Opel's new Corsa GSi has officially gone on sale in Germany. And while South Africans have enjoyed and loved the GSi in a variety of guises for many years, in Europe, this is only the second model after the Insignia to wear the fabled GSi badge.
The Corsa GSi is powered by a 1.4-litre turbocharged motor that produces 110kw and 220nm - the exact same outputs as the South African-spec Corsa Sport 1.4T 5-door. Thanks to a short-ratio, six-speed manual gearbox, it runs from 0-100kph in 8.9 seconds, and onto a top speed of 207kph. What’s more impressive it is in-gear tractability, needing just 9.9 seconds to accelerate from 80 to 120kph in fifth gear.
The ‘warm hatch’ utilizes an OPC chassis that has been fine-tuned and set up on the Nürburgring. Agile handling and short braking distances are guaranteed, especially when combined with the optional 18-inch light alloy wheels with grippy 215/40 ZR18 sports tyres.
The GSi stands out thanks to its OPC-like exterior design, which features larger air intakes, a sculptured bonnet and modeled side sills. Opel says that the roof-mounted wing “creates additional downforce”, while the sporty chrome tailpipes contribute to its unique stance. The sporty interior gets a sports steering wheel, leather gearshift knob and aluminium pedals, which are complemented by the optional Recaro performance seats.
The Corsa GSi is a fitting send-off to the current range which will be discontinued when an all-new Corsa launches next year. Interestingly, in Germany, the GSi actually undercuts the Suzuki Swift Sport, and is priced at €19,960 (ZAR 328 200). And while the 3-dr GSi is unlikely to come to South Africa, Opel SA does have a sporty alternative on offer – in the form of the 5-door Corsa Sport 1.4T, priced at ZAR 289 316.
It remains the sportiest Corsa sold in SA since the previous-generation Corsa OPC, and features a sporty bodykit, sport suspension and 17-inch alloy wheels. The 5-door Corsa Sport also boasts a host of safety features including 6 airbags, DRLs, side blind zone alert, advance park and hill start assist 2, ABS and ESP. Also on offer is Opel’s highly rated 7" touchscreen Intellilink system with BT and USB availability. The Corsa Sport is covered by an Opel 3 year/60 000km service plan and 5 year/120 000km warranty.
Also worth a look: the Opel Corsa and the Opel Corsa: Germany's Favourite Small Car Goes Electric.
FAQ
Q: What does the Opel Corsa GSi cost in South Africa?
The Corsa GSi isn't officially sold in South Africa, but the closest alternative is the Corsa Sport 1.4T which costs R289,316 and delivers the same 110kW and 220Nm from its 1.4-litre turbo engine.
Q: Is the Opel Corsa GSi worth buying over other hot hatches?
The Corsa GSi offers solid value with its Nürburgring-tuned chassis and 110kW turbo engine, especially considering it undercuts rivals like the Suzuki Swift Sport in European markets.
Q: How fast is the Opel Corsa GSi and what's its top speed?
The Corsa GSi accelerates from 0-100kph in 8.9 seconds thanks to its short-ratio six-speed manual gearbox, and reaches a top speed of 207kph.
Q: What makes the Opel Corsa GSi different from a regular Corsa?
The GSi features an OPC-tuned chassis, larger air intakes, sculptured bonnet, optional 18-inch wheels with 215/40 ZR18 sports tyres, plus interior upgrades like a sports steering wheel and optional Recaro seats.
Should You Buy It?
The best sporty Corsa you can actually buy in South Africa under R300,000 is the Corsa Sport 1.4T at R289,316. While we're missing out on the GSi's three-door styling and Nürburgring bragging rights, the Sport delivers identical performance with 110kW and 220Nm, plus practical five-door convenience. It's a solid warm hatch that punches above its weight, making it a definite yes if you want accessible turbo thrills without OPC money.
