Purchasing your very first car is a big occasion in your life as it gives you independence from the public transport system or friends and family members that might have been transporting you around. Thus, if you have approached this big milestone in your life, you would want the car you purchase to be a good one.
In current times, first-time vehicle buyers are spoiled for choice with plenty of manufacturers having affordable options available across a variety of segments. It is because of this that we turn to Opel to find out if they have a vehicle that will suit the requirements of a first car.
What to look for in a first car
First and foremost, the vehicle buyer needs to be honest with themselves and recognize their daily needs from their mode of transport. If they are travelling often or over long distances, comfort and frugality will play a big role. However, if they are planning on starting a family, space and rear occupant safety will be important.
Vehicle buyers also need to keep their monthly budget in mind. You won't only be paying off the vehicle but will also need to pay the insurance premium, fuel and general maintenance expenses. For this reason, we will be focussing on only two of Opel's more affordable offerings.
Opel Corsa
The Corsa nameplate has been around for quite some time, however, the most recent models that were introduced locally in 2021 is far from the basic Corsa B that was prevalent between the 1990s and the mid-2000s. The Corsa F as it is designated at head office is available locally in four derivatives.
Two powertrain options feature within the range with the entry-level and one of the Edition variants featuring a 1.2-litre, naturally aspirated, 3-cylinder petrol engine coupled to a 5-speed manual transmission. This configuration results in 55 kW and 118 Nm of torque and an average claimed fuel consumption figure of 5.8 L / 100 km. In the other Edition variant, one will find a 1.2-litre, turbocharged, 3-cylinder petrol engine coupled to a 6-speed manual transmission developing 74 kW and 205 Nm of torque that claims to return an average claimed fuel consumption figure of 5.7 L / 100 km.
The current flagship or rather the Elegance derivative also features a 1.2-litre, turbocharged, 3-cylinder petrol engine, however, is mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission and produces 96 kW and 230 Nm of torque. This combination promises n average claimed fuel consumption figure of 6.3 L / 100 km. In terms of safety equipment, all four variants come with ABS brakes with electronic brake assist, traction control, stability control, hill-start assist, tyre pressure monitor and ISOfix mounting points on the outer rear seats as well as 6 airbags.
Pricing
| Opel Corsa 1.2 | from R 289 900 |
| Opel Corsa 1.2 Edition | from R 314 900 |
| Opel Corsa 1.2T Edition | from R 329 900 |
| Opel Corsa 1.2T Elegance | from R 403 900 |
*Pricing was correct at the time of writing this article, however, can change at any moment and without notice.
Opel Crossland
If you require more space or a little more utility, the Opel Crossland might be what you are looking for. Once again Opel is offer four derivatives of the model, and once again the range is powered by either a 1.2 naturally-aspirated or 1.2 turbocharged engine. The entry-level Crossland 1.2 in Edition guise comes fitted with the 1.2-litre, naturally-aspirated, 3-cylinder petrol engine, coupled to a 5-speed manual gearbox. This combination promises 60 kW and 118 Nm of torque and claims an average fuel consumption figure of 5.1 L / 100 km.
The Opel Crossland 1.2T Edition, Elegance and GS Line derivatives all come fitted with a 1.2-litre, turbocharged, 3-cylinder petrol engine coupled to a 6-speed automatic transmission developing 81 kW and 205 Nm of torque. This configuration claims to return an average claimed fuel consumption figure of 6.2 L / 100 km. Like with the Corsa range, all four variants come with ABS brakes with electronic brake assist, traction control, stability control, hill-start assist, tyre pressure monitor and ISOfix mounting points on the outer rear seats as well as 6 airbags.
Pricing
| Opel Crossland 1.2 Edition | from R 355 900 |
| Opel Crossland 1.2T Edition | from R 401 900 |
| Opel Crossland 1.2T Elegance | from R 427 900 |
| Opel Crossland 1.2T GS Line | from R 456 900 |
*Pricing was correct at the time of writing this article, however, can change at any moment and without notice.
Verdict
Although you might be able to get similarly sized and specified vehicles for slightly less, both these model ranges offer good safety levels and modern technology inside the cabin. Thus it is safe to say that Opel does indeed make for good first cars.
