GM Opel Introduces Fourth-Generation Corsa; Diesel Model Offers 51 MPG US
19 July 2006
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| GM’s fourth-generation Corsa |
GM is introducing its fourth-generation Opel Corsa in three- and five-door versions at the British International Motor Show. The company has sold more than 9.4 million units of the predecessor models in Europe since 1982.
The small-car segment, into which the Corsa fits, is the second-largest in Europe with more than 20% of all passenger car sales.
At its market launch, the Corsa is available with three gasoline and two common-rail turbo-diesel ECOTEC engines, all of which feature four-valve technology. They range in displacement from .998 to 1.364 liters and cover an output range of 60 to 90 hp (44 to 66 kW).
Soon after the start of sales, a new 125 hp (92 kW), diesel 1.7 CDTI (1.686 liters) with particulate filter as standard will follow as the top-of-the-line unit. At 2,300 rpm, this engine produces 280 Nm (207 lb-ft) of torque via the five-bearing crankshaft, giving the Corsa some zip.
The new mid-range diesel Corsa with the 90 hp, 1.3 CDTI engine consumes around 4.6 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers (51 mpg US). The gasoline-fueled TWINPORT combines variable intake control and high rates of exhaust gas recirculation, and delivers fuel consumption of 5.8 l/100 kilometers (41 mpg US) from the mid-range 1.2-liter, 80 hp TWINPORT ECOTEC unit and Easytronic transmission needs only .
In addition to the five and six-speed manual transmissions (combined with the two more powerful diesel engines), and the automated Easytronic manual gearbox (option for the 1.2-liter gasoline unit), the Corsa 1.4 TWINPORT ECOTEC is also available with a four-speed automatic transmission.
The heading is a little misleading, as the diesel does not offer 51 MPG US, as it is not available in the...US. Does seem to be a nice car, nonetheless.
Posted by: Mark A | 19 July 2006 at 04:23 AM
It would seem that the writers have converted a Euro fuel consumption rating directly into USMpG. This is very misleading as the US and Euro emissions cycles are different.
US uses the FTP 75 cycle whereas the EU uses a MVEG Cycle which is very different.
Posted by: Ruaraidh | 19 July 2006 at 05:06 AM
I'd like to see this little car for sale in the US. It's a nice looking car with good stats; the 207 Ft/lbs of torque for the bigger engine is impressive, but 51mpg for the smaller engine would make a nice usable commuter car.
Posted by: Joe L | 19 July 2006 at 05:52 AM
They could either revamp the Aveo, or bring this to the US (with possible reworking of engine/engine type/powertrain/ exhaust, etc). They have got to make their sub-compact entry more competitive in MPG, styling, reliability, and profitability. Dito on other car catagories.
Posted by: allen Z | 19 July 2006 at 07:16 AM
If they were to bring this over you'd say bye bye to the diesel since the cost of meeting US emissions prices the vehicle out of the expected range it would be sold to. They would probably use the chassis as a Saturn and give it a 2.0L Ecotec gasoline engine.
Posted by: Patrick | 19 July 2006 at 08:14 AM
Maybe GM should consider merging/partnering with Opel instead of Renault. Wait... they already own Opel...
So why no new Opel's derived cars and engines in the US? Instead we get Daewoo Aveo's that get no better mpg than larger subcompacts.
No wonder Renault management looks like an improvement to some.
Posted by: nemo | 19 July 2006 at 08:18 AM
The fuel economy rating--for this vehicle, as for all non-US vehicles described on this site--is simply a conversion of liters/100km to miles per gallon US (as opposed to Imperial gallons) to provide an easily grasped means of comparison for those not comfortable with the metric system -- a volumetric comparison, not a mapping of the Euro, Japanese or any other test cycle to the US.
Posted by: Mike | 19 July 2006 at 09:01 AM
Don't get yourself to worked up. the opels that GM has imported, either as Opels, or as other GM Brands, have been flops. My guess is that you would be much happier and better off with a Honda Fit or a Toyota Yaris.
Posted by: Robert Schwartz | 19 July 2006 at 10:21 AM
To a certain extent, GM still does import Opels into the US, and typically badges them as Saturns. GM is a big company with some smart engineers and at least a few half-decent cars in production. When you ask yourself "why don't they sell this in the U.S.," chances are someone in GM has asked himself that same question months ago, and came up with a reason why they should or should not. Sometimes they get it wrong and fail to introduce a car that could do well, or bungle the introduction and cause it to do poorly. Sometimes GM is right, in the sense that some quirk or another in the U.S. market makes a Euro-suitable can unsuitable for the U.S. It could be emissions regulations, crash test standards, or urbanization/driving habits -- $6 gas, high taxes, narrow roads and difficult parking would lend extra appeal to the Ford Ka, even in the eyes of an old fashioned gearhead. Take away some of these pressures and the rush to buy a sub-subcompact goes down. This car is admittedly a class larger than the Ka, but that basically puts it into the smallest class recognized stateside, which isn't too hip.
Posted by: NBK-Boston | 19 July 2006 at 11:40 AM
My six year old VW TDI with 1.9L, 12 valve, 90HP way-old-tech rotary pump returns 52 mpg when driven conservatively (conservative in the good sense). I HOPE they're grossly underestimating the combined cycle fuel economy in this *way* newer 1.3L, 90HP engine. This car should be able to get at least 60 mpg.
-mt
Posted by: marshall | 19 July 2006 at 04:45 PM
Nemo-Id go with "maybe GM should try partnering with GMEurope". My obselete 03 Saab 93 2.2 turboD (34-44mpg) has virtually the same hp/nm specs as this new 1.7. Get below say 1.5L+twin-turbo and beating those NOx specs should be cake. Believe me I dont spend much time in the slow lane.
Posted by: [email protected] | 19 July 2006 at 06:49 PM
This car is built on the same platform as the Fiat Grande Punto introduced a year ago.
Posted by: Bernard | 20 July 2006 at 02:35 PM
Does Bob Lutz know he makes this?
Posted by: fred | 25 July 2006 at 11:36 PM
You are not paying attention. Opels are Saturn in the U.S. Check out the new Opel GT, or the new Antara (VUE). What is next? Don't think too hard. It will be the new Saturn turbo Diesel at 59MPG. It will be another run away sales success like the Sky and the AURA both designed and sold as Opel. Bob Lutz is way ahead of you.
Posted by: Bob | 26 September 2006 at 01:29 PM
I drove a Vectra 1.9 CDTi as a rental car on a recent business trip to England. Nice, mid sized car, very comfortable. I drove it pretty hard on the motorways 80-85 mph. I was quite suprised when after about 400 miles I calculated the gas mileage and found I was getting 43 mpg. Why doesn't GM bring their great diesel engines to the states?
Posted by: Peter | 24 July 2008 at 03:22 PM