Soulful delivery from Corsa
I want this car. I really do, which is quite surprising considering how broke I am.
Review Talha Randeree
I have always been a huge fan of the Corsa range. From the bakkies to the tiny Corsa Lite, the cars have always resonated with me for some reason.
It is not the fastest car, not the best-styled, not even the most economical, but I have always had huge amounts of admiration for the car.
Maybe it’s because it puts a smile on my face when it glides through corners. Or maybe because the Corsa bakkie was one of the first vehicles I ever drove. Or maybe it’s because I fell in love with the OPC when it was released.
I think it’s much simpler than that. The reason I love this car is because it is always exciting to drive.
For me the Corsa was always a bit like the Energizer Bunny, always ready to zoom off while jumping about and having fun.
This new model, while slightly more refined than previous models, still has this pedigree to it. Beneath the simple, but appealing exterior and interior, the mechanics of the Corsa are excellent.
The breed has always been a tripod. You might laugh at this, with the question of how can I car become a tripod?
Simple, you drive it on three wheels.
The Corsa has always had an amazing suspension system, no matter what. The suspension distributes the weight of the car so well that it will actively raise a wheel off the ground to keep the car gripping the ground and prevent it from rolling.
As weird as that may sound, it’s true. I’m not sure if Opel designed it that way but it is an amazing system that is truly spectacular in the right hands.
When I drove the Corsa Essentia A/C 5 Dr, I was not bowled over. I was quietly pleased to see the Corsa pedigree continuing. I loved every moment behind the wheel, although the drive was uneventful. I really did not want to give the keys back to the NTT GM dealership.
With this experience coming from the base model of the range, I can only imagine how much more fun I would have had in the Turbo version, or the OPC itself. The difference between the power of the car I drove and the OPC is 67kW… 67!
I want this car. I really do, which is quite surprising considering how broke I am. If you need a five-seater that will take you to work, back again, a night out, or even for your children to use as they go off to college, then I would definitely suggest this car. Starting from R187 800 it is real bargain for your buck, coming fully equipped and saving you hundreds with its fuel efficiency.
Petrol-heads believe every car has a soul, and the Corsa has soul in spades.
From the dashing new proper hatchback styling choices, to the hugging Recaro seats, I love every bit of the car.
The biggest or well only problem I really saw with the car, and this may really be off-putting for some drivers, is the fact that the car is only sold as a manual.
For me, I say, “Gimme the stick shift and lemme have a go.”
