The Comfy Ride. Review on Opel Corsa 1.4 GSI

Specifications At a Glance:

Model Designation-X14 NE

Fuel System-Micro Processor Controlled MPFi

Cylinders-4

Fuel-Petrol

Displacement-1389

Power Output [PS]-87.2 @ 5200 rpm

Torque [Nm]-111.3 @ 3200 rpm

Fuel Tank Capacity-46 Lt

Fuel Consumption [my tests]

10worst/12average/15.5best

Max Speed-173 Km/hr

GVW-1435 Kg

Curb weight-1060 Kg

Battery-12 Volt 60 Ah

Trunk Capacity-390 Ltrs

Tire Size-175/70 R 13

Front Suspension-McPherson Strut with Anti-Dive Geometry

Rear Suspension-Crank Compound Suspension with Torsional Stabilizer Bars

Power Plant:

The 1.4-liter engine churns out 88bhp of power. Though 4bhp behind the Corsa 1.6-liter version this beauty out performs most of its friends in its class. The 5-speed gearbox has quite a peppy feel. Gearshift is amazingly smooth. Pickup in over dive is also quite good. I have often come across a hand full of people talking about low pickup. Well this is not exactly a 300bhp sports car and nether is it intended to be, but it is guaranteed to thrill.

One really good feature is the safety ring mechanism for the reverse gear. So you can be hundred percent sure that your baby will not go into reverse gear unless you deliberately want it to. Engine noise is also extremely low in the cabin. Even at 100km/hr and above the engine is at ease, not a hint of fatigue.

Construction:

German engineering, after all what could I say against it. The car uses high mm metal and hence is quite rugged. Surely the sturdiest in the market in its class and trust me you will be convinced the minute you step into the car and be re assured once you take it for a spin. The fit and finish is excellent with importance given to detail. The door, trunk and bonnet hinges are as rugged as can be. Solid build and extreme finish coupled with an aerodynamic design. The drag is almost non-existent.

Comfort:

The human element has been given due priority. There are no rough edges, even the control levers on either side of the steering have a contour to rest you fingers providing a gentle but firm grip. The steering has a soft rubberized plastic feel, and there is a small dip on the mould to place your thumb to honk through busy traffic jams. The seats like everything else in the car show an extremely ergonomic design. The front as well as the back seats provides very good back as well as thy support. There is ample legroom in the front as well as the rear. Driver side access needs special mention. I have had trouble getting in and out of most of the similar cars in the market because of the steering blocking my led passage, but in Corsa getting in and out is a breeze. Like I said the car uses solid metal and hence is a rugged heavy car. The suspension is extremely well designed. So you combine a heavy car with good suspension and good seats, what do you get? Yes, it is any body's guess, extreme comfort and that is what a Corsa is known for. So for a person who's primary objective is comfort, bingo.

Cockpit:

Clear instrument cluster and easily accessible controls with smooth rounded corners make using them quite a delight. The fit And finish of the controls are really good. All four-power windows can be controlled from the driver side door. There is even a safety lock for the rear power windows. The headlamps are quite powerful and well focused though a slight improvement is needed in this regard.

Driving:

I don't think I can do justice to this section but let me put it this way. You have to ride it to believe it. The driving comfort of this babe is phenomenal. Good road grip, solid feel, extreme control, maneuverability in heavy traffic, good pickup. Need I say more?

Space:

Open the bonnet and you find the power plant. Well laid out with very little space for accessories. So if you have plans of adding a load of accessories [horns that kill] forget it. That is not the purpose. The power plant and all the other paraphernalia are well planned with no room for intruders. The alley cat has no space under this bonnet. The trunk has a generous 390 Ltr space, which is plenty of room for your luggage. If that does not satisfy you the rear seat comes with 1/3 rd split giving your trunk that extra room. The cabin is very roomy with ample leg room and comfortable seating.

Mileage:

The worst I get is 12km/ltr and the best 15.5 km/ltr with AC. A lot depends on how you ride the vehicle. I get the best mileage at a speed of 40~60 km/hr in the 5th gear. Too much of unnecessary breaking frequent gear shifts can drastically reduce the mileage. Keeping an eye on the tachometer and maintaining the ideal tyre pressure is also quite a healthy practice in this regard.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

Driving comfort, Ruggedness, Ride comfort, Fit & Finish, Maneuverability, Engine Shield

Cons:

The hand brake is quite close to the front left seat with very little finger room.

Conclusion:

If you are a person looking at driver as well as passenger comfort and safety, with a keen eye for fit and finish with decent mileage then this is the car for you. If your top priority is mileage [like 15~18km/ltr] and average comfort then look at other models but comfort levels will in no way be close to this car.