- Brian Byrne
Corsa is refreshed, gets new engines
27 June 2003: Opel has refreshed the Corsa, with some changes to styling elements and the provision of new engines.
New 1.3 litre and 1.7 litre common rail turbo-diesel engines of 70 hp and 100 hp outputs are included in the new engine range, as is a newly developed 1.4-litre ECOTEC petrol engine of 90 hp output with with Opel's TWINPORT technology which is said to improve fuel consumption by up to 23 per cent.
The Corsa 1-litre TWINPORT 60 hp engine consumes 0.2 litres less fuel per 100 kms than its predecessor version, while offering more power and torque.
The car's electric, speed-sensitive power steering is more responsive and thanks to a shorter steering ratio the new edition Corsa features improved handling.
The "Easytronic" automated manual transmission is now available for all petrol engines up to 1.4-litre and for the new 1.3 CDTI. Besides the new engines, an adaptive service interval indicator makes the Corsa even more economical to operate.
The new edition Corsa’s exterior features a new front grille in Opel's characteristic trapezoidal shape and distinctive 3D ellipsoid headlamps with three cylindrical lamps for low beam, high beam and blinkers in upper specification versions.
The front and rear bumpers are colour-keyed and come with integrated inserts to protect them against minor collisions. In the interior new upholstery material and colours provide a fresh ambience.
Equipment of all Corsas now includes a Brake Assistant and a "follow me home" light function, which provides exterior lighting after the car is parked. The rear seat bench can now be locked in two different upright positions. Both the seat back and rear seat bench cushions can be folded separately.
A 40/60 split rear seat bench comes as standard equipment beginning with the Enjoy equipment line. On request the electronic stability programme ESP, a speed regulator and xenon headlamps will also be available starting in the autumn.
Service intervals are now two years of 30,000 km for petrol versions and 50,000 km for diesels. A new, adaptive interval indicator also takes into account the individual driving profile and informs car owners on a cockpit display when the next service is necessary.
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