the hatchback Opel again offered a notchback as well as station wagon and pick-up variants. Petrol engines already had fuel-injection technology and catalytic converters, while the GSi featured 16 Valves and diesel power was now turbo-charged.  Second Opel Corsa was successful around the world, and sales topped the four million mark.

Opel Corsa B GSi 16V

Act Three: Opel Corsa C 2000 to 2006

In the spirit of never changing a winning team, Hideo Kodama was again asked to design the shape of the Opel Corsa C. Styling was consciously oriented towards its successful predecessor. Opel Corsa grew again by ten centimetres to a total length of just under 3.84 metres and had a wider stance with a longer wheelbase, which greatly increased interior space. For the first time, the body was fully galvanized. Sophisticated four-valve ECOTEC petrol and new direct-injection turbo diesel engines ensured strong power, low fuel consumption and lowest emission values – all variants already complied to the Euro 4 emission standards. Opel Corsa C also became a star performer and sold 2.5 million units.

Opel Corsa C

Act Four: Opel Corsa D 2006 to 2014

From now on, the three and five-door versions go their separate ways: the three-door Corsa has unique, coupé-like styling aimed at sporty customers, just like the original Corsa A. Five-door variant becomes a spacious, fully-fledged family car. Opel Corsa D was still less than four meters in length, having grown to exactly 3.999 meters. With Opel’s ecoFLEX technology, Corsa had fuel-saving Start/Stop systems and highly efficient engines. 1.3 CDTI ecoFLEX version consumed just 3.3 l/100 km over the combined cycle and emitted only 98 g/km CO2 (according to NEDC). Fourth generation Corsa sold over 2.9 million units.

Opel Corsa D ecoFLEX

Act Five: Opel Corsa E 2014 to 2019

Dynamic, practical and stylish, Opel Corsa E is also a bestseller with around 1.3 million units sold.  Fifth generation is also built in the Opel plants in Zaragoza and in Eisenach. For the first time, the small star tops the four-metre mark, offering high comfort and top technologies over a length of 4.02 metres. Heatable steering wheel, seat heating and automatic climate control are of course on offer, as are the front camera with distance indicator, Traffic Sign Recognition and Lane Keep Assist. Corsa drivers are optimally connected with the Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatible IntelliLink infotainment systems including a seven-inch colour touchscreen. Small car’s sporty top-of-the-line model is initially the 152 kW (207 hp) Opel Corsa OPC and later Opel Corsa GSi with 110 kW (150 hp).

Act Six: Opel Corsa F electric version introduced in 2019

Opel is optimally equipped for future challenges with Corsa number 6. The latest generation of the small car, which celebrated its world premiere at the 2019 Frankfurt International Motor Show, is also available as a purely battery-electric, emissions-free version for everyone for the first time. A real highlight is also the adaptive glare-free Intelli-Lux LED Matrix light, which Opel also offers for the first time in the small car segment with the current Corsa. In addition, there are numerous state-of-the-art assistance systems such as Forward Collision Alert with Automatic Emergency Braking and pedestrian detection as well as radar-based Adaptive Speed Control, which make driving even safer and more relaxed. With a length of 4.06 metres, the five-seat Corsa’s handling, clear lay-out and practicality remain exemplary. Coupé-like roof line is 48 millimetres lower than its predecessor – without any detriment to headroom. Driver sits 28 millimetres lower. Low centre of gravity benefits driving performance and handling. Latest Corsa is more direct and more dynamic – for more fun behind the wheel. With this recipe for success, the small car with the Blitz has once again become the most popular small car and the best-selling car in countries such as Germany and Great Britain respectively.

Opel Corsa F GS Line

Battery-electric bestseller is proving its electrifying effect on the public in several ways: in Germany, the series-production Corsa-e won the “Golden Steering Wheel 2020” 1 – and as a modified Corsa-e Rally, it is demonstrating in motorsport how top performance and environmental compatibility can be combined. With the emissions-free small car, Opel is the first manufacturer to develop a battery-electric rally vehicle that has been competing in the ADAC Opel e-Rally Cup, the world's first electric one-make rally cup, since 2021, thus showing the future of rallying.

Opel Corsa e-Rally

[1] “Golden Steering Wheel 2020” Opel Corsa-e: AUTO BILD & BILD AM SONNTAG issue 45/2020, category “small car”.

