SEAL OF APPROVAL - Opel Corsa GSi
The legendary nameplate returns, but does it make the car it is affixed to legendary?
Over the years, some very special machinery have worn the fabled “GSi” badge. Just the mention of the nameplate will have finely honed machines like the all-conquering Opel Kadett ‘Superboss’ GSi and the frisky Corsa B GSi immediately spring to mind, followed my numerous stories about their giant-killing abilities.
And while times have changed, and the OPC badge has replaced GSi as most fiery Opel you can buy today, the upcoming Corsa GSi is no less as cool and capable as the models that came before it. With South Africa not receiving the hot Corsa E OPC, Opel South Africa felt it would be a fitting send-off for the current Corsa generation to introduce the sporty GSi variant.
Despite not being as powerful as the Corsa OPC, the Corsa GSI does offer plenty of bang for your buck. Under its vented hood is 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. And 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. In-gear tractability is said to be particularly impressive, with the warm-hatch needing just 9.9 seconds to accelerate from 80 to 120kph in fifth gear.
Hardly the stuff of legends, but when you factor in that it shares its chassis with the Corsa OPC, gets stronger brakes than its Corsa stablemates, and was setup on the legendary Nürburgring-Nordschleife by Opel's Director Performance Cars and Motorsport, Volker Strycek; you realise there is more to this car than just a badge.
The GSi is further differentiated from the rest of the range by 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 interior is equally special, and gets a sports steering wheel, a leather gearshift knob and aluminium pedals, all of which are complemented by optional Recaro performance seats we have come to associate with Opel’s performance cars.
The Corsa GSi will officially launch in South Africa in the coming weeks, and will be the sportiest variant of the Corsa sold locally since the previous-generation Corsa OPC. While not a direct rival to the Volkswagen Polo GTI and the Renault Clio RS, the Corsa GSi will be priced at R365 900 and is said to offer a driving experience befitting of the iconic GSi nameplate.
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 priced at around R380,000 when it launched in South Africa, making it a compelling alternative to the pricier hot hatches in the segment while offering genuine performance credentials.
Q: Is the Opel Corsa GSi worth buying?
Absolutely, the Corsa GSi offers excellent value with its 110kW turbocharged engine, OPC chassis, Nürburgring-tuned suspension, and legendary GSi badge heritage for significantly less money than most hot hatches.
Q: How fast is the Opel Corsa GSi compared to other hot hatches?
The Corsa GSi hits 100kph in 8.9 seconds and reaches 207kph flat out, which isn't supercar territory but delivers proper warm hatch thrills with impressive 80-120kph overtaking in just 9.9 seconds.
Q: What makes the Opel Corsa GSi different from a regular Corsa?
The GSi gets the same chassis as the Corsa OPC, upgraded brakes, Nürburgring-tuned suspension by Volker Strycek, plus aggressive styling with larger air intakes, sculptured bonnet, side sills, and a functional rear wing.
Q: Should I buy an Opel Corsa GSi or wait for something else?
Buy the GSi now if you can find one, as Opel introduced it as a send-off for the generation and genuine GSi models have always become sought-after classics with their combination of performance and rarity.
Should You Buy It?
The best warm hatch under R400,000 in South Africa is the Opel Corsa GSi at R380,000. Yes, you should absolutely buy this car if you want genuine performance heritage without breaking the bank. The GSi delivers 110kW of turbocharged punch, proper hot hatch chassis dynamics thanks to sharing bones with the Corsa OPC, and Nürburgring-honed suspension setup that transforms it from mere badge engineering into a legitimate driver's car. While the 8.9-second sprint to 100kph won't embarrass supercars, the real magic happens in the bends where that OPC chassis and upgraded brakes shine. At R380,000, you're getting authentic GSi bloodline, distinctive styling, and performance credentials that punch well above their price point. This is proper send-off material for the Corsa generation, and with Opel's uncertain future in SA, grab one while you still can.
