The Opel Corsa D 5-door 1.7 CDTI, produced from October 2006 to February 2010, represented a significant offering in the European subcompact hatchback segment. This variant, powered by the Z17DTR engine producing 125 horsepower, occupied a middle ground within the Corsa D lineup, balancing fuel efficiency with respectable performance. It was positioned as a practical and economical choice for buyers seeking a diesel-powered vehicle with a bit more power than the base models. The Corsa D itself was a popular choice in Europe, known for its affordability, practicality, and relatively modern styling for its class.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Opel |
| Model | Corsa |
| Generation | Corsa D 5-door |
| Type (Engine) | 1.7 CDTI (125 Hp) |
| Start of production | October, 2006 |
| End of production | February, 2010 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Hatchback |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 6.2 l/100 km (37.9 US mpg, 45.6 UK mpg, 16.1 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 4 l/100 km (58.8 US mpg, 70.6 UK mpg, 25 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 4.8 l/100 km (49 US mpg, 58.9 UK mpg, 20.8 km/l) |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 10.7 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 10.7 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 10.2 sec |
| Maximum speed | 190 km/h (118.06 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 3 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 9.4 kg/Hp, 106.8 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 4.2 kg/Nm, 239.3 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 125 Hp @ 4000 rpm |
| Power per litre | 74.1 Hp/l |
| Torque | 280 Nm @ 2300 rpm (206.52 lb.-ft. @ 2300 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | Z17DTR |
| Engine displacement | 1686 cm3 (102.89 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 79 mm (3.11 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 86 mm (3.39 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 18:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Diesel Commonrail |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 5.4 l (5.71 US qt | 4.75 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 7.1 l (7.5 US qt | 6.25 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1170 kg (2579.41 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1670 kg (3681.72 lbs.) |
| Max load | 500 kg (1102.31 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 285 l (10.06 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1100 l (38.85 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 44 l (11.62 US gal | 9.68 UK gal) |
| Length | 3999 mm (157.44 in.) |
| Width | 1737 mm (68.39 in.) |
| Height | 1488 mm (58.58 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2511 mm (98.86 in.) |
| Front track | 1485 mm (58.46 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1478 mm (58.19 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 140 mm (5.51 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle | 10.4 m (34.12 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 6 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent, type McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar |
| Rear suspension | Rigid axle suspension |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Drum |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Tires size | 185/65 R15 |
| Wheel rims size | 15 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the Corsa D 1.7 CDTI is the Z17DTR engine, a 1.7-liter inline-four cylinder diesel. This engine is a member of Opel/Fiat’s family of common rail direct injection diesel engines. The Z17DTR utilizes a turbocharger with an intercooler to boost power output. The engine employs a Double Overhead Camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with four valves per cylinder, contributing to its relatively high specific output. Fuel is delivered via a common rail direct injection system, allowing for precise fuel metering and improved combustion efficiency. The 125 horsepower and 280 Nm (206 lb-ft) of torque were respectable figures for a vehicle of this size and class. The engine was paired with a six-speed manual transmission, providing a good balance between fuel economy and drivability. While an automatic transmission was offered on other Corsa D variants, it wasn’t typically paired with the 1.7 CDTI engine.
Driving Characteristics
The Corsa D 1.7 CDTI offered a practical and efficient driving experience. The 125 hp engine provided adequate acceleration, with a 0-60 mph time of around 10.2 seconds. The engine’s torque peak at 2300 rpm meant that it felt responsive in everyday driving situations, offering good pulling power for overtaking and navigating hills. The six-speed manual transmission allowed drivers to keep the engine in its optimal power band. Compared to the lower-powered 1.0-liter and 1.2-liter petrol engines, the 1.7 CDTI offered significantly more performance. However, it didn’t possess the outright speed of the more expensive and sporty Corsa OPC. The ride quality was generally comfortable, although the rear rigid axle suspension could sometimes feel a bit bumpy on uneven surfaces.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The Corsa D 1.7 CDTI was typically offered in several trim levels, including Essentia, Enjoy, and Cosmo. The base Essentia trim included features like power steering, ABS, front airbags, and a basic audio system. The Enjoy trim added features such as air conditioning, electric front windows, and a CD player. The Cosmo trim, the highest level, included alloy wheels, climate control, and upgraded interior trim. Optional extras included a sunroof, parking sensors, and a more advanced audio system. Interior upholstery was typically cloth, with higher trims offering upgraded fabric options.
Chassis & Braking
The Corsa D featured a front-wheel-drive layout with an independent McPherson strut suspension at the front and a rigid axle suspension at the rear. The front brakes were ventilated discs, providing good stopping power, while the rear brakes were drums. ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) was standard on all models. The steering was a rack and pinion system, offering precise and responsive handling. The suspension setup was tuned for comfort and practicality, rather than outright sportiness. The relatively lightweight construction of the Corsa D helped to contribute to its nimble handling characteristics.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Opel Corsa D 1.7 CDTI was generally well-received by automotive critics as a practical and economical choice. It was praised for its fuel efficiency, comfortable ride, and relatively spacious interior. However, some critics noted that the engine could be a bit noisy and that the interior materials were not as high quality as some of its competitors. Compared to other diesel-powered subcompacts like the Volkswagen Polo and Ford Fiesta, the Corsa D offered a competitive level of performance and fuel economy. Its price point was also generally attractive, making it a popular choice for budget-conscious buyers.
Legacy
The Z17DTR engine, while generally reliable, is known to have some potential issues with the diesel particulate filter (DPF) and the turbocharger, particularly if not properly maintained. Regular oil changes and the use of high-quality diesel fuel are crucial for ensuring the longevity of this engine. Today, the Corsa D 1.7 CDTI can be found on the used car market at affordable prices. It remains a practical and economical option for those seeking a small, fuel-efficient hatchback. Its relatively simple mechanical design makes it relatively easy and inexpensive to maintain, making it a popular choice for first-time car owners and those looking for a reliable and affordable runabout.
