Now in its fifth generation - at least on paper - the Opel Corsa->ke1594 has been playing second-fiddle to the Volkswagen Polo->ke322 in terms of European sales, but this hasn't stopped Opel->ke65 from keeping the same nameplate in its lineup since 1982. Starting with the Corsa D, Opel has also developed a sporty OPC (Opel Performance Center) version of the model, which has met with reasonable success and sales results.

Even though the Russelsheim carmaker calls it an all-new model, the 2015 Corsa E is actually an ample technical refresh of the outgoing generation, with details like the wheelbase and greenhouse being identical between the two otherwise different-looking cars. Featuring an improved version of the same turbocharged, 1.6-liter, four-cylinder engine, the new Corsa OPC (E) will soon bow at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show, but Opel decided to release most of the model's specifications well ahead of the event. Looking somewhat similar but featuring some more aggressive design and performance, the new model arrives in a more crowded market, so let's see if it has the substance to back up its hot-hatch status.

opel-corsa-opc

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: opel-corsa-opc
Pros
Cons

2015 Opel Corsa OPC

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2015 Opel Corsa OPC
  • Engine/Motor: inline-4
  • Horsepower: 207
  • Torque: 206
  • Transmission: 6-speed manual
Pros
Cons

Exterior

Despite the identical greenhouse and rear shoulders, the new Corsa OPC brings a fresh overall look mostly by borrowing some design motifs from its smaller brother, the Adam.->ke4340 A number of dynamic features which are exclusive to the model catch my eye. Apart from the OPC-exclusive "flash blue" paint scheme, the new model features a pair of large, aluminum-framed air intakes in the redesigned front bumper, and new hood that features an air scoop that connects its two V-shaped creases.

Also thanks to the arrow-shaped headlights and a short aerodynamic lip under each air intake, the front end makes the car look more menacing than its European rivals, in my opinion.The side profile is nearly identical with the previous model, apart from a new set of wheels and a new character line, while the rear becomes more interesting, thanks to the choice of two different trunk lid spoilers, one of which is relatively demure, while the optional one is more of a small "whale tail." The sportier appearance is complemented by a pair of Remus-brand exhaust tips that flank an aerodynamic diffuser. Overall, the 2015 Corsa OPC doesn't look half bad for an entry-level hot-hatch, despite the fact that it uses the old car as the base.

Interior

The front passengers are welcomed by a pair of Recaro bucket seats with substantial bolsters, while the OPC-exclusive details also include a flat-bottomed leather steering wheel, a chunkier gear knob, sports pedals (three of them, thankfully) and a new instrument panel. As an option, Opel's Intellilink infotainment system can be ordered, supporting both Android and iOS smartphone users. While not yet officially confirmed, the model may only come in three-door guise, so the OPC may not be the best car for a family as far as its interior practicality goes. Volume-wise, the car is almost identical to a non-OPC version, with the rear passengers having slightly more space, thanks to the slim Recaro front seats.

Drivetrain

The turbocharged, 1.6-liter four-banger is the same engine as on the previous model, only this time it's good for 207 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque, with an additional 26 pound-feet of torque available thanks to an overboost function. Paired with a six-speed manual transmission that sends power to the front wheels, the improved engine can catapult the small hot-hatch from naught to 62 mph in 6.8 seconds, while also giving it a top speed of 143 mph. The new engine has been recalibrated to offer maximum torque lower in the power band (1,900 rpm versus 2,250 rpm) and to also have a longer torque plateau, increasing throttle response and usable power.

Sitting about half an inch lower to the ground, the new model is also equipped with Opel's Frequency Selective Damping (FSD) system, which was developed by Opel engineers after teaming up with specialists from Koni. As an option, Opel may also offer a Performance Package, which brings a limited-slip differential from Drexler, 18-inch wheels instead of the standard 17-inch ones, a Brembo brake system with larger discs in the front, and a sport setting for the suspension.

Drivetrain Specifications

Type

four-cylinder, 1.6-liter Turbo ECOTEC

Output

207 HP

Torque

206 LB-FT

Transmission

six-speed manual

0 - 100 KM/H (0 - 62 MPH)

6.8 seconds

Top Speed

143 MPH (230 KM/H)


Prices

Opel hasn't divulged any prices for the model as of 2/6/2015, but we can expect it to start at just a hint over 20,000 Euros ($22,638 as of 2/6/2015), making it slightly cheaper than most of it rivals in Europe.

Competition

Ford Fiesta ST

Also sporting a turbocharged, 1.6-liter, four-banger that sends power to the front wheels via a six-speed manual, the latest Ford Fiesta ST's engine is less powerful than the OPC's. "Only" 182 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque are developed by its EcoBoost mill, but the power difference does not mean much lower performance, as the Fiesta ST can hit 62 mph from a standing start in 6.9 seconds – just 0.1 second slower than the Corsa.

Thanks to what might be the best-handling chassis in its segment, the Fiesta ST is therefore quite a performer despite the lower output and somewhat high age, but let's not forget that the Corsa E isn't an entirely new model either. Another advantage for the Fiesta ST is its much better fuel economy, since the model achieves the equivalent of 39.9 mpg in Europe compared with the Opel's 31.4 mpg combined fuel economy.

Volkswagen Polo GTI

Having received a mostly technical but style-wise almost invisible refresh in 2014, the latest Volkswagen Polo GTI is the slightly more upmarket option in its segment. Unlike the old version, which used an award-winning 1.4-liter, turbocharged AND supercharged four-cylinder engine with 180 horsepower, the new model has a turbocharged-only, 1.8-liter four-cylinder. Although offering "only" 192 horsepower, the new powerplant outshines both of its rivals with no fewer than 236 pound-feet of torque.

Those numbers translate into a 0-to-62 mph time of just 6.7 seconds, whether with the standard six-speed manual transmission or the optional, seven-speed, DSG dual-clutch unit. Even though it has more displacement, the Polo GTI offers more than fair fuel consumption, with a European combined fuel economy of 39.2 mpg, almost as good as the Fiesta ST. Its only drawback is a slightly higher price, especially when equipped with similar features as its rivals, and a more sedate design. On the other hand, fans of sleepers may appreciate the somewhat understated style.

Conclusion

Even though it is based on an old platform and is in some ways behind its most important rivals in terms of performance, the 2015 Opel Corsa OPC is still competitive. Featuring an aggressive and fresh exterior design that I think looks good from any angle, and a comfortable but sporty interior, the new model still has what it takes. Add a presumably competitive starting price and not-too-shabby performance, the 2015 OPC might be heading toward a pretty successful career. Let's just hope that with the increased torque compared with the old one it won't bring tons of torque-steer like some of its FWD big brothers that also wear the OPC badge.