The latest Vauxhall Corsa looks to take all-electric motoring mainstream, offering a battery-electric model alongside its conventional range
Vauxhall has completely overhauled the next-generation Corsa supermini, which will be built on the same platform as the new Peugeot 208 following Vauxhall’s acquisition by the PSA group. The new Vauxhall Corsa is being readied for imminent release, with these latest official images previewing how the production model will look.
With Vauxhall and Opel now part of the PSA group, the fourth-generation Corsa is based on Peugeot-Citroen’s latest Common Modular Platform (CMP). Vauxhall has confirmed that an all-electric version of the new Corsa will feature in the range, alongside its conventionally powered cousins, with an all-electric 208 likely to follow suit.
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The Corsa’s new platform will also benefit practicality; the increase in size and longer wheelbase should unlock more interior and boot space, with load capacity set to increase over the outgoing model’s 280-litres. It’s also likely that Vauxhall will ditch the old Corsa’s three-door body style, as the only prototypes spied thus far have been more practical five-door models.
Another advantage of the Corsa’s new platform is that it will be lighter than the outgoing vehicle’s, which should help make the new model more economical. PSA will make significant weight savings with the new platform, much like Vauxhall did with the underpinnings for the latest Astra, meaning the new Corsa could shed between 80–100kg of weight.
Further features include a set of glare-free LED Matrix headlights. The lighting technology is usually reserved for premium manufacturers and works by automatically adapting to the traffic, “cutting out” oncoming cars from its beam. The system supposedly maintains visibility for the driver and reduces glare for other motorists.
The new Corsa’s engine range will probably consist exclusively of PSA units, shared with the new 208. A new generation of the BlueHDi diesel is being developed, which will downsize from a 1.6 to a 1.5-litre capacity, offering power outputs ranging from around 75bhp to 120bhp, with CO2 emissions as low as 75g/km. However, it’s unknown if it will be offered in the UK.
PSA’s PureTech petrol engine will also get a refresh, with the three-cylinder 1.2-litre turbos offering improved performance and efficiency. A more potent 1.6-litre turbo will also be made available to Vauxhall if it chooses to develop a Corsa VXR hot hatch.
While the vast majority of the running gear will be shared by the 208 and Corsa, Vauxhall will have its own say in terms of interior and exterior design. The latest official images show that the new Corsa will adopt sharper headlights than out render, even in the fashion-led supermini sector.
Do you like the look of the new 2019 Vauxhall Corsa? Let us know in the comments section below…
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