What's the news?
Fancy an Opel Corsa, but want it to look a bit more mean and macho? Well, good news, as Opel is launching the Corsa GSi, which will come with the looks and some of the handling of the hot-rod OPC model, but not the price, running costs, or insurance costs.
The Cora GSi gets an OPC-style body kit with deeper front airdam and more air intakes, a vented bonnet and a rear spoiler. There's also a honeycomb-style grille and carbon-effect caps for the door mirrors. At the back, there's a jaunty chrome exhaust pipe.
Inside, there's a three-spoke sports steering wheel and optional high-backed Recaro bucket seats, as well as a leather gear shifter and aluminium pedals. There's also the IntelliLink touchscreen infotainment system, which comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Best of all, the GSi will get the same sharp chassis settings as the OPC version, which means it should be something of a joy to drive, and it comes with red brake calipers, which Opel says combine to "ensure precise athleticism, outstanding handling and short braking distances." Not sure how caliper paint shortens the braking distance, but hey-ho. You can also have optional 18-inch light alloy wheels.
"We are continuing our long GSi tradition with the new Corsa GSi. There was already an especially sporty variant of the very first Corsa, which is a sought after classic-to-be. Our latest athlete will set new standards in the segment with its OPC sports chassis," said Peter Küspert, Opel Managing Director Sales and Marketing.
Opel says that thanks to the GSi's chassis being tuned on the legendary Nurburgring race track, the Corsa GSi has a genuine 'touring-car feeling' and that it is "a cornering virtuoso." No definite word on either available engines or Irish sales, but we are getting the Insignia GSi models so there's hope.