WeeklySA_AdminSixth generation: Grown up Corsa Lite makes a comeback
By Ali Mphaki
It was a simple reliable little car that got its drivers from A to B with minimum fuss when it first arrived on our shores November 1996. Lite on petrol, lite on brakes, lite on tires, lite on maintenance and even lite on the purchase price.
Never mind it did not have aircon, no electric windows no power steering, let alone a rev counter or cigarette lighter.
Weighing 850 Kilograms the 1300cc, 8 valve, fuel injected 4 cylinder motor coupled to a close range gearbox was more than adequate to push it around. This is how one Opel Corsa Lite owner describes his jalopy which he had for 16 years having bought one when they were first introduced in Mzansi.
The South African-specific model, the second-generation Corsa was being produced locally in three-door guise and powered by Opel’s 1.3-litre eight-valve engine, and quickly the peppy hatchback captured the country’s imagination and support, so much so that production of the Corsa Lite continued until 2007 alongside the third-generation Corsa hatch.
Powered by the uprated 65kW 1.4-litre engine, the special models survived as Lite, Lite+, and Lite Sport during its lifetime, offering lively mobility for vibrant consumers. Fast forward to 2023 Opel has refreshed the popular Corsa range with even more appealing features and desirable performance to match its smashing good looks.
The current OPEL Corsa is amongst the most popular small cars in Germany and has been the best-selling car in the UK. It has a staunch South African following, especially with the legendary Lite name returning to the range.
The popular – and affordable – little hatchback won the hearts and pockets of South Africans. Powered by the uprated 65kW 1.4-litre engine, the special models survived as Lite, Lite+, and Lite Sport during its lifetime, offering lively mobility for vibrant consumers.
Now, the Lite name returns to the sixth generation of Opel Corsa. The new entry-level model may be Lite in name, but it is far from light in specification, including spearheading the use of OPEL’s turbocharged 1.2-litre engine across the range. It makes the new hatchback livelier than ever thanks to 74kW, an engine that it shares with the middle-weight Edition model and a big leap forward from the normally aspirated 55kW engine used previously in the entry-level Corsa. The top-of-the-range Elegance model still makes use of the 96kW version of this spectacular engine.
OPEL Corsa Lite’s performance continues to benefit from some of the best aerodynamics in its class. Those aren’t just good looks: it’s impressive drag coefficient of just 0.29 means better performance and better fuel economy. Imposing on 16-inch alloy wheels, OPEL’s six-speed manual transmission is now also standard.
The Lite is also not light on comfort or safety. The new OPEL Corsa range-starter is impressively equipped with front electric windows, air conditioning, Eco LED headlamps and safety features such as tyre pressure monitoring and Active Lane Keep Assist.
Drivers will enjoy the seven-inch touchscreen radio and the latest in connectivity from the IntelliLink Infotainment system.
Edition models continue to impress with additional features such as LED front fog lamps and front and rear parking sensors. Elegance models are packed with tech that includes too many big car features to mention for the compact hatch.
With a national dealer footprint, it is offered in a standard five year / 120 000 km Warranty and a three year / 45 000 km Service plan,
Pricing Recommended retail (incl VAT)
Corsa Lite 1.2T 74kW 6MT R349 900
Corsa Edition 1.2T 74kW 6MT R356 900
Corsa Elegance 1.2T 96kW 6AT R436 900
