History Opel Corsa

The Opel Corsa celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2022, a real milestone for the big German car brand. When it was launched in 1982, the Opel Corsa caused a real revolution in the small car class. The Corsa is now in its sixth generation and the model is as popular as ever. Last year, the Corsa was one of the best-selling cars in several countries and the new electric Opel Corsa-e won several awards.

Opel Corsa, the beginning

To fully understand the Corsa's popularity since its debut in 1982, it is first necessary to look at another successful model: the Opel Kadett. Initially a small car about 3.8 metres long, conceived and designed for the general public, it first appeared on public roads in 1937. As time went on, the Kadett became bigger and more powerful, creating a demand for a smaller and more compact model. So it was high time for a new, truly small car - time for the Corsa. The Corsa rolled off the production line at the newly built car plant in Zaragoza for the first time in autumn 1982 and was an instant success right from the start. To date - 40 years after its launch - more than 14 million units have left the factory, most of them produced in Zaragoza and Eisenach.

This success is due in no small part to the numerous technologies introduced in the various Corsa generations, which were previously only available in more expensive cars. These include safety and assistance systems such as ABS and airbags, as well as the front camera with distance indicator, traffic sign recognition and lane keep assist, and most recently the adaptive, glare-free Intelli-Lux LED® Matrix light. The best-selling small car, now in its sixth generation, demonstrates its ability to innovate again and again and be ready for the future. Since 2019, it is also completely emission-free for the first time: as the electric Opel Corsa-e. Which models preceded it?

Opel Corsa A 1983-1993

The Corsa A was a compact car with a length of just 3.62 metres. It had bold, flared wheel arches (reminiscent of a rally car) and an exceptionally low drag coefficient of 0.36 that was potentially record-breaking for its class. Chief designer Erhard Schnell had designed a sporty little car with sharp, sporty lines, meant to appeal especially to 'the gentleman of the house'. The highlight was the 100 hp Corsa GSi and the diesel engine also made its appearance. The range of two-door hatchbacks and sedans was expanded in 1985 with the addition of the popular five-door model. The Corsa A became an acclaimed bestseller with 3.1 million units built.

Opel Corsa B 1993-2000

Despite the success of the number 1 Corsa, it was decided in Rüsselsheim to position its successor as a real "darling for women". Vauxhall design legend Hideo Kodama went to work and created a much rounder, softer Corsa, with attractive 'saucer-eyed' headlights meant to give the car a cute look. The Corsa B was ten centimetres longer and much roomier inside than its predecessor. It also introduced higher safety standards in its segment, including ABS cadence brakes, side impact protection and front airbags. For special markets, Opel again offered a sedan in addition to the hatchback, as well as station wagon and pick-up variants. Petrol engines already had fuel injection technology and catalytic converters, while the GSi had 16 valves and the diesel engine was now turbocharged. The second Corsa was successful around the world, selling more than four million units.

Opel Corsa C 2000-2006

You shouldn't change a formula for success, and so Hideo Kodama was again asked to design the Corsa C. The look of this model deliberately focused on its successful predecessor. The Corsa grew again by ten centimetres to a total length of just under 3.84 metres and was given a wider stance with a longer wheelbase, greatly increasing interior space. For the first time, the bodywork was fully galvanised. Advanced four-valve ECOTEC petrol engines and new direct-injection turbo-diesel engines provided high power, low fuel consumption and the lowest emission values - all variants already met Euro 4 emission standards. The Corsa C also became a success, selling 2.5 million units.

Opel Corsa D 2006-2014

From now on, the three- and five-door versions will go their separate ways: like the original Corsa A, the three-door Corsa has unique, coupé-like styling aimed at sporty customers. The five-door variant will be a spacious, fully - fledged family car. Less than four metres long, the Corsa D was now exactly 3,999 metres long. With Opel's ecoFLEX technology, the Corsa had fuel-saving Start/Stop systems and highly efficient engines. The 1.3 CDTI ecoFLEX version consumes just 3.3 l/100 km over the combined cycle and emits just 88 g/km of CO2 (according to NEDC). More than 2.9 million units of the fourth-generation Corsa were sold.

Opel Corsa E 2014-2019

Dynamic, practical and stylish, the Corsa E is also a bestseller with around 1.3 million units sold. The fifth generation is also built at the Opel plants in Zaragoza and in Eisenach. For the first time, the car crosses the four-metre mark and offers high comfort and top technologies over a length of 4.02 metres. Naturally, a heated steering wheel, seat heating and automatic climate control are present, as are the front camera with distance indicator, traffic sign recognition and Lane Keep Assist.Corsa drivers are optimally connected with the Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatible IntelliLink infotainment systems, including a seven-inch colour touchscreen. The sporty flagship model of the small car is initially the 152 kW (207 hp) Corsa OPC and later the Corsa GSi with 110 kW (150 hp).

Opel Corsa F, the electric version from 2019

Opel is ready for the future with the latest Corsa. The latest generation of the small car, which had its world premiere at the 2019 Frankfurt International Motor Show, is also available as an all-electric, emission-free version. A real highlight is also the adaptive, glare-free Intelli-Lux LED® Matrix lighting, which Opel also offers for the first time in the small car segment with the current Corsa. There are also numerous advanced assistance systems such as Forward Collision Alert with Automatic Emergency Braking and pedestrian detection, as well as radar-based Adaptive Speed Control, which make driving even safer and more relaxing. At 4.06 metres long, the five-seat Corsa remains exemplary in terms of handling, clear controls and usability. The coupé-style roofline is 48 millimetres lower than that of its predecessor, without sacrificing headroom. The driver sits 28 millimetres lower. The low centre of gravity benefits driving performance and handling. The latest Corsa is more direct and dynamic - for more fun behind the wheel. With this recipe for success, the small car is once again very popular and several countries the best-selling car in the small segment and has already won several awards. Not bad Vauxhall!

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