First Drive: New Opel Corsa steers in right direction

Apparently we like to flex our motoring muscles more than our continental cousins. At least that's what Opel reckons for it has adjusted the steering on right-hand versions of its new Corsa to give them a heavier, more distinctive feel than the left-hookers sold on continental soil.

Otherwise the big news for the Opel supermini is the addition of the firm’s new three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine to the range and a new styling look that takes several cues from the smart-looking Astra GTC, while inside the influence of the supposedly funky Adam city car can be seen in the infotainment system.

But first, let's get back to the steering. According to Werner Joris, lead developing engineer at Opel, with Irish and British Corsas "there is a more direct feel, a better sense of connection between the steering wheel and the front wheels. You need more force to steer".

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In short, Irish and British drivers prefer to flex their biceps behind the wheel.

“We have changed the calibration of the steering, so it has been adjusted to offer more centrifugal forces than the European version,” Joris explains.

Admittedly, complaints that the previous Corsa's steering lacked feel and proper weight came from the UK rather than Ireland. British buyers have a fondness for hot hatches and the high performance Corsa – sold in the UK as a Corsa VXR under the Vauxhall badge – has been a strong seller.

In terms of looks, the car’s basic proportions haven’t changed significantly. Most people will identify the little Opel without too much trouble. It’s the same length as before and in terms of styling the front nose takes its cues from the latest Astra GTE, although it does look a little like the grille has slid down the front as it started to melt.

However, chief designer Mark Adams should be happy with his latest creation. The Englishman has radically overhauled the Opel look, starting with the Insignia, and the cars have acquired a stylish family look since he got control of the firm’s pen.

There’s still the same choice of three and five-door versions, with the three-door the sharper of the two in terms of sportier looks, particularly at the rear.

Inside and again, as with the older version, the Corsa offers plenty of space up front and less in the back, in typical supermini style. A 285-litre boot is adequate for the weekly shop or a weekend away.

All Corsa models feature a relatively elevated driving position and there’s an impressive level of headroom in the back, even for adults. Like many of the ever-growing superminis out there at present, the backseat can cater for two adults and it won’t be motoring purgatory to pass a journey in the back.

The Corsa shares a lot of its infotainment system with the recently launched Adam but that’s really all it shares, despite some reports of the “Adamisation” of the model, a terrible term meant to signal that Opel is trying to make the Corsa street smart.

It will also be the first Opel in the range to showcase the new OnStar connection system when it launches in Ireland next year, offering 4G in-car internet connections along with a host of other features.

And so to the new 1-litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine. This is not just for this car line. It's already in the Adam and all the signs are Opel is preparing to follow rivals such as Ford and Peugeot and introduce the little three-cylinder into its larger family hatchback model in the next generation Astra.

Three cylinder petrol engines are all the rage at present. Ford’s 1-litre Ecoboost is a star in its range and will even feature in the new Mondeo. Peugeot’s little 1.2-litre is a hit in the award-winning 308 range.

According to Opel, its 1-litre sets a new benchmark in terms of a reduction in noise and vibration. A key feature of this is the inclusion of a new balance shaft for the engine. “There are about 40 different elements of this engine which have been designed specifically to reduce noise and vibration, so if you drive this car you can appreciate the new benchmark.”

For Ireland, aside from the 90bhp 1-litre, there two other petrol offerings: a 1.2-litre 70bhp version on the entry-level and a 1.4-litre 90bhp unit. On the diesel front, there is a 1.3-litre CDTi, although petrol will still be the big seller in the Corsa range.

So what’s it like on the road? Well the 1-litre is certainly peppy enough, and you can appreciate the work that has been done on its refinement. While we await right-hand drive versions to appreciate the subtle changes to the Corsa’s handling the ride quality is good, but we didn’t find it quite as refined as the new Skoda Fabia, for example. Sports suspenion will be fitted to the high-specification Limited edition, which will be three-door only, and it will be an option on the SE version.

As for prices, well they start at €14,895 for the 1.2-litre S level version, which is up about €1,000 on the previous model. That said, most if not all new models carry higher levels of standard equipment than their predecessors.

Overall, the Corsa is a big step in the right direction for the Opel supermini, which never really got the recognition it deserved. With a new impressive 1-litre three-cylinder petrol in the mix and sharper steering promised – along with the sharper styling – the new Corsa may not have struck out as the class leader but it's still very much up at the front of the race. The lowdown: Opel Corsa

Engines: aside from the 90bhp 1-litre, there two other petrol offerings: a 1.2-litre 70bhp version on the entry-level and a 1.4-litre 90bhp unit. On the diesel front there is a 1.3-litre CDTi, although petrol will still be the big seller in the Corsa range.

Pricing: Starting at €14,895 for 1.2-litre S level .

Arriving in Ireland: Mid-November, well in time for2015 sales.