The Opel Corsa E 3-door 1.3 CDTI ECOTEC (75 hp) start/stop was a subcompact hatchback produced from November 2015 to June 2018. Positioned as an entry-level offering within the Corsa E range, it aimed to provide fuel efficiency and affordability to buyers in the European market. This variant utilized a small-displacement diesel engine paired with a five-speed manual transmission, making it a popular choice for urban commuting and economical driving. It was part of the fourth generation of the Corsa (Corsa E), built on the General Motors Gamma II platform, also shared with models like the Chevrolet Trax and Buick Encore.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Opel |
| Model | Corsa |
| Generation | Corsa E 3-door |
| Type (Engine) | 1.3 CDTI ECOTEC (75 Hp) start/stop |
| Start of production | November, 2015 |
| End of production | June, 2018 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Hatchback |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 3 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 4.6 l/100 km (51.1 US mpg, 61.4 UK mpg, 21.7 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 3.3 l/100 km (71.3 US mpg, 85.6 UK mpg, 30.3 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 3.8 l/100 km (61.9 US mpg, 74.3 UK mpg, 26.3 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 100 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 14.8 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 14.8 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 14.1 sec |
| Maximum speed | 164 km/h (101.9 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 6 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 15 kg/Hp, 66.7 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 5.9 kg/Nm, 169 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 75 Hp @ 3750 rpm |
| Power per litre | 60.1 Hp/l |
| Torque | 190 Nm @ 1500-2500 rpm (140.14 lb.-ft. @ 1500-2500 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | B13DTC |
| Engine displacement | 1248 cm3 (76.16 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 69.6 mm (2.74 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 82 mm (3.23 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 16.25:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Diesel Commonrail |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Engine oil capacity | 4 l (4.23 US qt | 3.52 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 6 l (6.34 US qt | 5.28 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1124 kg (2478 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1665 kg (3670.7 lbs.) |
| Max load | 541 kg (1192.7 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 285 l (10.06 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1090 l (38.49 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 45 l (11.89 US gal | 9.9 UK gal) |
| Max. roof load | 75 kg (165.35 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 900 kg (1984.16 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes | 580 kg (1278.68 lbs.) |
| Length | 4021 mm (158.31 in.) |
| Width | 1736 mm (68.35 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 1944 mm (76.54 in.) |
| Height | 1479 mm (58.23 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2510 mm (98.82 in.) |
| Front track | 1472 mm (57.95 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1464 mm (57.64 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle | 11.00 m (36.09 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 5 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent type McPherson |
| Rear suspension | Semi-independent, coil spring |
| Front brakes | Disc |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Tires size | 185/65 R15 88H; 185/70 R14 88T |
| Wheel rims size | 6.0J x 15; 5.5J x 14 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The Corsa E 1.3 CDTI utilized the B13DTC engine, a 1.3-liter inline-four cylinder diesel engine. This engine was part of Opel/Vauxhall’s ‘ECOTEC’ family, known for its focus on efficiency. It featured a turbocharger with intercooling to boost power output, and a common-rail direct fuel injection system for optimized combustion. The engine produced 75 horsepower at 3750 rpm and 190 Nm (140 lb-ft) of torque between 1500 and 2500 rpm. The engine’s relatively high compression ratio of 16.25:1 contributed to its fuel efficiency. The five-speed manual transmission was chosen for its simplicity and cost-effectiveness, prioritizing fuel economy over outright performance. The Start/Stop system, standard on this variant, further enhanced fuel savings by automatically shutting off the engine when the vehicle was stationary.
Driving Characteristics
The 1.3 CDTI with the manual transmission offered modest performance. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) took approximately 14.8 seconds, and top speed was limited to 164 km/h (102 mph). The engine’s torque delivery was focused on the lower to mid-range, making it suitable for everyday driving and providing adequate pulling power for overtaking maneuvers. However, it lacked the punch of higher-powered Corsa E variants, such as those equipped with the 1.0-liter turbocharged petrol engine or the larger 1.4-liter diesel. The gear ratios were optimized for fuel efficiency, meaning the engine could feel strained at higher speeds or when carrying a full load. The manual transmission provided a more engaging driving experience than the optional automatic, but required more driver involvement.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 1.3 CDTI ECOTEC (75 hp) typically served as the base trim level for the Corsa E. Standard equipment generally included air conditioning, power steering, electric front windows, a basic audio system with USB connectivity, and ABS brakes. Safety features like ESP (Electronic Stability Program) were also often standard. Interior upholstery was typically cloth, and the dashboard featured a functional, if somewhat basic, design. Optional extras included alloy wheels, upgraded audio systems, parking sensors, and a touchscreen infotainment system. Higher trim levels, such as the ‘Energy’ or ‘Cosmo’ offered more luxurious features and styling enhancements.
Chassis & Braking
The Corsa E featured a McPherson strut front suspension and a semi-independent torsion beam rear suspension. This setup provided a reasonable balance between ride comfort and handling. The front brakes were ventilated discs, while the rear brakes were typically solid discs. The steering was a rack-and-pinion system, offering light and precise control. The relatively lightweight nature of the vehicle (around 1124 kg or 2478 lbs) helped to compensate for the engine’s modest power output. Stabilizer bars were fitted to both the front and rear axles to reduce body roll during cornering.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Corsa E 1.3 CDTI was generally well-received as an economical and practical city car. Critics praised its fuel efficiency and low running costs, but noted its lack of outright performance. Compared to the petrol-powered Corsa E variants, the 1.3 CDTI offered significantly better fuel economy, but at the expense of acceleration and refinement. Against competitors like the Volkswagen Polo, Ford Fiesta, and Renault Clio, the Corsa E 1.3 CDTI held its own in terms of value for money and fuel efficiency, but often lagged behind in terms of driving dynamics and interior quality.
Legacy
The B13DTC engine, while generally reliable, is known to require regular maintenance, particularly regarding the diesel particulate filter (DPF). Owners should ensure the vehicle is used on longer journeys periodically to allow the DPF to regenerate effectively. The Corsa E 1.3 CDTI remains a popular choice on the used car market due to its affordability and fuel efficiency. However, potential buyers should be aware of the potential maintenance costs associated with diesel engines, particularly as they age. The combination of a small diesel engine and manual transmission continues to appeal to buyers seeking a cost-effective and economical mode of transportation.
