Around 500 journalists from all over Europe were guests in Rüsselsheim over the past two weeks to gather impressions of the new Opel Corsa. Any examples? “The technical maturity makes the Corsa a big player in the small car segment.” This is the conclusion reached by Auto-Zeitung. Not least because Opel itself makes innovations accessible to everyone in this segment: whether it’s a driver’s seat with a massage function, keyless entry, the even more precise matrix light or an improved battery with 51 kilowatt hours for the Corsa Electric with a power increase of 115 kW/156 hp – the new little one leaves nothing to be desired.
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According to the industry magazine Horizont, the launch campaign for the Opel Corsa Electric has “real cult potential”.
While the author of Stern magazine emphasizes the “attention to detail”, the FAZ even sees the small car bestseller as the star of the model portfolio and writes: “Opel has a new heart.” And not only that: the accompanying introductory campaign for The industry magazine Horizont describes the new Corsa as having “real cult potential”. The so-called hook line “Yes, of Corsa” – it has quickly become a household phrase.
Performance-oriented: Kaylyn and Martina Smith chose a section of highway with no speed limit for their trip.
Press conference included: The employee day took place in the original setup of the test days for international media.
Rush of visitors: Employee Day was an event for the whole family.
From employees for employees: perfectly organized down to the last detail.
Electrified portfolio: The Mokka Electric also found its fans.
“From zero to 100 km/h in 8.1 seconds – that’s something to be proud of.”
– Martina Smith –
And in the best Opel style, at the end the Opel employees were also able to enjoy the original setup of the test days for international media. The teams from Internal Communications and Product Communications, Motorsport, Events and Merchandising have put together a great package. Like the professional opinion makers before him, product manager David Heib first gave his colleagues an overview of the Corsa’s 40-year success story. Over 14 million copies have been sold so far.
Since the sixth generation was launched electrified in 2019, the bestseller has been riding the next wave of success: in 2021 and 2022, the Corsa was the most popular small car in Germany. One in three Corsa buyers chooses the electric version. There are likely to be even more in the future – thanks to the numerous highlights that the new Corsa Electric offers. In addition to the 136 hp engine version, there is a second fully electric variant with 156 hp, which will soon be joined by two 48-volt hybrids with 100 and 136 hp. In addition, the proven three-cylinder petrol engines remain in the range.
The decision has been made: the top model with 156 hp in graphite gray will be the one for Jens Ewald.
The glow gives it away: Melina Jones was behind the wheel during the test drive – and is thrilled with the driving performance.
At the headquarters: Beautiful autumn weather attracted visitors to Rüsselsheim.
Pure driving fun: The electrified top model was ready for test drives.
First Munich, now Rüsselsheim: Chief designer Florian Theis presented the Opel Experimental.
“How pleasant the Corsa is to drive – you really feel at peace.”
– Melina Jones –
“My first impression: It pulls like crazy,” says Melina Jones. She went on an extensive test drive with her husband Oliver Jones, a 3D designer in Rüsselsheim, and their son. But despite all the dynamics that the electrified top model offers, there is one thing that she remembers above all else – “how pleasant and quiet the Corsa drives, you really feel at peace while driving.” A detail that immediately impressed her is the glove compartment – “It’s huge!”
Jörn Piel works in the finance department at the headquarters. He is no stranger to looking at the numbers. During the test drive, he particularly focused on the range: “After 30 kilometers on a balanced mix of routes, I did the extrapolation – and found: Yes, the 405-kilometer range according to WLTP is absolutely fine.” He also likes the fact that you can now USB cables are no longer needed in the interior to connect the smartphone.
Is the new Corsa also suitable for families? The Gössl family tested it and found: “Definitely!”
Range in view: Jörn Piel did the math and came to the conclusion that a range of 405 kilometers is realistic.
The new edition of the Corsa is ready: also at dealers since October 21st.
Delicious food from the grill: your physical well-being was taken care of.
Refreshment after the trip: In the end, there were almost 200 test drives.
“The new Corsa definitely has what it takes to be a family car.”
– Marcus Gössl –
The new Opel Corsa has also improved visually. It is now adorned with the striking Opel Vizor brand face. The “Corsa” logo is proudly emblazoned on the redesigned rear. “This will be my next leasing car – exactly as it stands here.” Engineer Jens Ewald has decided: it should be the top model with 156 hp, and he is also impressed by the launch color of graphite gray. The biggest plus in the interior: “The digital cockpit and the larger display.”
And the designer Marcus Gössl has just discovered that the new Corsa can definitely be used as a family car. He brought his wife and children with him to test whether the family of four could feel comfortable in the small car: “There is enough space for the little ones in the back seat, as well as in the entire interior,” is his conclusion. “It’s absolutely suitable for families, the new Corsa would definitely be something for us.”
“Opel-infested” guests from Austria
Gerhard Unfried, Ronald and Niklas Broda (back, from left) are primarily electrified by Opel classics. The three come from Wels, Austria, and belong to the local Alt-Opel interest group. Together with other mechanic friends, they regularly restore classic cars with lightning. “We are all contaminated with Opel,” admits Gerhard Unfried. At the weekend, the trio drove 700 kilometers towards Brussels to buy a Manta B body that urgently needed their attention. On the way back they stopped by Rüsselsheim to see the Adam Opel
to take a souvenir photo with their new acquisition. There they happened to meet Opel employee Eric Walther, who had driven up in his 1984 Manta. This is how this beautiful before and after picture could be staged. As the Austrians curiously approached the hustle and bustle of the building next door, the Opel colleague explained to them that there was currently a driving event for employees with the new Corsa Electric. When asked “Do you also want to drive?” the answer was of course: “Yes, of Corsa”. At the end of the day, the trio let themselves be electrified by the latest bestseller with lightning.
Martina Smith, who works in European aftersales, has her daughter Kaylyn with her. She usually drives ambulances for the Maltese. “Sometimes things can’t go fast enough for her. So we looked for a stretch of motorway with no speed limit and tested what the new Opel Corsa Electric could do,” says Martina Smith. The result: “From zero to 100 km/h in 8.1 seconds – that’s something to be proud of. And a top speed of 150 km/h is completely sufficient.” So it’s no wonder that the two of them next want to find out how they can install a wallbox at home.
In addition to test drives, the program had other surprises in store. Chief designer Florian Theis presented the Opel Experimental, the pioneering concept vehicle that just celebrated its world premiere at the IAA Mobility in Munich. The Opel shop also presented its latest products, including the iconic #Yes of Corsa collection. Those who were lucky enough to be drawn from the lottery drum were allowed to do a few laps in the Corsa Rally Electric with professional drivers Timo Schulz and Christian Lemke from the ADAC Opel Electric Rally Cup. The motorsport colleagues had specially set up a rally course in the parking lot behind the Adam Opel Haus. One of the lucky ones was Eric Walther. Was it fun? “Yes, of Corsa.”
Eleven press conferences in one day: at the end of the day, 250 colleagues received information about the new small car bestseller.
Luck of the draw: six visitors from each group of participants were given a ride in the Corsa Electric Rally.
Professional drivers at the wheel: Timo Schulz and Christian Lemke are usually at the start of the ADAC Opel Electric Rally Cup.
October 2023
Text: Eric Scherer; Photos: Andreas Liebschner, Dani Heyne; Video: Alexander Bonn