Test drive Opel Corsa vs VW Polo: Small cars for a long time
The new Opel Corsa has grown into a fairly large car. But is it enough to be suitable for long trips, like the recognized leader of the small class - VW Polo? Comparison of diesel versions 1.3 CDTI and Polo 1.4 TDI with 90 and 80 hp. respectively. With.
The Corsa's chances of tackling serious competition from the VW Polo seem serious. Above all, Opel will face an entirely new and fresh force against its most dangerous adversary, who undoubtedly enjoys a great reputation but is over five years old. And secondly, the "small" Opel has grown so much that its rival VW looks almost miniature in front of it.
Small on the outside, big on the inside
The Corsa offers ample interior space and delivers near-perfect comfort for four passengers. Rear seat passengers like the fact that they can place their feet comfortably under the front seats. However, in this discipline, the Polo proves to be quite competitive because, despite its more modest external dimensions, it provides an equally satisfying interior space. The situation can also be called a "stack" in terms of the volume of the cargo compartment: both models offer around 300 litres, with the folding backrest (for Opel) or the entire seat (for VW) the figure rises to over 1000 litres. – Quite enough for small class models.
Corsa looks more harmonious
VW's suspension reacts to short bumps with unexpected stiffness, and especially when driving on the highway, the lateral joints cause the body to bounce vertically, which is not pleasant at best. In this discipline, the Corsa responds in a significantly more balanced manner and generally demonstrates better driving comfort. However, under full load, Opel also shows weaknesses, such as an inability to smoothly absorb larger bumps.
Equality in striving
Despite being ten horsepower less with the 1,4-liter pump-injector engine, the Polo shows about the same good dynamic performance as the Corsa with its more modern 1,3-liter 90 hp engine. ... However, the latter is serially combined with a six-speed transmission, while Polo owners have to be content with only five gears. Working with the transmissions of both models is equally accurate and enjoyable. In terms of fuel consumption, almost complete equality reigns: 6,6 liters per 100 kilometers for the Polo, 6,8 liters per 100 kilometers for the heavier Corsa with 63 kilograms.
Balance
However, in the end, the Opel Corsa pulled away a bit - because it's not only a bigger, but also more harmonious car in the test. I wonder what things will look like when Polo's successor arrives...
Text: Werner Schruff, Boyan Boshnakov
Photo: Hans-Dieter Zeifert
Evaluation
1. Opel Corsa 1.3 CDTI Cosmo
Except for the indirect, very weak steering feedback on the road, the Corsa shows almost no significant flaws. Interior space, overall comfort, functionality, road behavior, brakes and engine work very well.
2.Vw Polo 1.4 TDI Sportline
The unexpectedly stiff suspension and the rough operation of the flexible and fuel efficient three-cylinder engine throw the Polo 1.4 TDI backwards. However, the model is quite competitive regardless of age, especially in terms of road behavior, ergonomics, workmanship, interior space and price.
technical details
| 1. Opel Corsa 1.3 CDTI Cosmo | 2.Vw Polo 1.4 TDI Sportline | |
|---|---|---|
| Working volume | - | - |
| Power | 66 kW (90 hp) | 59 kW (80 hp) |
| Maximum torque | - | - |
| Acceleration 0-100 km / h | 13,2 with | 13,5 with |
| Braking distances at a speed of 100 km / h | 37,8 m | 39 m |
| full speed | 172 km / h | 174 km / h |
| Average consumption fuel in the test | 6,8 l / 100 km | 6,6 l / 100 km |
| Base Price | 27 577 levov | 26 052 levov |
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