Opel Corsa GSi
Opel has spawned a legend that makes all fans of the brand sing with all their hearts. GSi-branded athletes are still widely recognizable if you simply distinguish between brand cars or real athletes from those that only a cheap M, GSi, GTi or AMG sticker associate with muscle. Therefore, we can safely say that the once very recognizable Opel puts a white flag only on the name GTi, which is the designation of this class. You know, the GTi class, which was never the GSi class. ...
In the Opel Corsa GSi, the role of a jumper plays only a minor role in the internal hierarchy. If you skip a little memory, then remember that in last year's 18th issue of our magazine we have already presented the OPC version, which with 192 "horses" is undoubtedly the flagship of the German brand. But leave the Opel Performance Center and remember that you don't have the strongest at home. If you read further, you will realize that, perhaps, not everything is indicated in the number of kilowatts or the number of "horses" indicated in the road map of the car.
The Opel Corsa GSi is not as spectacular as the OPC, as it only has more pronounced front and rear bumpers, a larger rear spoiler and more pronounced exhaust trim. The rear-view mirrors, which are more of a work of art on the OPC than a reversing aid, also have a fairly common shape on the GSi. But from experience we tell you that you will be noticed anyway.
The bright red color takes a long look, the 17-inch wheels showcase 308mm disc brakes at the front and 264mm at the rear, as well as a healthy humming engine sound that is the track's second home from the wind. exhaust pipe. The Corsa GSi is not designed to be tuned, which many consider to be a plus. The essence of this car is hidden under the hood, as the driver's pulse and breathing regulation is dictated by a 1-liter four-cylinder engine, which is aided by a turbocharger.
The technical data states that it has 150 "horsepower" and 210 Nm of maximum torque from 1.850 to 5.000 rpm. If we look into history, we will see that power has doubled. The first Opel Corsa GSi, introduced in 1987, had only 98 horsepower. With each subsequent generation, engine power increased: the Corsa GSi marked B (1994) had 109 "horsepower", the Corsa GSi C (2001) 125 and the Corsa GSi D (2007) - the aforementioned 150 "horsepower". But even if the gain looks huge, it's actually just a step forward. The first Corsa GSi was capable of a top speed of 186 km / h with an average consumption of 7 liters, while the new one boasts 3 km / h and an average consumption of 210 liters. Why such a small difference?
Well, the beginner has to carry on his shoulders a significantly greater mass (larger size, richer equipment and more safety), and above all he must breathe very shallowly due to environmental regulations. Therefore, we believe that the difference from a technical point of view is much larger than the dry data shows. The modern Corsa GSi is powered by a turbocharged engine for the first time. By using aluminum (parts of the cylinder head, oil pump and turbocharger), they reduced the weight of the engine as it now weighs only 131 kilograms, and above all, they improved the position and limited understeer.
The smaller volume also means more compactness, and due to the faster response to recharging, the turbocharger has a place near the engine, on the exhaust manifolds. Since the turbine can rotate up to two hundred thousand times per minute, it does not overheat due to the abundant external (water) cooling, despite the proximity of a hot engine.
Its response is very good: it wakes up just above idle and indulges itself with well-distributed mid-range torque, while at higher revs it delivers power that pleases almost anyone with gas in their blood. If I were to compare it to the competition, I would say that so far we have only driven one of the best engines of similar size and technology. The Peugeot 207 and Mini boast a 1-liter turbocharger that's a little more torque blessed, but especially wakes up at a lower level.
rpm and less pollutants. But don't worry: Opel with a sporty heart is a worthy competitor. Twitchy when you push, moderately thirsty when traveling with family, and mild when you take him to the city market. We can only blame the sound: at 130 km / h it is almost too loud, and at full throttle we lack a little sound pampering. You know, let him roar, whistle, gargle, whatever, just to make it feel like we have the fastest car in the world. And the tuning masters will work again. .
And these are the tuning shops that will probably double as much again as the GSi is just as unhappy as the OPC. How to apply this force on the road? You'll be safer with ESP on, but electronics will often interfere with your entertainment. The sporty ESP gives a little more freedom, but still clearly insufficient for experienced drivers. And if you turn off ESP?
