Opel introduced the fifth-generation Corsa in 2014, replacing a model that was sold in various markets around the world for around eight years. Despite the new Corsa being a new car, Opel is already working on the next-generation version. Although it may seem a bit awkward, the reason for that is very simple: the current Corsa isn't exactly new. Even though every single body panel has been redesigned, the fifth-gen car is actually built on the same architecture, shared with the Fiat Punto, which makes it more than ten years old.

Likely to arrive next year, the new Corsa, also known as the Corsa F, will replace the current E model for the 2018 model year. As of October 2016, the compact is still being tested, and as you'll notice from the spy shots we just received, the car is camouflaged from bumper to bumper. Although the hatchback is the most popular version of the car in Europe, we'll discuss the sedan here. Not only an important vehicle for Opel on emerging markets, the four-door Corsa will also spawn a new General Motors vehicle.

The vehicle in the spy shots suggests a Buick version, but a Chevrolet is more likely. The "waterfall" grille is obviously a fake element that comes with the camouflage, but more importantly, Buick's Chinese equivalent of the Corsa, the Sail, was rebadged as a Chevrolet a little more than a decade ago. Unless GM is planning to revive the Buick Sail and give the brand a subcompact vehicle in China, the sedan we're looking at will only get Opel, Vauxhall, and Chevrolet logos.

Continue reading to learn more about the Opel Corsa Sedan.

Spy Shots

October 10, 2016 - First testing session

Exterior

The massive amount of camouflage on the prototype prevents us from seeing most of its styling features, but it's more than obvious that the Corsa will retain its overall shape and size. The wheelbase seems to be longer than the current model, while the overhangs are short, a trademark for modern compact cars and crossovers. Up front, we can see a pair of slender headlamps and a plastic grille behind the fake "Waterfall" element. Unlike its predecessor, the new Corsa will have its grille placed higher on the front fascia, which will make room for an additional vent in the bumper.

Around back, the sedan still features prototype taillights but, based on the arrangement, it's safe to assume that the production lights will run from the fenders toward the license plate recess. The layout also suggest slim clusters, which should give the four-door a sporty look from the rear. Much like all subcompacts, the Corsa sedan will have a short rear deck, a sloping roof, a simple bumper, and concealed exhaust pipes.

Interior

Note: 2015 Opel Corsa OPC interior shown here.

The interior of the car is still a mystery as of this writing, but it should be an evolution of the current design. The latter is pretty simple and clean, but feels modern thanks to the glossy dashboard, the big infotainment screen in the center stack, and the colored knobs underneath. Opel will probably go with a more angular design and ditch the trapezoidal A/C vents, but it shouldn't be a radical departure from the Corsa E.

The slightly longer wheelbase and the better packaging should add a couple of inches of legroom in the rear. Shoulder and headroom could also improve on paper, but the difference won't be very noticeable. The sloping roof won't leave much room for tall passengers in the rear, which should make longer trips slightly uncomfortable. As far as storage room goes, the trunk should be larger, but not by much.

Drivetrain

Under the hood, I expect the Corsa F to arrive with a selection of small-displacement engines. First on the list should be an updated version of the current 1.0-liter three-cylinder. Now rated at 89 and 113 horsepower, it should gain a few horses, but don't expect anything dramatic. Next in line should be the turbocharged, 1.4-liter four-cylinder unit and the larger, 1.6-liter four-pot. These engines should generate in excess of 100 and 210 horsepower, respectively.

The current Corsa is also available with naturally aspirated 1.2- and 1.4-liter engines, but these could be dropped for the new generation on almost all major markets.

On the diesel front, the subcompact will most likely get a revised version of the current 1.3-liter four-cylinder. The oil burner is now offered with 74 and 94 horsepower. A slightly larger turbodiesel powerplant is also on the table.

Prices

Pricing should increase slightly with the new generation, but not more than five percent or so. Stay tuned for updates in this section.

Competition

Volkswagen Polo Sedan

Also called the Vento is certain markets, the Polo sedan shares most of its design with the more popular hatchback version. While the front fascia is identical, the rear has been redesigned to include a conventional trunk and larger taillights. Its underpinnings remain unchanged from the hatchback, but not all engines are offered with the four-door. In Mexico, for instance, engine choices are limited to the naturally aspirated 1.6-liter gasoline unit and the 1.6-liter diesel. In India, where the Polo sedan has a shorter deck lid and is dubbed Ameo, the engine lineup includes a 1.2-liter, three-cylinder with 73 horsepower and a 1.5-liter, four-cylinder diesel with 88 horses.

Find out more about the Volkswagen Ameo here.

Ford Fiesta Sedan

Much like the Polo, the Fiesta is also more popular in hatchback form, but certain markets also get a four-door version. But, unlike the Polo or the Corsa, the Fiesta sedan is also available in North America, including the United States. Various versions are offered in emerging markets, including a slightly redesigned car in India. This one is called the Figo Aspire. Engine offerings vary greatly depending on market. Gasoline options range between the 79-horsepower, 1.0-liter three-cylinder and the 120-horsepower 1.6-liter four-pot. Diesel choices range between the 67-horsepower 1.4-liter to the 94-horsepower 1.6-liter Duratorq.

Learn more about the Ford Fiesta here.

Conclusion

With a brand-new Corsa likely to arrive in dealerships less than four years after the latest model did, it's safe to assume that the fifth-generation car is some sort of sacrifice model that fills in until the more modern version arrives. Even though this isn't exactly fair to customers, things like this can happen now and then, and it's these kind of models that keep nameplates alive. Instead, Opel could've decided to discontinue the Corsa and revive it in 2018, but the cost of doing that would've exceeded the amount it spent to redesign the exterior of a dated car for just four years. Hopefully, the sixth-generation Corsa F will be on par with its competitors and will bring many new features to the market.