Technical Specifications
| Brand | Opel |
| Model | Corsa |
| Generation | Corsa E 3-door |
| Type (Engine) | OPC 1.6 Turbo ECOTEC (207 Hp) |
| Start of production | April, 2015 |
| End of production | March, 2018 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Hatchback |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 3 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 9.9 l/100 km (23.8 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 6.2 l/100 km (37.9 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 7.5 l/100 km (31.4 US mpg) |
| CO2 emissions | 174 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 6.8 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 6.8 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 6.5 sec |
| Maximum speed | 230 km/h (142.92 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 6 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 5.9 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 5 kg/Nm |
| Power | 207 Hp @ 5800 rpm |
| Power per litre | 129.5 Hp/l |
| Torque | 245 Nm @ 1900-5800 rpm (180.7 lb.-ft. @ 1900-5800 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | B16LER |
| Engine displacement | 1598 cm3 (97.52 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 79 mm (3.11 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 81.5 mm (3.21 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 8.8:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Engine oil capacity | 4.5 l (4.76 US qt | 3.96 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 5.3 l (5.6 US qt | 4.66 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1218 kg (2685.23 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1670 kg (3681.72 lbs.) |
| Max load | 452 kg (996.49 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.) |
| 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 | 6 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 |
The Opel Corsa E OPC, produced from April 2015 to March 2018, was the high-performance variant of the fifth-generation Opel Corsa (Corsa E). Positioned as the flagship model within the Corsa E 3-door range, the OPC (Opel Performance Center) aimed to deliver a compelling hot hatch experience, competing with rivals like the Volkswagen Polo GTI and Renault Clio RS. This model was primarily marketed in Europe and was never officially sold in the United States. It offered a blend of sporty styling, enhanced performance, and a more focused driving experience compared to the standard Corsa E trims.
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The Corsa E OPC is powered by the B16LER 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. This engine belongs to the Ecotec family, recognized for its compact design and efficiency. The B16LER utilizes direct injection and a single-scroll turbocharger with an intercooler to generate 207 horsepower at 5800 rpm and 245 Nm (180.7 lb-ft) of torque between 1900 and 5800 rpm. The engine features a cast iron block and an aluminum cylinder head with four valves per cylinder. Fuel delivery is managed through multi-point fuel injection. The turbocharger is a crucial component, providing substantial boost across a wide rev range. The Corsa E OPC was exclusively offered with a six-speed manual transmission, engineered to handle the engine’s output and provide precise gear changes. This transmission features short shift ratios to enhance the sporty driving experience.
Driving Characteristics
The Corsa E OPC delivers a noticeably more engaging driving experience compared to lower-spec Corsa E models. The 207 hp engine provides brisk acceleration, achieving a 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) time of around 6.8 seconds and a top speed of 230 km/h (142.92 mph). The manual transmission allows for precise control, and the turbocharger provides a strong mid-range punch. While not as aggressively tuned as some of its competitors, the OPC offers a good balance between performance and everyday usability. The chassis is tuned for a sportier feel, with stiffer springs and dampers, and a lowered ride height. This results in reduced body roll and improved handling. However, the ride can be firm on less-than-perfect road surfaces. The steering is direct and responsive, providing good feedback to the driver.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The Corsa E OPC came well-equipped as standard. Key features included sports seats upholstered in Morrocana (a synthetic leather), a leather-wrapped steering wheel, air conditioning, and a touchscreen infotainment system. Standard exterior features included a distinctive OPC body kit with aggressive front and rear bumpers, side skirts, and a rear spoiler. The OPC also featured 17-inch alloy wheels and a stainless steel exhaust system. Optional extras included Recaro sports seats, a panoramic sunroof, and various driver assistance systems. Interior trim was typically dark, with accents in red or grey to emphasize the sporty character of the car.
Chassis & Braking
The Corsa E OPC’s chassis was specifically tuned to handle the increased power output. It features a McPherson strut front suspension and a semi-independent torsion beam rear suspension. The suspension components were upgraded with stiffer springs and dampers compared to the standard Corsa E. The OPC also featured a thicker front stabilizer bar to reduce body roll. Braking duties are handled by disc brakes on all four wheels, providing ample stopping power. The OPC also included ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) and electronic stability control as standard safety features.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Corsa E OPC was generally well-received by automotive critics, who praised its performance, handling, and value for money. However, some reviewers noted that the interior quality wasn’t quite on par with some of its rivals. Compared to the standard Corsa E models, the OPC offered a significant performance upgrade, but at the cost of some fuel economy and ride comfort. Compared to rivals like the Volkswagen Polo GTI, the Corsa E OPC offered a more affordable entry point into the hot hatch segment, but lacked the refinement and overall polish of the VW. The 1.4-liter Turbo models offered a more fuel-efficient alternative, but lacked the outright performance of the OPC.
Legacy
The Corsa E OPC remains a popular choice among enthusiasts seeking an affordable and engaging hot hatch. The 1.6-liter turbocharged engine has proven to be relatively reliable, provided regular maintenance is performed. The OPC’s relatively simple mechanicals make it easier and cheaper to maintain than some of its more complex competitors. On the used car market, the Corsa E OPC typically commands a premium over the standard Corsa E models, reflecting its performance and desirability. It represents a final, spirited offering for the Corsa E, providing a compelling blend of performance, practicality, and affordability.
