Recently, more and more motorists are transplanted from large cars to compact compact cars. Typically, this trend is observed in megacities. There are reasons for this. The compact car is compact (which does not cause parking problems), does not require expensive maintenance and is economical in terms of fuel consumption. Now there are many models of this class. Today we will consider the German representative - Opel Corsa. Reviews, features, photos and technical specifications are further in our article.
Description
“Corsa” is a German subcompact hatchback produced in three- or five-door versions. The machine is especially popular in Western Europe (particularly in the UK, where it is sold under the Voxhall brand name). She is in the top 10 best-selling cars. Opel Corsa is also supplied to the South American market. However, there the car is sold a little under a different brand - Chevrolet.
Appearance
The car has a bright, yet modern design. The car has mainly smooth forms with "good" headlights. The latter, by the way, are equipped with regular lenses. However, xenon is not in all trim levels of the Opel Corsa. Responses of owners note that full-time optics shine quite well.
There are also fog lights that are located at the bottom of the bumper in a gill-shaped neckline. The car has a nice silhouette. Depending on the configuration, disks from 14 to 17 inches are installed here. But if you make an Opel Corsa car tuning, you need to be careful. Not every alloy wheel is suitable for departure. If the wheels are improperly selected (especially if they are of a non-standard size), rubber can cling to the arches.
Opel Corsa: dimensions, clearance
This German hatchback is one of the most compact in the class. So, this “shorty” has a length of 4 meters, a height of 1.48, and the width, taking into account the mirrors, is 1.94 meters. With folded mirrors, the width is slightly less - 1.71 meters.
Depending on the size of the wheels and the load, the ground clearance can be from 12.5 to 14 centimeters. But in any case, this is not enough for roads outside the paved surface. On the primer and deep holes you need to be extremely careful. Despite the short base, the geometric cross-country ability of this “baby” does not shine - reviews say.
Interior
The interior design of the Korsa car is standard. There are no special lines or expressive forms. The steering wheel is a three-spoke one with a small set of buttons and silver accents. The instrument panel is a pointer, with a digital odometer. On the center console is a pair of powerful deflectors and a CD radio control unit. Just below - the air conditioning adjustment washers. In the luxury versions, a five-inch on-board computer is located above the center console. The same was installed on the "Opel Vectra C". The screen has a nice orange suspension and is able to show information about the total and daily mileage, the current air temperature "overboard", as well as the remaining fuel in the tank and the mileage before refueling.
According to reviews, Opel Corsa has a slightly different quality of finishing materials than Vectra. The plastic here is tougher. Weak and soundproof. Due to the short base, there is very little rear space in the cabin. Also, the rear passengers are slightly pressured by the ceiling. But in general, as noted by the reviews, the interior of the Opel Corsa is comfortable and ergonomic. The seats are moderately hard and you do not get tired. The instrument on the instrument panel is easy to read, the steering wheel has a comfortable grip.
The owners also note a good level of equipment for a car of this class. In the basic configuration, there is air conditioning, front electric windows, central locking, two airbags, an electric power steering and standard speakers.
Trunk
The volume is not impressive, but for trips to the store it is quite enough. So, in the five-seater version, the trunk is designed for 285 liters. If you fold the rear row of seats, an even cargo area of 1050 liters in a three-door and 1100 in a five-door version is formed.
Opel Corsa: specifications
The car can be equipped with one of four proposed for the Russian market of internal combustion engines. The base is a 65 horsepower liter engine. This engine is paired with a five- speed gearbox. Acceleration to hundreds takes 18.2 seconds. The maximum speed is 155 kilometers per hour.
Next on the list is a 1.2-liter naturally aspirated engine with the unusual name XER-DOHC, developing 85 horsepower. A five-stage Izitronic robot works with it (its design is based on a manual transmission). Acceleration to hundreds - almost 15 seconds. The maximum speed is 172 kilometers per hour.
One of the most popular units in Russia is a 1.4-liter engine with a 16-valve head per 100 horsepower. With it, the car accelerates more dynamically. Up to a hundred on the mechanics - in 12.8 seconds. With the Japanese Aisin four-speed automatic - in 14.8 seconds. The maximum speed is 180 and 172 kilometers per hour for the first and second transmission, respectively. As for fuel consumption, all motors are about the same. For a hundred in the city, the car spends from seven to eight liters of the 95th. The most balanced in this regard is the 1.4-liter engine. It has an acceptable power and does not have a high "appetite" (7.2 per hundred in the city on the mechanics).
Diesel
Officially, diesel versions did not go to Russia. However, they are in Europe. The Germans used a 1.7-liter engine for 60 “horses” as a “solid fuel” unit. Power is not the highest, but due to the torque the car goes well from the bottom. Also this motor is economical. In the city, he spends about 5.5 liters of diesel. However, in Russian conditions, this unit did not take root. According to reviews, Opel Corsa diesel has problems with the exhaust gas recirculation system. The EGR valve is often dirty and the motor malfunctions.
OPC version
It is worth telling about it separately. The Germans love to put powerful motors in such cars. And "Corsa" was no exception. So, the OPC version is equipped with a 1.6-liter engine of the LEL series. It is a four-cylinder and has at its disposal a turbine. As a result, engine power is 150 horsepower. What do the reviews say about these versions?
The owners note that this engine is not designed for similar power, since it was made from a regular 1.4-liter aspirated. Therefore, problems often arise with the lubrication of the liners of the fourth connecting rod and the cooling of the last cylinder. Also, if the radiator becomes dirty, the engine may overheat and, as a result, deform the block head.
Are there any problems?
In general, the engines at the Opel Corsa are reliable and run about 250-300 thousand kilometers. Among the pitfalls can be noted "glitches" of the ignition module and control unit.
In order not to encounter premature repairs, you need to perform regular maintenance:
- Every 10 thousand kilometers, change the oil and filter.
- Every 30 thousand change the spark plugs.
- Clean the throttle at intervals of approximately 60 thousand kilometers.
- Every 60 thousand replace the timing belt. It is also necessary to change the tensioner.
As for the maslozhor, this phenomenon is observed only on turbocharged engines. Regular versions do not consume oil. However, these motors can snotty. Oil leaks around the block and valve cover are frequent. The reason for this is an ill-conceived ventilation system for crankcase gases.
As for the cooling system, you need to monitor the operation of electric fans. If they do not work, overheating is inevitable. Also, every five years it is recommended to replace the expansion tank cap. It has a special sensitive valve, which, if necessary, relieves the excess pressure generated inside.
About the box
Let's start with the mechanics. It has several weaknesses:
- Deterioration of the switch mechanism. It has a rod that can play after five years of operation. Repair can be done by installing a similar switch (“helicopter”) with “Daewoo Nexia.”
- Oil loss. It leaves through the breather of the switching mechanism and the oil seals of the drives. Once a year it is recommended to watch the level in the box. The oil itself changes every 60 thousand.
If we talk about the hatchback Opel Corsa with automatic transmission, then the Japanese Aisin transmission in it is very strong and reliable. Oil needs to be changed every 60 thousand kilometers. However, towing and overheating must not be carried out on it. It is also recommended to inspect the condition of the anthers of the CV joints. They can rush to 150 thousand kilometers.
Conclusion
So, we found out what the car "Opel Corsa". As you can see, the car, of course, is not without drawbacks. But they are insignificant, which allows us to fully exploit this car in our conditions. The machine is economical and unpretentious in maintenance. Definitely such a car is worthy of attention.