Opel's second generation Corsa model, produced from 1993 to 2000, celebrates its 2023th birthday as of 30. One of Opel's long-term success stories, Corsa, with the second generation that met the roads in 1993, closed an era in its own right and started a new understanding in the B segment. With over 1982 million units produced since its launch in 14,5, the Corsa became the UK's best-selling car in 2021 and Germany's most popular small car in the last 2 years. Each zamMore modern, more digital and more diverse than ever before, the new Opel Corsa is getting ready to meet on Turkish roads as of the last quarter of 2023.
The new Opel Corsa goes on sale as electric for the first time with two different battery options under the name "Corsa Electric". In addition, the adaptive Intelli-Lux LED Matrix headlights that Corsa introduced in the small car segment in 2019 have also been optimized.
Perhaps the most important factor that led the Opel Corsa to such a great success; It is shown that the innovations that are used to see in higher classes can be offered to compact segment buyers at affordable prices.
The presentation of innovations in the upper classes in the B segment was also valid for the second generation Corsa. After the big debut of the Corsa A introduced in 1982, the Corsa B, which was launched exactly 30 years ago, went one step further in this understanding. The aim, of course, was to further the success of its predecessor. In addition to a design and features that set new standards in safety, it has achieved great success around the world with its high level of comfort and practical use. So much so that the Corsa B exceeded the 2000 million sales limit until 4. The Corsa B started a new era as the first Corsa produced in Eisenach in 1993.
Corsa B versions with more rounded design codes
The designers, led by Hideo Kodama, took a significant risk when they set out for the Corsa B. Despite the success of the angular Corsa A, Rüsselsheim decided to make the Corsa B more attractive to women.
So Hideo Kodama got to work and designed a much rounder Corsa with softer design lines, with headlights resembling big eyes. The smooth, rounded shapes were inspired by the sensational Junior concept a few years ago. However, the rounded design lines were not only a visual element, but also provided a significant gain in terms of driving. The aerodynamics of the model have improved and fuel consumption has also decreased.
Additionally; The design difference of the 3- and 5-door models was also striking. The designers came up with two different models with unique characters. They gave the 3-door version a sporty silhouette with a coupe-style rear. The 5-door version was the family version with a steeper tailgate. The rear was more roomy for rear seat passengers. In addition, the luggage volume could be increased up to a maximum of 1.150 liters.
Opel Corsa B stood out especially with its rich product range. It had 5 different trim levels from Eco to Swing, Joy to Sport and GSi. Thanks to harmonious fabric patterns and colors, it offered an option for every taste. In addition to the 3- and 5-door hatchback models, Opel also produced different versions for some markets, including a station wagon, a 4-door sedan and a pickup.
New standards for comfort and safety: Corsa B sets the bar in its class
Improvements made in the transition from Corsa A to Corsa B benefited comfort and, more importantly, safety. The Corsa grew by 10 centimeters, reaching a length of about 3,73 meters. It had a longer wheelbase and extremely short body overhangs. Apart from that, the windshield was pulled further forward and the rear of the 5-door model had a steeper angle. All these measures have allowed the Corsa B to offer best-in-class values in terms of head, shoulder and legroom as well as space and freedom of movement. Large glass areas and slender pillars created a light, airy interior atmosphere and ensured a successful view. A special windshield frame on the sides kept rainwater out of the windows to ensure clear all-round visibility even in bad weather. In addition, the aerodynamically designed side mirror housing had a small protrusion that prevented dirt from accumulating on the mirror surface and on the windows.
The Corsa B set new safety standards in the compact car segment. The torsional rigidity of the hull was increased by 40 percent compared to the previous generation. For the first time in this class, double steel impact barriers in the doors and mechanical active pretensioner seat belts on the front seats are offered as standard, providing additional protection for passengers in the event of a side impact. A full-size airbag for the driver was also introduced shortly after launch.
Opel's compact sports car: the fun-to-drive Corsa GSi
The sporty member of the family, the Corsa GSi 16V, hit the road in 1993. The fastest Corsa of the era featured body-colored side skirts and bumpers, as well as front and rear spoilers. Standard equipment also included electronically controlled ABS, rev counter and wide tires. The Corsa GSi could accelerate from 0-100 km / h in 9,5 seconds and reach a maximum speed of 195 km / h. A sporty chassis and gas shock absorbers helped to transfer performance to the road. Sports seats and leather steering wheel created the right atmosphere in the cockpit.
Responsibility and Driving Pleasure: Corsa B saves resources
Every Opel zamSustainability and the protection of resources, which were among the priorities of the moment, revealed that responsibilities could be combined with driving pleasure in those years. Corsa B was also setting standards in terms of efficiency thanks to its gasoline engines with fuel injection and catalytic converter. Especially with its 1,2 liter (33 kW/45 HP) economical engine, Corsa was able to meet the emission standards that will come into effect 1993 years later, when it hit the roads in 3. According to ADAC (General German Automobile Club) and ÖAMTC (Austrian Automobile, Motorcycle and Turing Club) with an average fuel consumption of 4,66 liters/100 kilometers, Corsa Eco has become “Europe's Most Economical Car” in terms of weight and performance. It was also one of the quietest cars in Europe in the early 1990s, with a passing noise of just 72 decibels.
In addition, Opel was the first automaker to have a recycling loop for automotive plastics in 1990. In this context, recycling of end-of-life vehicles was already considered during the design phase of the Corsa B. Unmixed plastic composites and easy-to-remove fixing techniques for each component have made a significant contribution to recycling. With its production adventure that started 30 years ago at the Eisenach Factory, Corsa was produced in one of the most modern and resource-efficient automobile factories in Europe.