2014 Corsa E / Mk5

Opel celebrates 120 years with a special edition Corsa

In 2019, Opel is celebrating 120 years of automotive production, and thereby 120 years full of innovations for car lovers around the globe.

The Opel brand has a reputation spanning well over a century of pioneering high-tech advancements and quickly bringing them to series production.

'Made for everyone'

This approach to vehicle manufacturing makes mobility affordable for many and Opel cars safer, cleaner, more comfortable and more practical.

The 120 years advertising campaign, 'Opel. Born in Germany. Made for everyone' is based on this philosophy.

Today this philosophy matches the Corsa more than any other model in its category.

The Corsa is as suited to singles and couples as this legendary model in the line-up is to whole families.

'Democratisation of mobility'

It, therefore, comes as no surprise that more than 13.5 million Corsa models have been produced worldwide since 1982. The model thus plays a leading role in the German brand’s 120 year anniversary.

Across the range, the brand offers features more often found only in much more expensive cars.

Now in its fifth generation, the Corsa is a typical example of the automaker’s 'democratisation of mobility'.

The brand in general and the Corsa '120 Years' in particular, show that it is a core brand characteristic to always offer customers more than they expect in the respective vehicle categories in which the brand competes.

Opel has been in South Africa for 80+ years and has the positive reputation of always offering luxury-level specifications that stamps a German-engineered punch high above their price category.

Based on the ever-popular Corsa Enjoy, this commemorative model boasts many extra styling and specification features including the New Tech Pack III with Front/Rear Park-Assist and Rear-View Camera, Window Side Lower Beltline with Chrome Moulding, ‘OPEL‘ Door Sill Plate, Up-market ‘Allure‘ Jet Black Cloth Trim and Velour Floor Mats (Black with ‘120 Years‘ Stitching).

Pricing is still to be confirmed, with the first models expected for arrival in March.

https://www.wheels24.co.za/NewModels/opel-celebrates-120-years-with-a-special-edition-corsa-20190221


Corsa.JPG
 
Opel South Africa Introduces Limited Edition Corsa 120 Years

To celebrate Opel's 120 years, the local arm of the brand has released the Corsa 120Year Special Edition, which goes on sale from the middle of March 2019.

The Opel Corsa is a solid player in the compact car segment. In 1.0 T Enjoy spec, it bagged a category win in our Cars.co.za Consumer Awards event in 2017. However, the game has moved on significantly, and there are updates to established players and new contenders for the plucky Corsa to deal with.

With the market challenges in mind, Opel has launched the Corsa 120Y Special Edition, which is based on the Corsa Enjoy, but with a few additional features. It retains its 1.0-litre turbocharged 3-cylinder motor which produces 66 kW and 170 Nm. It should be reasonably frugal at the pumps, with a claimed consumption figure 4.6 L/100 km.

Safety & Convenience:
Rear-view Camera
Front & Rear Park-Assist
ABS / ESP / HSA
Driver & Passenger, Front Seat Side & Curtain Airbags
ISOFIX Child Seat Anchorage
Anti-Theft Alarm & Immobiliser
Remote-Controlled Central Locking

Connectivity:
7-inch touchscreen Opel IntelliLink Infotainment System with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
6 Premium Speakers

Styling:
16-inch Gun Metal Silver Alloy Wheels
Upgraded 'Allure' Cloth Trim
Unique 'Opel' Door Sill Plates
Stylish Beltline - Chrome Moulding
Velour Floor Mats with Embroidered '120Y' Logo

Economy:
Urban (l/100 km) - 5.6
Extra-Urban (l/100 km) - 4.1
Combined Cycle (l/100 km) - 4.6

Opel Corsa 120Y Special Edition Price in South Africa (March 2019)
R259 900

https://www.cars.co.za/motoring_new...oduces-limited-edition-corsa-120-years/46295/

Corsa.JPG
 
Limited edition Corsa has arrived in showrooms

fanatic, and if the Corsa holds a special place in your heart, you’ll be pleased to note that the brand’s limited edition Corsa 120Y is now available at your friendly neighbourhood Opel dealer. The Corsa 120Y celebrates Opel’s 120 years in the vehicle industry.

On the in-car entertainment front, you get an 18cm touchscreen Opel IntelliLink Infotainment System with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support as well as six premium speakers to rattle the neighbourhood with.