Zaragoza produces its 11 millionth Opel Corsa since 1982

• Opel Corsa reaches a new milestone in its long relationship with the Zaragoza Plant: 11 millionth unit of this model has just rolled off the assembly line of this production center

• Since 1982, Zaragoza and Opel Corsa are practically synonymous words. Since its inauguration to the present day, the Aragonese factory has manufactured the six generations of this model

• Produced in Aragon exclusively worldwide, Opel Corsa F is the model of the brand best-selling in the world. It stands out both for its attractive and elegant design, as well as for its high level of safety, performance and comfort. These qualities, together with the possibility of opting for a 100% electric version, the Opel Corsa-e, have been key to its commercial success

For almost four decades, Opel Corsa rhymes with Zaragoza. Aragonese plant opened its doors in 1982 to produce this model, with which it has maintained a more than lasting relationship: it has manufactured its six generations and is currently in charge of assembling the Opel Corsa as a world exclusive, including its 100% version. electric, new Opel Corsa-e.

Today, the Zaragoza Plant dresses up to experience a new milestone in its long idyll with the compact Opel urbanite: the 11 millionth unit of the Opel Corsa has left its facilities. A magic number for both the factory and its workers who, in the last 39 years, have seen all these cars pass through the hands and care of generations of operators and engineers.

If all the Opel Corsa produced in Zaragoza since 1982 were lined up, they would go around the world and there would still be enough vehicles to cover the distance between the Aragonese capital and Beirut. A comparison that gives an idea of ​​the importance of this car for the brand of lightning. Since its launch it has been a strategic model in its range. It is the best-selling Opel vehicle, as well as being one of the great pillars of the German firm's electrification process. Currently, it represents more than a third of the brand's registrations on the five continents.

Thanks to this commercial success, Stellantis Plant in Zaragoza has established itself as a key production center for Opel, since the brand's sales leader, New Corsa, and the Opel Crossland, the SUV that follows in the sales ranking.

Launched at the end of 2019, the sixth generation of the Opel Corsa has become a benchmark in the B segment due to its attractive design, its features, its technological equipment and its interior space. Its electric version, the Opel Corsa-e, marks the difference between the zero-emission models in its category thanks to its 359 km of autonomy, its power of 136 HP (100 kW) and its maximum instantaneous torque of 260 Nm, which provides capacity response, agility and dynamic behavior.

It incorporates technologies normally reserved for higher segments, such as the adaptive matrix lighting system IntelliLux LED or advanced driving assistance functions among which the high-tech front camera, traffic sign reader, radar based Adaptive Cruise Control with stop and go functionality, sensor based lateral assist or active lane assist.

“Opel Corsa is an iconic model of our brand that is manufactured, exclusively worldwide, in Zaragoza, a city where its production began in 1982. For 40 years, it represents the brand's offer in a key category, segment B, where its six generations have been a benchmark for its modern and dynamic design, for incorporating the most advanced technology of each era, as well as for its comfort and interior space. Reaching 11 million units produced gives us an idea of ​​both the good work of the Zaragoza Plant and the solidity of the Corsa concept, which have succeeded in very diverse times, conditions and markets ”, said Pedro Lazarino , Director of Opel for Spain and Portugal.

“ Present since the inauguration of the factory in 1982, the Opel Corsa is a key model in the history of the Zaragoza Plant, as evidenced by the 11 million units produced at our facilities to date. A figure that says a lot about the maximum level of demand and quality of the factory and the adaptability and commitment of its workers over the years. These qualities have made it possible to produce its sixth generation, built on an innovative multi-energy platform, exclusively worldwide. Quite a challenge that has required a deep modernization of the facilities and manufacturing methods ”, says Manuel Munárriz, Director of the Zaragoza Plant.

750,000 Orders: Current Opel Corsa Continues Success Story

• Fifth generation of bestseller: Over 13 million Corsa cars built to date
• Success story in five acts: From Opel Corsa A to current model

Serial success: Over 13 million Opel Corsa spanning five generations have been produced to date. Opel recently received the 750,000th order for the current generation Corsa.

Dynamic, practical, stylish and very popular: the fifth Corsa generation is again a bestseller. Opel has just received the 750,000^th order for the current small car model since its market launch in late 2014. The stylish all-rounder thus continues the success story that started with the first Corsa in 1982. To date, more than 13 million Corsa vehicles from all generations have been built.

“The Corsa is one of our most important models in Europe and accounts for around one-quarter of Opel’s total sales volume. Depending on the version, it is the perfect car for singles and couples as well as for the whole family,” says Peter Küspert, Opel/Vauxhall Vice President Sales & Aftersales.

