This as I conducted a review on the 1.2T Elegance recently.
I enjoyed every minute of it, from one shop to another, since one cannot travel outside Gauteng, as we observe the adjusted level 4 Covid-19 hardlock down regulations –now extended until 25 July (depending on the kind of job we do).
The Opel Corsa, is a sucker-punch at it comes packed with perky 3-cylinder, 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol engine that offers up generous outputs of 96 kW and 230 Nm torque.
I did the 6-speed automatic and does a good job from shifting cogs with little fuss, to its responsive and refined as the DSG (direct-shift automatic gearbox).
It claims a reasonable average consumption figure of 6.3 L/100 km and during our test, we saw returns of around 6.7 L/100 km. Kudos to that Corsa- of course!
The new Corsa is light, weighs 980 kg and sits some 48 mm lower than the previous-generation. The mass has been reduced by some 15 kg thanks to its aluminium engine construction, plus the German hatchback slips more effortlessly through the air than its competitors by virtue of a drag coefficient of just 0.29.
As indicated, I went from one shop to another, so the Corsa can execute quick and nimble overtaking manoeuvres on the highway, so are at robots. I did that more than once to check if it can stand its ground…
Turn offs: leg room limitations. If you have a bigger body its not deal for YOU. So is the luggage space capacity of 309. Period.
But the interior is exciting that comes packed with key features that include a 180-degree reverse-view camera, lane-keeping assist, traffic-sign recognition, forward-collision alert, front pedestrian detection and collision-mitigation braking. A total of 6 airbags is fitted along with ABS with EBD and electronic stability control with traction control.
The 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system is rather basic, but its menus are easy to navigate and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are supported. The rim of the steering wheel is wrapped in leather and the tiller further features mounted controls for the audio system, Bluetooth telephony and cruise control. This flagship derivative is also fitted with heated front seats- it was put to use one evening, when I and my ‘partner in crime’ decided to explore Vaal for a weekend. Let’s say what a bore…
The 1.2T Elegance delivers an admirable blend of efficiency, excellent road manners and agile handling. It is fitted with 16-inch alloy wheels (standard) and it can be hustled into bends (at enthusiastic speeds) with confidence, which adds a fun factor to the driving experience.
Its steering provides notable positive feedback; we found it to be suitably responsive to inputs too.
In terms of ride quality, the Corsa prioritises comfort – which is a boon on the daily commute.
As we say, ‘the public responded positively and kept enquiring about this new ‘babe?’
The top-of-the-range Corsa 1.2T Elegance we tested retails for R386 900.
It comes with a 3-year/120 000 km warranty and a 3-year/45 000 km service plan included.
Shall await the report on the sport edition- or kanjani (Stellantis owners of Corsa and other world’s top brands)?
Verdict
Performance 1-10 (6)
Fuel 1-10 (5)
Image SLM (The top of the range Corsa 1.2T Elegance might be space limited but it sure has a good torque).
