Opel Corsa test drive: make sure to check these features out!
As one of the last Opels to be released before General Motors sold off this German manufacturer to the PSA Group, it was only a matter of time before a new-generation, Peugeot-based Corsa would arrive on local shores. South Africa still has a number of GM-derived Corsas available to buy, though, and customers looking for something different really should consider it. Take one for a test drive, and check out these nifty features!
Before the PSA take-over, Opel prided themselves on their new philosophy of offering upper-class technology in non-premium-branded products. In fact, when the outgoing Corsa first arrived here in 2015, it introduced an impressive list of equipment to the local supermini sector, with features that have only recently become commonplace in its market segment. Some of them are standard across the range, although some toys are only available as options or unique to certain variants. These include:
1. Driver Assistance Packs
This equipment package is exclusive to the range-topping Corsa 1.4 GSi 1.4T, and adds forward collision alert, following distance indication, traffic sign recognition, lane departure alert, and an auto-dimming rear-view mirror. Other Corsas, with the exception of the entry-level 1.0T derivative, offer a parking assist system with front- and rear parking sensors as an option, but the Corsa 1.0T Enjoy 120Y adds this (and a rear-view camera) as standard equipment.
Related: Find out more about the Opel Corsa 1.0T Enjoy 120Y in this review.
2. Colour touchscreen infotainment
Named Opel IntelliLink, this 7-inch display unit was one of the very first such systems in this segment to offer smartphone mirroring, and it’s standard across the range. In addition, the audio system features 6 speakers, USB/Bluetooth compatibility, and interfaces seamlessly with the parking sensors and rear-view camera (when fitted) to enable safer parking-speed driving.
Sure, the user interface is a bit dated by now, but there’s no denying that it’s still very competitive when compared to many newer superminis, and better than most alternatives at the entry-level Corsa’s price point.
Related: Is the Opel Corsa good for families? Let’s take a closer look!
3. High-end comfort- and convenience items
These features are only fitted to the range-topping GSi trim level, but they add some pretty esoteric elements to the Corsa’s make-up. Automatic climate control, a heated windscreen, heated steering wheel and front Recaro seats, cruise control, auto-on headlights and wipers, bi-xenon headlamps, and cornering lamps are all added to the high-end variant.
This is in addition to the OPC-inspired body styling kit, sports suspension, sports steering wheel, and 18-inch alloy wheels that also feature on the Corsa GSi. Don’t think of the Corsa GSi as a junior hot hatch, however – it’s mainly a cosmetic- and features pack, because it’s 110 kW/230 Nm power plant and 1 214 kg kerb weight won’t make for scorching performance.
Related: We reviewed the Opel Corsa GSi, and loved its racy styling and feature content.