And the Corsa has not just won over customers, over the years it has also collected many awards, including the recent “Small Car of the Year 2016” title in Ireland, “Eco Car of the Year 2016” in Latvia, “Most Sensible Car 2015” and “Value Champion 2015” in Germany as well as the AUTOBEST award “Best Buy Car of Europe for 2015”. This shows that the Opel Corsa is a true European.

There are good reasons for this success: Opel Corsa combines a pleasant, stylish atmosphere and driving fun with top technologies from higher vehicle classes. In the small bestseller, the Opel design philosophy “Sculptural artistry meets German precision” meets top comfort and modern assistance systems as well as best digital connectivity with Opel OnStar and IntelliLink infotainment. The portfolio also impresses with powerful and efficient turbo gasoline, turbo diesel and LPG engines. The entire package’s price-performance ratio is superb. Entry into the Corsa world is already possible for €11,995 for the sporty three-door model with a 51 kW/70 hp 1.2-liter gasoline engine (NEDC fuel consumption: urban 6.7-6.6^[1] l/100 km, extra-urban 4.6-4.5¹ l/100 km, combined 5.4-5.3¹ l/100 km, 126-124¹ g/km CO₂). For just €785 more, customers can opt for driving fun in the spacious, family-friendly five-door model (RRP incl. VAT in Germany).

Opel Corsa: A success story in five acts

Act One: Opel Corsa A - 1982 to 1993

As the smaller “Kadett brother” the Opel Corsa A debuted with a crisp, short length of 3.62 meters, an exceptionally low, possibly record-breaking 0.36 drag coefficient and bold, flared wheelarches in rally car style. Chief designer Erhard Schnell had created a sporty small car with sharp, chiseled lines, intended to particularly appeal to ‘the man of the house’. The highlight was the 100 hp Corsa GSi, and diesel power was also introduced. The two-door hatch and notchback line-up was expanded in 1985 with the addition of the popular five-door model. The Corsa A became a highly-acclaimed top seller with 3.1 million units sold.

Act Two: Opel Corsa B - 1993 to 2000

Despite the success of Opel Corsa Nr. 1, the decision was taken in Rüsselsheim to position its successor as a real ‘ladies’ darling’. Designer Hideo Kodama set to work and created a much rounder, softer Opel Corsa, with appealing ‘saucer-eye’ headlamps. Opel Corsa B was ten centimeters longer and much more spacious inside. It also introduced higher safety standards to its segment, including ABS, side-impact protection and front airbags. For special markets, next to the hatchback Opel again offered a notchback as well as station wagon and pick-up variants. Gasoline engines already had fuel-injection technology and catalytic converters, while the GSi featured 16 valves and diesel power was now turbo-charged. The second Opel Corsa was successful around the world, and sales topped the four million mark.

Act Three: Opel Corsa C - 2000 to 2006

Hideo Kodama was again asked to design the shape of the Opel Corsa C. The styling was consciously oriented towards its successful predecessor. The new Corsa grew again by ten centimeter in length and had a wider stance with a longer wheelbase, which greatly increased interior space. For the first time, the body was fully galvanized. Sophisticated four-valve ECOTEC gasoline and new direct-injection turbo diesel engines ensured strong power, low fuel consumption and lowest emission values – all variants already complied to the stringent Euro 4 emission standards. The Corsa C also became a star performer and sold 2.5 million units.

Act Four: Opel Corsa D - 2006 to 2014

Like the Opel Corsa B, the three and five-door versions went their separate ways: the three-door Opel Corsa had unique, coupé-like styling aimed at sporty customers, just like the original Opel Corsa A. The five-door variant became a spacious, fully-fledged family car. Opel Corsa D was just under four meters long. With Opel’s ecoFLEX technology, the Corsa had fuel-saving Start/Stop systems and highly efficient engines. The fourth generation reached sales of 2.8 million units.

Act Five: Opel Corsa E - Since 2014

With 750,000 orders to date, the fifth Corsa generation is also built in the Opel plants in Zaragoza and Eisenach as three and five-door variants. Eisenach is also home to production of the Opel ADAM family, so now the Corsa has little brothers – just like the Kadett once had the Corsa.

^[1] With low-rolling-resistance tires.