Sporty styling comes standard too, with 16-inch Gun Metal Silver alloys thrown in, as well as unique trim pieces that include 120Y logos.

Surprisingly it won’t cost much more than a standard Corsa Sport model, albeit with the brand’s smaller 1.0T engine beating under the bonnet.

Priced at R259 900, the CORSA 120Y is as suited to singles and couples as it is to families.

https://www.iol.co.za/motoring/cars/opel/limited-edition-corsa-has-arrived-in-showrooms-20659702

6BAD7C3D-9A4C-420B-9698-112970EB92C9.jpegCCDF0153-69B8-4F05-88FF-A4AE2AC60CBC.jpeg
 
Opel Corsa 120Y Special Edition (2019) Review

Fast Facts

Price: R259 900
Engine: 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder turbopetrol
Power/Torque: 66 kW / 170 Nm
Gearbox: 6-speed manual
Fuel Economy: 4.6 L/100km

Pricing and warranty

The Opel Corsa 120Y Special Edition is priced at R259 900 and is sold with a 3-year/120 000 km warranty and 3-year/60 000km service plan.

Verdict

This special edition Corsa wasn’t as special as we’d hoped it would be and we think Opel could have done a bit more in the way of features and styling to make it a more compelling proposition for buyers.

Nonetheless, the Opel still offers good performance and handling ability despite its advancing years. Its leading rivals may be a few steps ahead in terms of styling, interior execution (design and, in some aspects, equipment), spaciousness and practicality, but the Corsa is comparatively well-priced and -specced compared with newer rivals, which makes it worthy of consideration if you're not shopping for a mid-spec compact hatch.

However, we do feel that the case for the Corsa 120Y Special Edition just isn’t quite strong enough, especially when other older offerings such as the Renault Clio and even the Mazda2 offer more value in terms of features for about the same money. The game appears to have moved too far and perhaps the new Corsa will turn the tables in Opel’s favour when it arrives in South Africa in the not-too-distant future. Let's wait and see.

https://www.cars.co.za/motoring_news/opel-corsa-120y-special-edition-2019-review/46624/

Screenshot_20190509_192536.jpegScreenshot_20190509_192549.jpegScreenshot_20190509_192605.jpegScreenshot_20190509_192624.jpegScreenshot_20190509_192637.jpegScreenshot_20190509_192652.jpeg
 
DRIVEN: Opel Corsa 1,0T Enjoy 120Y Special Edition

Buyers looking for a small hatchback are currently rather spoiled for choice. There’s the ubiquitous Volkswagen Polo, the dynamic Ford Fiesta and, for those who like to stand out, the stylish Mazda2. Of course, I’m sure you can think of a few more rivals from Japan and South Korea, but there's another forgotten option from Germany...

Yes, the Opel Corsa is often overlooked by buyers in South Africa. It isn’t a bad car by any means, yet it doesn’t enjoy the popularity the aforementioned rivals do in our market. So, when a special-edition Corsa dubbed the “120Y” made an appearance in our garage, I was keen to get behind the wheel in an attempt to work out why Corsa sales are sluggish when compared to its competitors.

Let’s start with the “120Y” bit. Launched to celebrate the German automaker producing cars for 120 years, the Corsa 120Y boasts a few subtle updates over the Enjoy counterpart on which it is based. A reverse camera, along with front and rear parking sensors, come as standard, as do a unique cloth interior, floor mats and door-sill strips.

In summary, the Corsa 120Y is a competent package for someone looking for a well-specified hatchback in the R250 000 range. However, competent doesn’t really cut it these days, with really good examples such as the aforementioned Fiesta and Polo available for similar money. Still, there's good news for fans of Opel in the shape of the new-generation Corsa, which is expected in South Africa late in 2020. Perhaps the newcomer will give the established hatches a run for their money.


