We drove the Opel Corsa 1.4 T Sport. Is it worth splurging on, or should one stick with the smaller capacity engine?

Spirited Frugality

Just after returning the Opel Corsa 1.0T Enjoy this week, I immediately received the freshly launched Corsa 1.4T Sport. I was quite excited, because the 85kW Ecoflex engine in the 1.0 litre turbocharged Corsa was very lively, and I was expecting stellar performance from the Corsa Sport. Will the 110kW 1.4 litre turbocharged engine in the Corsa Sport blow me away?

Subtle sports kit

Exterior wise, the Corsa Sport has some OPC-line kit added, to differentiate it from the rest of the milder Corsa line-up, but it’s not too over-the- top. Subtle bumper extensions, side rocker mouldings, a sporty exhaust tip and faux carbon fibre mirror covers are the only things that reveal this Corsa’s more eager disposition. The Corsa Sport rides on 17- inch alloys.

As I entered the cabin of the Corsa Sport, everything looked very familiar. The cockpit layout, buttons and dials are exactly the same as in the 1.0 Enjoy, with glossy piano black inserts instead of the dark matte bits found in the 1.0T ‘Enjoy’ -variant. It’s a young and neat, albeit darkish interior, livened up by the touch screen of Opel’s IntelliLink system, seen in the higher-end Corsa variants and in the Opel Adam. Some small details from the athletic Corsa OPC have been carried over, such as the leather-covered gear knob, flat-bottom steering wheel and aluminium sports pedals. I was somewhat disappointed by the ‘Network Moonray Black’ cloth-covered seats. Not that they’re bad, but because they’re not leather. But bear in mind, the Corsa 1.4 T Sport costs R 255 200, which isn’t expensive, and leather seats would probably add another 10K to the price. But my question is whether the Corsa Sport truly is worth the extra dosh?

Driving the Corsa 1.4T Sport

The Corsa Sport’s 1.4-litre turbo engine offers 110 kW and 220Nm of torque, compared to the smaller capacity Corsa 1.0T’s 85kW and 170Nm. The Corsa Sport will complete the 0 – 100 km dash in 9.6 seconds, while the Corsa 1.0T will reach a 100 in 10.3 seconds – not much of a difference, really. The Corsa Sport has better handling though, with less bodyroll as one corners, but the steering isn’t firm enough. Opel says they’ve optimized handling performance in the Corsa Sport, by making a few changes to the front suspension geometry. Sport suspension is standard, so the ride is slightly stiffer. The Corsa Sport’s centre of gravity is also lower than the rest of the bunch, making it feel more agile.

Features & Mod-cons

The Corsa Sport is at the top of the Corsa line-up, and is comprehensively specced, with equipment such as standard IntelliLink, a reverse camera, rear park assist, rain-sensing wipers and front foglights. Bi-Xenon lights with Cornering Light Control were of considerable help to my slight night-blindness. The full list of features can be found by clicking here

Should you go out and buy one?

The Corsa Sport is fun to drive, yet easy on petrol, and our trip computer showed a consistent figure of 7.2 litres per 100, on the combined cycle. But I’d still stick to the entry-level Corsa 1.0T Essentia. At R185 000, the comprehensive safety kit and vivacious engine make for a very smart buy. The difference in power and driving dynamics between the Corsa Sport and the three-cylinder Corsa just isn’t big enough to justify the extra money. If it is true athleticism you’re after, I’d rather go for the Opel Corsa OPC      (R 294 100). It’s also due for an update, but Opel SA haven’t revealed a South African launch date just yet.

Facts & Figures

Price	: R 255 200
Transmission	: 6-speed manual
Engine	: four-cylinder, 1.4-litre, turbocharged petrol
Power	: 110 kW
Torque	: 220 Nm
Top speed	: 204 km/h
0 to 100 km/h	: 9.6 sec.
Fuel tank	: 45 litres
Realistic fuel consumption	: About 7 – 7.2 litres per 100 km’s (combined)
Boot size	: 285 litres
Warranty	: 5-years / 120 000 km, 3 year / 60 000 km service plan.
Also consider	: Ford Fiesta ST