New Opel Corsa-E awaits our Release from Captivity

Amid all our isolation, where possibly, cars have not been moved in weeks, there is still activity within the Irish Motor Industry. On an average year some 55/60 new cars will debut on our forecourts, with at least the same number of refreshed or mid-life updated models on the new car menu.

Before COVID-19 put the brakes on the world, the big decision many had to make this year was whether to go petrol, stay with diesel, join the hybrid family, or go full EV. Now as we sit at home, we certainly have more time to trawl the myriad of marques and educate ourselves as to what’s on offer.

On the Electric Vehicle front, Opel Ireland, now under the new distributorship of Leeson Motors, a Gowan Group subsidiary, has announced pricing for its new Corsa-e model. 

The 2020 Corsa-e is available to order now, in SC and Elite trims and retails from €27,338 and €30,800, respectively, inclusive of SEAI grant and VRT relief. The new Corsa-e model follows the earlier launch this year of petrol and diesel versions. Interior and boot-space layout for the new Corsa-e,  are identical to internal combustion engine (ICE) versions, the batteries distributed under the floor pan.

James Brooks, Managing Director at Leeson Motors, Opel Importer in Ireland, said: “We’re celebrating the arrival of the all-new Corsa-e model, as our first full-electric car in Ireland, and it takes its place beside our new Grandland X plug-in hybrid, now also available. These new models fulfil our strategy of offering customers the option to choose their preferred model, then the powertrain that best suits them and their lifestyle – petrol, diesel, plug-in hybrid or 100% electric - without compromising on space, technology, looks or driving sensations. In response to rapidly changing consumer needs, we look forward to the arrival of a host of new all-electric models throughout 2020 and beyond.”

The Corsa-e comes with a 50-kWh battery, the Corsa-e offering a range up to 337km (WLTP). Performance, as with all EV’s, is all about torque, the Corsa-e having a healthy 260Nm of serious push. The driver can choose a drive mode feature that offers the choice between an economical drive for maximum range, or a sporty mode for top-level performance and a normal mode for a balance of range and power.

A full battery charge takes 7.5 hours from a Wall Box (Fast AC 32A/7kWh) or 80% charge is achieved in 30 minutes at one of the Rapid, DC 100kWh, dedicated public terminals. The battery is guaranteed for 8 years or 160,000km, for up to 70% retention, certifiable by the Opel Dealer Network. Customers are also covered with roadside assistance for 8 years/ 160,000km. 

The Corsa-e SC trim offers a comprehensive array of standard features that include;

·         7” colour touchscreen

·         DAB radio

·         Apple Car Play/Android Auto

·         USB connections

·         Lane Departure Warning with lane assist

·         Speed Sign Recognition

·         Automatic Emergency City Braking

·         Hill Assist

·         Cruise Control with speed limiter

·         LED headlights

·         16” alloy wheels

·         High Beam Assist

·         ISOFIX child seat fixings on outer rear seats

Those knowledgeable will not the subtle e-badging on the side windows and boot, while the Corsa-e gets added equipment over its petrol and diesel relatives that includes:

·         Navigation

·         Automatic wipers and headlights

·         Anti-dazzle rear view mirror

·         Rear parking sensors

·         Electric parking brake

·         Electronic climate control

·         Keyless start.

Easy-to-understand vehicle data is displayed on the 7” digital instrument cluster to keep the driver fully informed on battery status and energy usage. 

Those choosing the Corsa-e Elite grade can wallow in the company of:

·         10” colour touchscreen

·         Premium half leather effect seat trim

·         17” alloy wheel

·         Panoramic rear-view camera

·         Front and rear parking sensors

·         Folding/heated door mirrors

·         Intelligent speed adaption

·         Keyless entry and start

·         Alarm

·         Side blind spot alert and flank guard

·         IntelliLux matrix LED headlights, which give high-beam visibility with up to 30% improved performance versus standard LED headlamps, without disturbing other drivers. versus standard LED headlamps.

The Corsa-e and Grandland X plug-in hybrid, will be joined by a new Vivaro-e later this year, followed by all-electric Combo and Zafira Life models. All Opel passenger cars and light commercial vehicles will be electrified by 2024.