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More choice for Opel Corsa. The B-segment city car was revamped last year with updates to the front and also the interior as well as the new infotainment system. From this month it is also available in an electrified version with 48 Volt technology which complements the petrol and electric engines.
The new 100 and 136 hp Hybrid system
The Opel Corsa Hybrid is equipped with a system consisting of a lithium-ion battery that automatically recharges in certain driving conditions and 1.2-litre three-cylinder turbo petrol engines with 100 hp (74 kW) and 136 hp (100 kW) , developed specifically for the hybrid application. The engines are combined with a new electrified six-speed dual clutch gearbox and a 28 hp (21 kW) electric motor. The advantages of the 48 Volt hybrid version lie mainly in the reduction of consumption and emissions: compared to the purely thermal engine, fuel consumption and CO2 emissions decreased by approximately 18%. In the test on the streets of Milan we tried the less powerful version, the 100 hp one, which we believe is an excellent choice for those who need a car snappy and agile and with reduced consumption. When driving, the Corsa Hybrid is agile and pleasant to drive even in an urban context, thanks also to its small size.
How the Hybrid system works
Precisely in the urban context, the system offers the greatest advantages: the electric motor assists the petrol engine especially during acceleration, for example when starting from a standstill. It also contributes to torque, especially at low engine speeds, to the benefit of driving dynamics and the reduction of CO2 emissions. At low speeds, the electric motor also enables all-electric driving up to one kilometre. During deceleration, the petrol engine stops and the electric motor acts as a generator to recharge the hybrid system’s 48V battery. Depending on their driving preferences, the driver can choose between the three modes Eco, Normal and Sport. These change the character of the car, from pure electric which allows you to reach a maximum speed of 135 km/h to sport mode which puts all the car’s power to the ground.
Opel Corsa Hybrid: here are the images of the electrified version
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Digital dashboard with hybrid-specific details
In the cabin of the Opel Corsa Hybrid, occupants can benefit from the optional fully digital driver information display (standard on the Corsa GS). As usual, it clearly displays all important information, with additional useful hybrid-specific information. The speed values on the digital display illuminate white when the petrol engine is running. If this goes out and the car is operated in purely electric mode, the display turns blue. There is also a power indicator (divided into Power, Eco and Charge) and a display that provides information on the energy flow between the battery, petrol engine and wheels, as well as the battery charge status.
And the most important data on the distance travelled, travel time, average consumption, remaining range and percentage of the journey in purely electric mode can be read via the trip summary display when the vehicle is switched off. The occupants of Opel Corsa Hybrid are well connected with the new multimedia infotainment system which includes a 10-inch color touch screen.