OPEL has announced that from January 2010, the Corsa will get a comprehensive makeover, with some major engineering changes to further improve this class-leading model. An upgraded engine line-up, chassis improvements and a steering recalibration will give the Corsa increased performance and greater fuel economy – as well as superb passenger comfort, excellent handling and exciting driving dynamics.

The Corsa stays faithful to its exciting design, with sporty contours and one of the roomiest and best designed interiors in its class. It also features innovative technologies that remain exceptional in its segment.

These include the halogen AFL curve and cornering lights, a heated steering wheel and the integrated bicycle carrier system FlexFix which is unique to Opel. The Corsa, which accounts for some 30 per cent of Opel’s total sales, is available in two distinctly different variants: the coupé-like three-door and the family friendly five-door model.

 Much lower fuel consumption and increased output in the petrol engine line-up are other features of the next generation Corsa.

All petrol engines have been re-worked to offer more torque while featuring much lower fuel consumption and CO2 emissions:  

The 1.0-litre power output increases by 8 per cent to 65PS yet now emits only 117g/km, qualifying it for tax band A, with road tax of just €104pa.

The 1.2’s power increases by over 6 per cent to 85 PS, while CO2 emissions fall by almost 11 per cent with the manual transmission. Opel’s Easytronic automated manual transmission sees even larger reductions in CO2  - emitting  just 119g/km, this version now qualifies for tax band A.

The 1.4-litre’s power output increases by over 11 per cent to 100PS, while emissions decrease by a similar amount to just 129g/km, with a manual transmission and 134g/km for the automatic transmission which now moves to tax band B.

Performance and efficiency improvements were made possible through a number of technical changes:

A new oil pump reduces friction, lowering fuel consumption.

A newly developed double camshaft phaser on the 1.2 and 1.4-litre engines improves the combustion process, allowing increased power and torque.

A new management of the thermostat reduces the engine warm-up phase, further lowering fuel consumption and emissions.

A shift-up indicator (on some models) informs drivers how they can save fuel.

See Ennis Road Opel and Hincy’s of Garryspillane for test drive bookings.