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Based on the current generation of the European Corsa here is the new Corsa family from Delta Motors Corp. This event has happened two weeks after the Brazilian version has been unveiled.
Here is the South African press release:
The new Opel Corsa from Delta Motor Corporation represents a quantum leap forward in every area. Analysing the previous Corsa specification Opel engineers examined ways to provide the substantial gains that were expected of the new Corsa design.
Both wheelbase and track are increased on the new model (at 2491mm the new Corsa’s wheelbase is the longest in class) to provide benefits in terms of space, ride quality, and handling. The increased wheelbase, now 48mm longer, provides for more leg room and overall interior space and improves the ride quality. The wider track, up by 42mm at the front and 32mm at the rear, also adds to interior space, especially in the shoulder area, and improves cornering stability. On hatchback derivatives the overall length is increased by 63mm, the width by 38mm and the height by 13mm. The Corsa Classic benefits from all these increases and a total increase in length of 124mm
In every key area space is improved for driver and passengers. Interior headroom for instance is increased by 16mm for the driver and front seat passenger, and 27mm for rear seat passengers. Rear leg room is up by 6mm (using hatch variant as example). Shoulder room is increased by 70mm. On the Corsa Classic notchback versions boot space, already substantial, is increased by 42 litres.
Torsional stiffness on the Hatch is up 33% and on the Notch there is a 15% improvement. Opel’s “DSA” (Dynamic Safety)chassis system enhances the car’s stability and safety, for example when uneven braking surfaces are encountered.
The front end of the chassis on the new Corsa features a ‘bolt-on’ design for ease of repair in the event of a crash. On hatch models the rear tail light cluster is now high mounted for improved visibility and reduced vulnerability to damage.
The front suspension is mounted on a “hydro-formed” sub-frame. This provides for reduced transmission of noise and vibration into the vehicle and precise driving characteristics. In the event of a collision this subframe provides for better load distribution and improved front end crash behaviour. — preparations for production of second model at Opel.
Steering precision is improved by the use of a one-piece lower control arm mounted to the subframe.
The entire ride and handling package has been optimised to provide an improved and precise cornering characteristic together with exceptional straight line stability. To achieve these optimum results, Delta’s engineering team in Port Elizabeth formulated three specific suspension setups, applied to different models in the range.
The steering rack is mounted on the front suspension subframe to achieve the best steering geometry possible. Electric power steering is standard on all models with the power steering motor/controller mounted on the steering column to achieve weight savings and improve ease of installation. This system is environmentally friendly as no hydraulic fluid is used and is essentially maintenance free.
As opposed to a normal hydraulic power steering system EPS only consumes power when it is in use to reduce steering effort.
When Opel engineers designed the brake system for the new Corsa they had as their main goal a system that would provide both high levels of safety and exceptional service life. It also provides good feel and feedback for the driver. The system that came out of this requirement features a booster that is increased in size by 25mm over the current model, a larger master cylinder diameter, larger front brake callipers with increased piston diameter, and front brake discs that are 25mm larger in diameter. The result is not only the anticipated increase in performance and service life, but also the required improvement in brake pedal feel. On 1.8 litre derivatives Bosch 5.3 ABS with EBD (Electronic Brake Force Distribution) is fitted.
Engines fitted are carried over from the existing model, however there is the introduction of a turbocharged and intercooled diesel engine to the range. This engine, the Y17DT double overhead cam 16-valve in line 4-cylinder unit from Opel, is fitted to the 1.7 DTi Elegance, a notchback derivative. — local assembly of Opel vehicles.
This advanced diesel engine from Opel features electronic control for excellent driveability and maximised torque, and direct injection that offers a 15 to 20% improvement in fuel consumption over conventional indirect diesel injection engines. Throttle control is electronic with a fly-by-wire system that offers improved driveability, better throttle control for lower emissions, and low accelerator pedal effort. Significantly this engine has a 15000 kilometre oil change interval running on local diesel fuels. Maximum power is 55 kW @ 4400 r/min. The maximum torque available is 165 Nm with this maximum available over the range of 1800 to 3000 r/min.
While the majority of the engines have not been changed the system of mounting the engines has been revised. Neutral Torque Axis (NTA) powertrain mounts, as fitted to the Opel Astra, are used in the new Corsa. These contribute to driving comfort and better economy by reducing engine vibration and allowing idling speeds to be lowered.
The new Corsa features a hydraulic clutch rather than a cable operated system.
Further refinement comes from a revised gearshift linkage. The new system isolates the shift lever from engine and transmission movement.
Improvements in interior design and comfort, over and above the increase in room, are significant.
All models provide ample internal storage facilities. The glove box is large and has a cup holder, pen holder and card holder moulded on the inside of the drop down lid. Front and rear doors have large pockets and there is a storage area in the dash panel to the right of the steering column. Oddments trays are provided between the front seats and the door sill while the centre console incorporates a cup holder. — agreements signed by Peugeot and Iran Khodro.
Advanced electrics are a feature of the new Corsa. Instead of having separate modules and timers for each individual electronic system in the car, e.g. the wipers or lights, the new Corsa has what Opel calls an integrated Body Control Module (BCM) that provides overall control for all devices.
New to the Corsa range are active head restraints. Activated by upper body pressure, the headrest moves forward and upward in the event of a rear end collision to reduce the risk of neck injury. Energy absorbing pads are placed behind door panels. A driver’s side airbag is standard on all models except the base model and a passenger side airbag is fitted on all 1.6, 1.7D and 1.8 derivatives. Airbags are all full size and work together with seat belt pre-tensioners.
The pedal box on the new Corsa features disengaging clutch and brake pedals incorporated in the Opel pedal release system first seen in South Africa on the Astra. This system reduces the risk of foot and lower leg injuries in the event of a severe frontal impact.
Side impact protection is provided by B-pillar reinforcement, reinforced seat cross-members and a strong seat structure, side impact beams in the doors, and energy absorbing elements in the door panels.
Security features abound in the new Corsa. A passive immobiliser is standard equipment and features a rolling code system for protection against code grabbers.
With its extensive feature list, the new Opel Corsa from Delta Motor Corporation is set to define new benchmarks in the small car class in South Africa.
