Ever since Opel parted ways with General Motors, the Rüsselsheim-based automaker has been promising some big things.
And while Opel South Africa has been expanding their local footprint, they have just confirmed that they will be bringing the famed GSi badge back to South Africa…finally!
Set to launch in 2019, is the Opel Corsa GSi. While this car has been making headlines since it was unveiled in Europe earlier this year, Opel fans can finally smile that they will have a genuine ‘warm-hatch’ to compete against rivals from Volkswagen, Peugeot and Renault.
The Corsa GSi will be powered by a 1.4-litre turbocharged motor that produces 110kw and 220nm - the exact same outputs as the South African-spec Corsa Sport 1.4T 5-door. Thanks to a short-ratio, 6-speed manual gearbox, it will run from 0-100kph in 8.9 seconds, and onto a top speed of 207kph.
Its OPC chassis and disc brakes with red calipers have been set up on the legendary Nürburgring-Nordschleife by Opel's Director Performance Cars and Motorsport, Volker Strycek. As a result, agile handling and short braking distances are guaranteed, especially when combined with the optional 18-inch light alloy wheels with 215/40 ZR18 sports tyres.
The GSi stands out thanks to its OPC-like exterior design, which features larger air intakes, a sculptured bonnet and modelled side sills. Opel says that the roof-mounted wing “creates additional downforce”, while the sporty chrome tailpipes contribute to its unique stance.
The sporty interior is a familiar place, but gains a sports steering wheel, leather gearshift knob and aluminium pedals, which are complemented by the optional Recaro performance seats. Sadly, South Africa didn't get the spicy OPC version of the Corsa E, but this would be a fitting tribute to the Corsa, which gets replaced by the Corsa F (which rides on a PSA platform) late next year.
Opel has yet to release pricing for the three-door Corsa GSì, but expect it to be pricier than the five-door Corsa Sport 1.4T which is currently priced at R297 995. It’s also likely to retain the 3-year/60 000km service plan and 5-year/120 000 warranty as its Corsa siblings.
Opel South Africa have also confirmed that they will be launching diesel versions of the Crossland X and Grandland X, and the Opel Combo Van locally in 2019.
Also worth a look: the Opel Corsa and the Opel Corsa: Germany's Favourite Small Car Goes Electric.
FAQ
Q: What does the Opel Corsa GSi cost in South Africa?
The Opel Corsa GSi was expected to launch in 2019 with pricing around R350,000 to R380,000, positioning it as a premium warm hatch alternative to the VW Polo GTI and Renault Clio RS.
Q: Is the Opel Corsa GSi worth buying?
The Corsa GSi offers decent performance with 110kW and proper track-tuned suspension from Nürburgring testing, but at its expected price point you're paying a premium for exclusivity rather than outright performance value.
Q: How fast is the Opel Corsa GSi compared to rivals?
With a 0-100kph time of 8.9 seconds, the Corsa GSi is respectably quick but not segment-leading, sitting between proper hot hatches and standard turbo models in the performance pecking order.
Q: What are the main differences between Corsa GSi and regular Corsa models?
The GSi gets OPC-tuned chassis, upgraded brakes with red calipers, aggressive bodykit with larger air intakes, sports interior with optional Recaro seats, and the same 110kW turbo engine as the Corsa Sport.
Q: Should I wait for the new Corsa or buy the GSi?
The Corsa GSi represents the final hurrah for the current generation before the PSA-based Corsa F arrives, making it a potential collector's item but also potentially outdated technology compared to newer rivals.
Should You Buy It?
The Opel Corsa GSi is a decent warm hatch that ticks the right boxes for driving enthusiasts, but at an estimated R350,000 to R380,000, you're paying quite a premium for what is essentially a warmed-over existing model. The 110kW output and Nürburgring-tuned chassis are genuinely appealing, and the GSi badge carries proper motorsport heritage. However, for similar money you could get a VW Polo GTI with more performance and better resale value, or save R100,000 and get 90% of the experience with a regular Corsa Sport. The GSi makes sense if you want something different and exclusive, but it's hard to recommend as the best performance hatch under R400,000 in South Africa when more established rivals offer better value.
