Opel is lining up for a mega 2019 by announcing that they will be launching seven new models in South Africa for 2019. Together with a handful of new models, they plan to upgrade their existing model range with a slew of specification updates.
Set to launch in April 2019, is the eagerly awaited 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 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 celebrates its 120th birthday in 2019 and South Africans will be spoilt with a stylish Opel Corsa 120Y Special Edition in March 2019. Based on the ever popular Corsa Enjoy, this special edition will feature many extra styling and specification features including the New Tech Pack III with Front/Rear Park-Assist and Rear-View Camera; Window Side Lower Beltline with Chrome Moulding; 'OPEL' Door Sill Plate; Upmarket 'Allure' Jet Black Cloth Trim; Velour Floor Mats (Black with '120 Years' Stitching).
The Opel Astra - award-winner of the 2016 European Car of the Year and 2017 SA Car of the Year, will see the addition of an automatic 1.6T Sport model in March 2019. The new sport model will feature Exterior OPC-Line Sport Pack and Interior OPC-Line Pack (Alloy Sport Pedals, Sport-Mode Switch and Sporty Leather Steering Wheel).
The balance of the Astra model line-up will see an even further enriched specification list such as an On-Board computer IntelliLink System added to the Astra 1.0T M/T. On the 1.4T Enjoy models, the following will be added as standard specifications: Keyless Entry, Advanced Park-Assist, Rear-View Camera, Dual-Zone Climate Control, Electronic Park Brake and Ultrasonic Blind-Spot Detection.
In April 2019, SUV lovers will truly be spoiled for choice with the addition of the Opel Crossland X Enjoy 1.6 Diesel model. This showstopper will feature a frugal, yet powerful 1.6 Turbo-Diesel engine with 68kw and 5-Speed Manual Powertrain.
The Opel Grandland X Enjoy 1.6T Automatic enjoys comprehensive specification updates in March 2019. Updates such as 17" Alloy Wheels replaced by 18" Alloy Wheels, Front Fog Lamps, Rear Privacy Glass, Roof Rails as Standard. Customers will now also be able to choose the Opel Grandland X Enjoy Plus 1.6T Automatic package which adds a Panoramic Sunroof, SatNav 900 IntelliLink Infotainment System and Leather Seats with Winter Pack to the abovementioned specification updates, making this SUV even better.
Perhaps the biggest news to come from Opel South Africa is the introduction of Opel Commercial. The Opel Combo 1.6TD Panel Van will reach South African shores in May 2019. The '2019 Van of the Year' will be music to fleet owners' ears, featuring 15" Steel Wheels, Short Wheel Base (SWB), Standard Payload (600 kg), Halogen Headlamps, Left Sliding Door without Window; Partition Wall without Window, Manual Air-Conditioner, Standard Radio with Bluetooth® and USB connectivity, 4 Loudspeakers, Driver and Front Passenger Airbags, Theft Deterrent Body Security Content and Optional Towbar.
The Opel Combo will be available on Pre-Order from January 2019 and Opel South Africa has committed to introducing customised service solutions, ensuring businesses are not without their vehicle during business hours. The Opel Vivaro also joins the Opel Commercial line-up in November 2019.
Pricing and final specification updates will be announced closer to the respective models local launches.
