The Opel Corsa A Sedan 1.2i, producing 45 horsepower, was a foundational model within the first generation of the Corsa A, manufactured between 1985 and 1987. Positioned as the entry-level variant of the Corsa A Sedan range, it aimed to provide affordable and economical transportation. This model was primarily sold in European markets, where the Corsa A represented Opel’s foray into the supermini segment, intended to compete with vehicles like the Fiat Uno, Renault 5, and Volkswagen Polo. The Corsa A marked a significant departure for Opel, moving away from larger, more traditional designs towards a more compact and modern vehicle.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Opel |
| Model | Corsa |
| Generation | Corsa A Sedan |
| Type (Engine) | 1.2i (45 Hp) |
| Start of production | 1985 |
| End of production | 1987 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Sedan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 2-4 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 7.2 l/100 km (32.7 US mpg, 39.2 UK mpg, 13.9 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 4.4 l/100 km (53.5 US mpg, 64.2 UK mpg, 22.7 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 6.2 l/100 km (37.9 US mpg, 45.6 UK mpg, 16.1 km/l) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 18 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 18 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 17.1 sec |
| Maximum speed | 143 km/h (88.86 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 16.4 kg/Hp (60.8 Hp/tonne) |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 9.3 kg/Nm (108.1 Nm/tonne) |
| Power | 45 Hp @ 5000 rpm |
| Power per litre | 37.6 Hp/l |
| Torque | 80 Nm @ 2200-2600 rpm (59 lb.-ft. @ 2200-2600 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | C12NZ |
| Engine displacement | 1196 cm3 (72.98 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 79 mm (3.11 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 61 mm (2.4 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 7.8:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 2 |
| Fuel injection system | Carburettor |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated |
| Valvetrain | OHV |
| Engine oil capacity | 3 l (3.17 US qt | 2.64 UK qt) |
| Coolant capacity | 6.1 l (6.45 US qt | 5.37 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 740 kg (1631.42 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1220 kg (2689.64 lbs.) |
| Max load | 480 kg (1058.22 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 430 l (15.19 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 42 l (11.1 US gal | 9.24 UK gal) |
| Length | 3955 mm (155.71 in.) |
| Width | 1540 mm (60.63 in.) |
| Height | 1360 mm (53.54 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2343 mm (92.24 in.) |
| Front track | 1320 mm (51.97 in.) |
| Rear track | 1307 mm (51.46 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 140 mm (5.51 in.) |
| Drag coefficient (Cd) | 0.38 |
| Minimum turning circle | 10 m (32.81 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 4 |
| Gearbox type | Manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Coil spring |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |
| Front brakes | Disc |
| Rear brakes | Drum |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Tires size | 165/70 R13 |
| Wheel rims size | 13 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The Corsa A Sedan 1.2i was powered by the C12NZ engine, a 1.2-liter (1196 cc) inline-four cylinder engine. This engine utilized a single overhead valve (OHV) valvetrain and a carburetor fuel delivery system. The C12NZ was known for its simplicity and durability, but its performance was modest. The engine produced 45 horsepower at 5000 rpm and 80 Nm (59 lb-ft) of torque between 2200 and 2600 rpm. The engine’s relatively low compression ratio of 7.8:1 contributed to its ability to run on lower octane fuel, common in European markets. The engine was transversely mounted, driving the front wheels through a four-speed manual transmission. This configuration was typical for small front-wheel-drive cars of the era.
Driving Characteristics
The 1.2i Corsa A Sedan offered basic, functional transportation. With only 45 horsepower, acceleration was slow, taking approximately 18 seconds to reach 100 km/h (62 mph). The four-speed manual transmission was geared for economy rather than performance, with relatively tall gear ratios. This resulted in a relaxed driving experience at cruising speeds, but required frequent downshifting when overtaking or climbing hills. Compared to later Corsa A variants, such as the 1.4-liter or those equipped with a five-speed gearbox, the 1.2i felt noticeably underpowered. The suspension, while adequate for everyday driving, was not particularly sporty, prioritizing comfort over handling precision.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 1.2i Corsa A Sedan was the base model, and as such, it came with a relatively sparse equipment list. Standard features typically included cloth upholstery, basic instrumentation (speedometer, fuel gauge, temperature gauge), and manually operated windows and door locks. Optional extras, such as a radio, upgraded interior trim, and a sunroof, were available, but were not commonly fitted to the base model. The interior design was functional and utilitarian, reflecting the car’s affordable price point. The dashboard layout was simple and straightforward, with easy-to-use controls.
Chassis & Braking
The Corsa A Sedan featured a relatively simple chassis design. The front suspension utilized coil springs and independent suspension, while the rear suspension employed a twist-beam axle with coil springs. The braking system consisted of disc brakes on the front wheels and drum brakes on the rear wheels. The steering was a rack-and-pinion system, providing reasonably precise steering feel. The car’s relatively light weight (approximately 740 kg or 1631 lbs) helped to offset the engine’s limited power, contributing to acceptable braking performance.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Opel Corsa A Sedan 1.2i was generally well-received as an affordable and economical city car. Critics praised its fuel efficiency and ease of driving, but noted its lack of performance. Compared to other trims in the Corsa A lineup, such as the 1.4-liter models, the 1.2i offered significantly less power and refinement. However, it was also considerably cheaper to purchase and operate. The 1.2i appealed to buyers who prioritized economy and practicality over performance and features. Its fuel consumption figures of around 6.2 l/100 km (37.9 US mpg) were competitive for the time.
Legacy
The Corsa A Sedan 1.2i, while not a performance icon, played a crucial role in establishing the Corsa as a popular choice in the European supermini segment. The C12NZ engine proved to be remarkably durable and reliable, and many examples are still on the road today. In the used car market, the 1.2i Corsa A Sedan is often sought after by enthusiasts looking for a simple, affordable, and classic Opel. Its low running costs and straightforward mechanical design make it an attractive option for those seeking a vintage car that is relatively easy to maintain. However, finding well-preserved examples can be challenging, as many were used as everyday transportation and have suffered from wear and tear over the years.
