To fully understand the 2024 Opel Corsa GS Line 1.2T, we need to delve into the corporate chicanery at Stellantis over the last decade. You see, the 2024 Opel Corsa GS Line 1.2T may look very Germanic on the outside. But there is some strong French DNA coursing through its fuel lines.
And before you jump into the comments section feet first saying we have a bias against French cars, just, no. We feel quite the opposite, actually, having driven the incredibly good-value Citroen C3 Aircross Max recently. In fact, Stellantis seems to have a good bead on building robust every-day cars that people can still afford. So, let’s evaluate the 2024 Opel Corsa GS Line 1.2T.
2024 OPEL CORSA GS LINE 1.2T
About eight-years ago, Opel was acquired by Groupe PSA (Peugeot-Citroen). In time, this would grow into Stellantis with the inclusion of Maserati, Chrysler, Dodge, Ram, Jeep, Alfa Romeo and Fiat under its ever-widening umbrella. Many of those marques no longer play in South African soil. However, the revelation at the merger was that the new Opel Corsa would no longer run General Motors underpinnings.
Instead, it is the French PSA mechanicals and EMP1 modular platform from the Peugeot 208 and certain Citroens doing service. Of course, this has potentially huge ramifications for the ‘German engineered’ Opel, which still has more than a cult following of loyal fans in South Africa. Will some its essential ‘Opel-ness’ – that sturdy feeling of Germanic build quality and efficiency – be lost?
SPECCED TO THE NINES
Upon first meeting, the 2024 Opel Corsa GS Line 1.2T certainly matches, if not exceeds its predecessor’s substance. We’re talking about the firmness of the cloth/leatherette seats, density of interior trim plastics, and heft of the doors and hatch. Not to mention the general feeling of weightiness to its controls. Equally, the 2024 Opel Corsa GS Line 1.2T in its range-topping guise comes very generously equipped for just R459 900.
There’s all the usual touchscreen infotainment with Android Auto/Apple CarPlay enabled. But what we most appreciate are the new-as-standard safety aids like forward collision braking, lane-keeping assist, and cross-traffic alert. In the past, these were just niceties if you threw more money at your purchase. However, now mandated by the latest EU safety standards, these active safety systems are exactly as they are in European-sold Opel Corsa GS Lines. Lovely!
HOW DOES IT DRIVE?
Brilliantly, in fact. Perish the thought to some, perhaps, but the infusion of French flair has transformed the straight-shooting Corsa. The GS Line 1.2T gets the 96-kW and 230-Nm version of the former PSA’s three-cylinder turbo petrol engine. With extra kW unlocked, it is an effervescent little mite that revs willingly and punches well above its weight. And when you factor in an unladen mass that undercuts the old car by 100 kg, the 2024 Opel Corsa GS Line 1.2T is a pleasingly zippy performer. Zero to 100 km/h pops up in 8.7 seconds and the fuel economy lives easily in the 6.3 l/100 km range.
We would’ve liked to sample a manual gearbox to take full control of the three-pot motor, but the six-speed auto does an adequate job of transmitting drive to the road. Nevertheless, the Corsa’s enhanced dynamics are the real revelation. Remember, the French have always been rather good at compact hatchbacks. As a result, the new Corsa feels decidedly nimbler, the steering feel is well judged, and its change of direction and ride quality are impressively fluid. Light, eager and punchy, it’s a genuinely fun car to drive, almost certainly making it the benchmark-setter in a slowly contracting segment.
SHARP SUITED
Subjectively, it’s fair to say the 2024 Opel Corsa GS Line 1.2T is more appealing to look at, too. The most recent makeover gives it cleaner lines, an almost EV-like front façade, and less top-heavy profile thanks to the contrasting black roof. Equally, it’s a pleasingly commodious car for every-day use. Head room and steering wheel reach and rake adjustment means the driver and front passenger have all the space they could want up front. Rear passenger legroom is adequate for anyone up to about 1.8-metres tall. Still leaving you boot space of 309 and 1081 litres with the rear seats in place and folded flat, respectively.
Boasting a nameplate with plenty of cache, at R459 900, the 2024 Opel Corsa GS Line 1.2T is a deeply endearing and good value offering. And in a shrinking segment, it’s now one of the few compact hatchbacks that possesses genuine personality. As a Franco-German exercise in car building, it’s a brilliant accomplishment and all the better for its European infusion.
THE FIGURES
- 2024 Opel Corsa GS Line 1.2T
- Price: R459 900
- Engine: 1.2-litre turbo petrol
- Power: 96 kW and 230 Nm
- Transmission: 6-speed auto, front-wheel drive
- Fuel Economy: 6.3 l/100 km (claimed)
- Performance: 0-100 km/h in 8.7 seconds (tested)
WOULD YOU STILL BUY A COMPACT HATCH?
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