FAST FACTS

Model: Opel Corsa 1,0T Enjoy 120Y Special Edition
Price: R259 900
Engine: 1,0-litre, 3-cylinder turbo
Power: 66 kW @ 3 700 r/min
Torque: 170 N.m @ 1 800 r/min
0-100 km/h: 12,70 seconds
Top Speed: 180 km/h
Fuel Consumption: 6,10 L/100 km
CO2: 107 g/km
Transmission: six-speed manual
Service Plan: 3-year/60 000 km

https://www.carmag.co.za/car-review...en-opel-corsa-10t-enjoy-120y-special-edition/

568972052_3.jpeg568972052_1.jpeg568972052_4.jpeg568972052_2.jpeg
 
Nearly-new buying guide: Vauxhall Corsa

With an all-new model just months away, there are some cracking deals on offer for Vauxhall's supermini

The Corsa was the UK’s fourth-best-selling new car in June, a position it also holds in the current year-to-date rankings. That’s impressive for a car that, under the skin, dates back to 2006, when it was codenamed the Corsa D.

The model under the microscope here is the Corsa E, launched in 2014. The change of letter suggests it was a lot more than a makeover. In fact, apart from some additional stiffening and revised locations for the suspension pick-up points, the platform was as before.

Where the model’s step up the alphabet was more than justified was in its new engines and revised steering and suspension tailored for British roads but, most noticeable of all, its change of clothes. Apart from the roof, every panel was new. Inside, the car got a new interior featuring soft-touch plastics, better ventilation controls and a smarter music system. All but the most basic models gained Vauxhall’s IntelliLink infotainment system.

Back in 2014, you could have your Corsa with a bewildering range of engines: a couple of naturally aspirated 1.2 and 1.4 petrols, a super-smooth 1.0-litre turbocharged triple in 89bhp and 113bhp outputs, a torquey 1.4 turbo in 99bhp and 148bhp flavours and a pair of fleet-friendly, Euro 6-compliant 1.3 CDTi diesels producing 74bhp and 94bhp. At the top of the pile sat the 202bhp 1.6 turbo in the VXR.

The triples are worth seeking out but, if you want a little more oomph, choose the 99bhp 1.4 turbo.

And then in 2018, they were all replaced by a quartet of Euro 6.2-compliant 1.4 petrol engines producing 74bhp, 89bhp, 99bhp and 148bhp. The 74bhp is plentiful and fine for town but you should hold out for the turbocharged 99bhp unit. The 148bhp engine is brisk but expensive.

At launch, there were no fewer than 11 trims, but by 2018, they had fallen back to around nine, which is where they remain. Avoid the most basic and go mid-range, seeking out a combination of alloy wheels, air conditioning and 7.0in touchscreen featuring IntelliLink. On this basis, the Energy trim level gets our vote. Another is Sport, which is based on Energy and adds sports seats and pedals.

With their special paint schemes, Red and Black Edition cars are fun and Griffin is good value but isn’t available with the later 99bhp 1.4 turbo engine.

https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/used-cars/nearly-new-buying-guide-vauxhall-corsa

Corsa 1.jpgCorsa 2.jpgCorsa 3.jpgCorsa 4.jpgCorsa 5.jpgCorsa 6.jpg
 
Opel Corsa (2015-2020) Buyer’s Guide

Is the Opel Corsa a good car?

The X15-generation Corsa found itself competing against a throng of compelling B-segment hatchbacks, including the 6th- and 7th-generation (German-built) Ford Fiesta as well as the locally produced 5th- and 6th-generation Volkswagen Polo. Other mainstream contenders in this space at the time included the Renault Clio IV, the 2nd-gen Hyundai i20, the Kia Rio Mk4, the 3rd-gen Honda Jazz and the Mazda2 Mk3.

Later examples of the 3rd-gen Toyota Yaris might also be worth considering, while the French duo of the Peugeot 208 and Mk3 Citroën C3 covered the left-field choices. Alternatives to the Corsa Sport and GSi, meanwhile, included the Chevrolet Sonic RS, which employed a slightly detuned version of the same turbocharged 1.4-litre mill, and the naturally aspirated Suzuki Swift Sport (Mk2).

Thanks in part to a lifecycle punctuated by disruptive changes in brand ownership and local distribution (and effectively extended by the pandemic), this generation of Opel Corsa is perhaps a little under-appreciated in South Africa. As a result, there aren’t as many available on the used market as you might think.

Still, since demand is likewise relatively low, there are sometimes highly attractive deals available for buyers who have their wits about them. That makes this version of the Opel Corsa – the last before the move to PSA platforms and powertrains – an interesting and potentially value-packed used alternative to the likes of the more popular Polo.

 
Top
Sign up to the MyBroadband newsletter
X