Numbers don’t lie. Sometimes they even open your eyes. Would you like an example? 4006 millimeters – that’s how long the current Opel Corsa is. The second number brings an interesting relationship: the first Opel Astra in the early 1990s was 4051 millimeters long. Sure, there are over 30 years between the two models – and yet the comparison shows the development in the automotive world.
Now in its sixth generation, the Corsa is as popular as ever. Two years ago the bestseller celebrated its 40th birthday. And maturity is good for him. Today, Germany’s best-selling small car is not only cleverly connected and technically fit – it is also the market leader in its segment. It is available as a petrol engine, hybrid and electric car. It is precisely this versatility that is valued in him. Whether long vacation trips are also included? We want to find out and are heading for Liguria in Italy.
This is what “small cars” can do today: The navigation system with connected services, voice recognition and over-the-air updates guides us through the Swiss mountains.
Welcome to Liguria: The 300 kilometer long coastal region always offers spectacular views of the sea, the most beautiful sandy beaches and seaside resorts.
Pure driving fun: The western section of the coast is ideal for beautiful tours – there are fewer tourists here than in the east.
Stopover with a view: The port city of Imperia is located in the center of the Riviera dei fiori, the flower riviera.
We pack plenty of it: tapenade, a sauce made from olives, anchovy fillets, capers and olive oil, is one of the region’s specialties.
Long vacation trips in a small car – used to be an adventure. And today?
Why Liguria? Because in Italy’s third smallest province, the Mediterranean flirts so beautifully with the mountains. To the east is the Riviera di Levante, to the west is the Riviera di Ponente – and in the middle the capital Genoa beckons. According to the travel guide, Liguria is inviting at any time of the year. The truth is: it can get pretty hot and crowded in summer, so it’s better to go in spring. The area is waking up from its hibernation, the air is warming up wonderfully, the sea is catching up.
Lake Constance is quickly reached in the long sixth gear. From then on, the leisurely Swiss trot quickly pushes the turbo petrol engine’s consumption below the 4.5 liter mark. We marvel at this at the first Autogrill, a typical Italian rest house. Espresso and Cornetto convey holiday flair. It’s amazing how far ahead of us the Italians are when it comes to gas station cuisine, not to mention the prices. Back pain? Not even the driver – and he measures 1.94 meters.
Mare e Monti
Liguria is the name of the narrow coastal fringe that stretches from the Côte d’Azur to Tuscany. The mild climate makes the region a year-round destination. Spring, early and late summer offer perfect weather conditions. What can you look forward to in Liguria? On fine sandy beaches and sophisticated cities, lonely hiking trails and romantic clifftop villages. Racing cyclists often fall in love with the coastline, which is over 300 kilometers long and has winding roads. Hang gliders, paragliders and free climbers appreciate the nearby mountains. Divers, kiters, surfers and SUP pilots have fun on the coasts.
100 lively horsepower and 732 kilometers
After the snow-capped peaks of Switzerland, the sparkling Mediterranean Sea is the second visual highlight. Before today’s destination, Sanremo, there is a detour to Genoa, which has developed from a run-down industrial port into a lively cultural city. If you want to soak up the atmosphere, it’s best to start in the old town at the Piazza de Ferrari and then immerse yourself in the labyrinth of small streets.
Afterwards we take the Corsa for another hour along the Mediterranean – to Sanremo, which scores with its nostalgic flair of Riviera summer resort. Or with its Art Nouveau casino from 1905. The parking lot at the harbor is right at hand, twenty minutes later you can smell two pizzas on a small wooden table. Italy from the picture book. And right in the middle of it all was a Corsa, which made it wonderfully clear how quickly and comfortably it can travel far away. A little guy with big talents.
A little one with big talents: Last year the new edition of the Corsa celebrated its premiere with a new brand face.
May 2024
Text and photos: Dani Heyne