Opel’s new Corsa arrived in Ireland this month and promises to wow customers with its fresh looks, more efficient engines, clever safety and driving technologies. The entry prices will start from €14,895 for the three-door ‘S’ entry model.

The new Corsa claims improved engines, chassis smooth shifting transmissions, the new suspension and optimised steering to deliver improved levels of comfort. Opel claims that the new chassis does not inherit a single component from the current model. Corsa will feature as standard Hill Start Assist which will not let the car roll back on a hill.

While the exterior style of the car has changed a little, the more significant are to the interior. These include a new infotainment system with a seven inch colour touchscreen to connect mobile devices to the Corsa.

Customers can stream music wirelessly and access a host of apps to enhance the driving experience, including BringGo for navigation, as well as Stitcher and TuneIn for worldwide radio and podcast reception. The integration of Apple iOS devices within IntelliLink enables SIRI EYES FREE voice control. This makes it possible for drivers to hear an incoming SMS read aloud or dictate an SMS or email – all while keeping their hands on the wheel and their eyes on the road ahead.

The new Corsa will have a range of optional driver assistance systems. For example, Corsa will offer Park and Go technology that assists parking your vehicle into spaces, and a front camera system with road sign recognition that will display traffic signs on the road. Meanwhile Following Distance Indication and Forward Collision Warning alert you when there is an imminent danger of crashing.

New engines for 2015 Corsa

At the heart of the Corsa is the new ECOTEC Direct Injection Turbo three-cylinder petrol engine which is available in the three-door Limited Edition model with 115bhp and has CO2 emissions of 115g/km or €200 in annual road tax. The car has a top speed of 195km/hr. It accelerates from 0 -100km in 10.3 seconds and has a combined fuel consumption 4.9 l/100kms.

Meanwhile the premium SE model comes in a 90bhp variant and with CO2 emissions of 106g/km has an annual road tax of €190. These new engines sit alongside the existing 1.2i (70bhp) and 1.4i (90bhp) petrol engines offered across the Corsa range.

The 1.4i petrol engine has a combined fuel consumption of 119g/km of CO2 emissions or €200 in annual road tax. There are two diesel engine variants offered, the 1.3CDTi turbo diesel engines is available in 75bhp and 95bhp featuring Start/Stop fuel saving technology.

The Corsa diesel variant rated at 95bhp, comes with a five-speed manual gearbox and braking energy recuperation system that claims to reduce the three-door model‘s CO2 emissions down to 85 g/km and fuel consumption down to 3.2 l/100 km over the combined cycle.

The new Corsa comes with new transmissions which Opel claims contributes to the enhanced driving experience and improved efficiency. Both versions of the 1.0 litre turbo petrol engine are paired to a new, compact six-speed manual gearbox. A new six-speed automatic transmission is also available and with the Corsa.

Opel claims that new damping characteristics give the car better filtration of disturbances from potholes and uneven road surfaces; that one will be put to the test in Ireland. The car has a new speed-sensitive electric power steering system with claims of more precise response, driving pleasure and comfort.