But then a problem arises: the unloaded inner drive wheel likes to rotate to neutral when the throttle is fully open. The problem is smaller than with the more powerful OPC, but it is still so pronounced that it spoils some of the fun and, above all, makes your wallet thinner as heavy-duty tires cannot last long. ... A differential lock would solve this problem (and at the same time bring something new, say, ripping the steering wheel out of your hands), but it was Raceland that proved that both the GSi and especially the OPC do not like closed corners.
We didn't have as many problems with the Peugeot or Mini, despite the same stability. Can we attribute this to the best chassis? Who knew a better comparison would take more time and, above all, the same weather conditions and tires. So don't be surprised that the significantly stronger OPC is only marginally faster; if we had summer tires on the GSi, the timing would probably be exactly the same. So is OPC worth buying? No, at least not because of the better performance on paper, although it looks pretty damn good right?
Inside, you will not be disappointed. The poisonous combination of gray and red invigorates, the sports seat and steering wheel pamper even the most demanding, the transmission impresses with precision in slow gears and satisfies them in fast gears.
With the electric power steering, we were worried about working in the starting position, when the electric motor begins to help the driver turn the steering wheel. This transition from starting point to full-time work is a little annoying, because then you don't know exactly what is going on under the wheels. Otherwise, really only for a moment and, perhaps, only the most sensitive perceive it, but still? There are already so many of the best electrically powered steering wheels on the market (BMW, Seat…) that it's just a matter of fine tuning.
If we compare the OPC and GSi, then in the end the scales add up in favor of the weaker brother, despite the more modest characteristics. Even though it only has 150 horsepower, it's jittery enough that you don't need extra steering wheel heating, powerful enough to keep sensitive passengers from wanting to ride with you, and above all, smooth enough that you can ignore it. sportiness. Opel did pull the GSi label out of the dust, but the polish was more than successful.
Alosha Mrak, photo :? Sasha Kapetanovich
Opel Corsa GSi
Basic data
| Sales: | GM South East Europe |
|---|---|
| Base model price: | 18.950 € |
| Test model cost: | 20.280 € |
| Calculate the cost of auto insurance | |
| Power: | 110kW (150 KM) |
| Acceleration (0-100 km / h): | 8,1 with |
| Maximum speed: | 210 km / h |
| Mixed flow ECE: | 7,9l / 100km |
Technical information
| engine: | 4-cylinder - 4-stroke - in-line - turbocharged petrol - displacement 1.598 cm3 - maximum power 110 kW (150 hp) at 5.850 rpm - maximum torque 210 Nm at 1.850–5.000 rpm. |
|---|---|
| Energy transfer: | engine-driven front wheels - 6-speed manual transmission - tires 215/45 R 17 H (Bridgestone Blizzak LM-25 M + S). |
| Capacity: | top speed 210 km / h - acceleration 0-100 km / h in 8,1 s - fuel consumption (ECE) 10,5 / 6,4 / 7,9 l / 100 km. |
| Mass: | empty vehicle 1.100 kg - permissible gross weight 1.545 kg. |
| External dimensions: | length 3.999 mm - width 1.713 mm - height 1.488 mm - fuel tank 45 l. |
| Box: | 285-1.100 l |
Our measurements
| T = 9 ° C / p = 1.100 mbar / rel. vl. = 37% / Odometer Condition: 5.446 km | |
| Acceleration 0-100km: | 8,3s |
|---|---|
| 402m from the city: | 16,4 years ( 142 km / h) |
| 1000m from the city: | 29,7 years ( 177 km / h) |
| Flexibility 50-90km / h: | 6,4 / 8,4s |
| Flexibility 80-120km / h: | 8,6 / 9,6s |
| Maximum speed: | 211km / h (WE.) |
| test consumption: | 11,5 l / 100km |
| Braking distance at 100 km / h: | 47,8m |
| AM table: | 41m |
| Test errors: | electronics problems |
evaluation
The GSi legend continues. The aforementioned Corsa has everything you wanted from your sports car, even if you're not an Opel fan. Attractive looks, fun control and toxic technology will make sure that you can forget about OPC!
We praise and reproach
engine
six-speed gearbox
appearance
position on the road
driving position
power steering at starting point
noise at 130 km / h
front seat adjustment
at full throttle it could have a more pronounced sound