!NEW! Opel Corsa: Success Story in Five Acts

The journey to becoming a multi-million bestseller: 12.3 million Corsas sold in 32 years

32 years of success: Opel Corsa A, B, C, D and E

In the beginning there was the Opel Kadett. Introduced by Opel in 1936, it was a fully-fledged car at an affordable price, and was designed to bring mobility to more people at a time when driving a car was still real luxury. The Opel brand then really took off in the era of Germany’s ‘economic miracle’ during the 1960s and early 1970s with the arrival of the Kadett A and B. In the process, customers quickly became more discerning as their prosperity increased and the small Kadett became larger and more powerful, moving closer to the mid-size class with the arrival of each version. This created a slot below what had become Rüsselsheim’s classic entry-level model. So the time was right to fill the gap with a new, genuine small car – enter the Opel Corsa.

Act One: 1982 to 1993 - Corsa A 

Opel Corsa A Luxus, 1982.

The Corsa A featured close-coupled proportions within a short length of just 3.62 meters. It had bold, flared wheel-arches like a rallye car and an exceptionally low 0.36 drag coefficient which was possibly record-breaking for its class. Chief designer Erhard Schnell had created a sporty small car with crisp, chiseled lines, intended to particularly appeal to ‘the man of the house’. The highlight was the 100 hp Corsa GSi, and diesel power was also introduced. The two-door hatch- and notchback line-up was expanded in 1985 with the addition of the popular five-door model. The Corsa A became a highly-acclaimed, top seller with 3.1 million units built.

Opel Corsa A GSi, 1987.

Opel Corsa A Swing, 1988.

Act Two: 1993 to 2000 - Corsa B

Opel Corsa B Joy, 1993.

Despite the success of Corsa A, the decision was taken in Rüsselsheim to position its successor as a real ‘ladies’ darling’. Opel design legend Hideo Kodama set to work and created a much rounder, softer Corsa, with appealing ‘saucer-eye’ headlamps which perfectly fit with cute, child-like looks. The Corsa B was ten centimeter longer and much more spacious inside. It also introduced higher safety standards to its segment, including ABS cadence braking, side-impact protection and front airbags. For special markets, next to the hatchback Opel again offered a notchback as well as station wagon and pick-up variants. Gasoline engines already had fuel-injection technology and catalytic converters, while the GSi featured 16 valves and diesel power was now turbo-charged. The second Corsa was successful around the world, and sales topped the four million mark.

Opel Corsa B GSi 16V, 1993.

Opel Corsa B Swing, 1997.

Act Three: 2000 to 2006 - Corsa C

Opel Corsa C 3-door, 2000.

In the spirit of never changing a winning team, Hideo Kodama was again asked to design the shape of the Corsa C. The styling was consciously oriented towards its successful predecessor. The new Corsa grew again by ten centimeter in length and had a wide stance with a longer wheelbase, which greatly increased interior space. For the first time, the body was fully galvanized. Sophisticated four-valve ECOTEC gasoline and new direct-injection turbo diesel engines ensured strong power, low fuel consumption and lowest emission values – all variants already complied to the stringent Euro 4 emission standards. The Corsa C also became a star performer and sold 2.5 million units.

Opel Corsa C 5-door, 2001.

Act Four: 2006 to 2014 - Corsa D

Opel Corsa D 3-door, 2006. 

From now on, the three and five-door versions go their separate ways: the three-door Corsa has unique, coupé-like styling aimed at sporty customers, just like the original Corsa A. The five-door variant becomes a spacious, fully-fledged family car. The current Corsa D is still less than four meters in length, having grown to exactly 3.999 meters. With Opel’s ecoFLEX technology, the Corsa has fuel-saving Start/Stop systems and highly efficient engines. The 1.3 CDTI ecoFLEX version consumes just 3.3 l/100 km over the combined cycle and emits only 88 g/km CO2. The fourth generation Corsa is now coming to the end of its production run, having sold 2.8 million units to date. Through four model generations, a total of 12.3 million Opel Corsas have been sold, with 11.7 million of them in Europe alone.

Opel Corsa D OPC, 2007.

Opel Corsa D 5-door, 2011.

Opel Corsa D OPC Nürburgring Edition , 2011.

Act Five: From 2014 - Corsa E

Opel Corsa E 3-door, 2014.

Before the end of the year, customers will be enjoying the new Corsa E. The fifth generation will also be built in the Opel plant in Zaragoza and in Eisenach as three-door and five-door variants. Eisenach is also home to production of the Opel ADAM, which is now the Corsa’s little brother – just like the Corsa once was to the Kadett. So time passes by for cars, just like for people, and children grow up to be adults.

Opel Corsa E 5-door, 2014.