The updated Opel Corsa will arrive in Ireland in November, with prices starting from €23,995. You'll easily spot it from the outside - it's the last Opel model standing which didn't have the wraparound black-panel 'Vizor' grille treatment and now, guess what? Yup, it has the Vizor. Looks smart, too.
New grille, new lights
There are sleek new headlights too, as well as some tweaks to the bumpers. Inside, the cabin gets a light refresh with some new trim, new software for the infotainment system and a new automatic gear selector switch.
Prices start from €23,995 for the 1.2 petrol version, with 75hp, a five-speed manual gearbox, in SC trim. Standard equipment includes rear parking sensors, active lane assist, cruise control with speed limiter, forward collision alert, enhanced traffic sign recognition, driver attention alert, tyre deflation detection, hill start assist, manual air conditioning, DAB radio, a 12V power outlet, electric front and rear windows and rain-sensing windscreen wipers as standard.
16-inch alloy wheels
Next up, and costing €25,295 with the same engine, is the Elegance trim, which adds a ten-inch colour touchscreen with HD graphics, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, seven-inch driver information cluster, front console USB connection, front and rear parking distance sensors with panoramic rearview camera, side blind spot alert with side distance alert, 16-inch alloy wheels and power-folding mirrors, as standard.
Finally, there's the GS trim, which with the same 1.2 75hp engine costs €26,595. Standard equipment includes 17-inch alloy wheels, LED front fog lights, heated steering wheel, heated front seats, front centre armrest with storage and two cup holders, high gloss black B-pillars and a black painted roof.
Hybrid and EV on the way
The 1.2-litre petrol engine won't be the only powertrain available. The Corsa is, for the first time ever, going hybrid with a new 1.2-litre 48-volt mild-hybrid system. Plus there's the upgraded electric Corsa-e, which will get a new 54kWh (gross capacity) battery and a range of up to 405km. Expect that one to be pretty expensive, though.
James Brooks, Opel Ireland Managing Director, said: "The Corsa has been a bestseller across Europe for more than 40 years. With its stunning design, state-of-the-art technologies from higher segments and new, emission-free electric and hybrid technology, we aim to inspire customers even more with our new Corsa. Arriving just in time for the all-important 241-registration plate in Ireland, I have every confidence we will regain share in this still important segment."