LONDON — GM has unveiled the all-new Corsa supermini, the car that will be crucial to the future of its European operation.
More than 1.4 million examples of the Corsa have been sold in Europe since it was first launched in 1993. In the U.K. — the model's single largest market — around 95,000 are sold every year and it's been among the country's top 10 sellers for the past decade.
Vauxhall has decided to introduce two versions of the Corsa. The three-door variant boasts coupe-like, sports styling targeted at a younger audience. The five-door model is more conservative and targets families. Many European buyers choose a Corsa as a second or even third car.
Both versions are significantly more attractive than the models they replace, which were criticized for their dull, unimaginative styling. The front-three-quarter perspective is particularly interesting, where the exaggerated headlamps lend the car a distinct identity.
The low-rent plastics of the old model have been replaced by soft-touch surfaces. GM is particularly proud of the translucent controls, which glow in the dark, although these could be placed in the drawer labeled 'gimmick.'
Few will argue about the amount of passenger space, though. By U.S. standards this is a tiny car, but there's still enough room for a quartet of average-sized adults.
The Corsa will feature a number of 'big car' gadgets, in keeping with Europe's passion for downsizing. Satellite navigation, Bluetooth phone systems and Adaptive Forward Lighting all feature on the options list.
The gasoline engine lineup consists of a 1.0, a 1.2 and a 1.4, with more powerful versions to follow, including a 200-horsepower 1.6 Turbo. A 1.3 CDTi turbodiesel will also be available and should prove a popular choice in Europe.
The chassis has been developed by GM in Germany and features a range of active safety features including Enhanced Understeer Control (EUC), which acts automatically to counter the effects of front-end push. The Corsa is also the first European supermini to offer variable progressive sports power steering, which adjusts its assistance according to vehicle speed.
In the U.K., where the car will be badged as the Vauxhall Corsa, it is priced from $13,900.
What this means to you: GM watchers at the ready — this is a hugely significant European launch.
More than 1.4 million examples of the Corsa have been sold in Europe since it was first launched in 1993. In the U.K. — the model's single largest market — around 95,000 are sold every year and it's been among the country's top 10 sellers for the past decade.
Vauxhall has decided to introduce two versions of the Corsa. The three-door variant boasts coupe-like, sports styling targeted at a younger audience. The five-door model is more conservative and targets families. Many European buyers choose a Corsa as a second or even third car.
Both versions are significantly more attractive than the models they replace, which were criticized for their dull, unimaginative styling. The front-three-quarter perspective is particularly interesting, where the exaggerated headlamps lend the car a distinct identity.
The low-rent plastics of the old model have been replaced by soft-touch surfaces. GM is particularly proud of the translucent controls, which glow in the dark, although these could be placed in the drawer labeled 'gimmick.'
Few will argue about the amount of passenger space, though. By U.S. standards this is a tiny car, but there's still enough room for a quartet of average-sized adults.
The Corsa will feature a number of 'big car' gadgets, in keeping with Europe's passion for downsizing. Satellite navigation, Bluetooth phone systems and Adaptive Forward Lighting all feature on the options list.
The gasoline engine lineup consists of a 1.0, a 1.2 and a 1.4, with more powerful versions to follow, including a 200-horsepower 1.6 Turbo. A 1.3 CDTi turbodiesel will also be available and should prove a popular choice in Europe.
The chassis has been developed by GM in Germany and features a range of active safety features including Enhanced Understeer Control (EUC), which acts automatically to counter the effects of front-end push. The Corsa is also the first European supermini to offer variable progressive sports power steering, which adjusts its assistance according to vehicle speed.
In the U.K., where the car will be badged as the Vauxhall Corsa, it is priced from $13,900.
What this means to you: GM watchers at the ready — this is a hugely significant European launch.
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