Opel Corsa Electric Long Range: An Electric Powerhouse for Your Driving Pleasure
In the world of electric cars, Opel has left its mark with the Corsa Electric, which made its debut a few years ago. This compact electric car was equipped with a 100 kW electric motor and a battery with a net capacity of 45 kWh, allowing you to cover a respectable 330 kilometers on a single charge. But now, with the all-new Corsa Electric Long Range, Opel is raising the bar. The battery is only slightly larger, with an additional 3.1 kWh capacity, but when combined with a more efficient 115 kW motor, it catapults the range to over 400 kilometers. That's a significant gain of 70 kilometers!
A Fresh Look and a Sporty Touch
During the recent facelift of the Corsa, Opel has given the car a striking makeover. The new Corsa showcases its interpretation of the signature Opel Vizor grille, which now dominates the front of the car. Between the full-LED headlights, which can even be equipped with optional matrix technology, there's a glossy black band. Overall, the design is sleek and modern, but some might detect a hint of the Volkswagen Polo.
The Corsa Electric Long Range is available only in the sporty GS version. This variant stands out with its roof spoiler, LED taillights, and black accents on the lettering, roof, and B-pillar. The standard 16-inch wheels are modest but maximize the range. If you're looking for more style, you can opt for the optional 17-inch wheels, but that will cost you a few extra kilometers of range and 500 euros.
Sporty Interior with Modern Comfort
Inside the Corsa Electric Long Range, sportiness is also the theme. The pedals are made of aluminum, the steering wheel is wrapped in vegan leather, and the standard sport seats offer excellent support. For those seeking more luxury, there's the Ultimate package, which includes seat heating, steering wheel heating, and an adjustable central armrest with storage. A nice detail is the transmission control, which takes the form of a lever between the front seats. Push it backward to activate the "D" mode for driving. Best of all, the Corsa Electric emits a discreet and subtle hum, rather than drawing attention to itself like a science fiction spaceship.
Driving Modes for Every Occasion
The Corsa Electric offers three driving modes: Normal, Eco, and Sport. If you really want to accelerate and utilize the full 115 kW and Newton-meters, choose the Sport mode. In Normal mode, there is minimal regenerative braking, but you can manually activate it with a small "B" button (for brake) on the center console. Some might prefer stronger regenerative braking, but the Corsa still proves to be economical. During a test drive, we consumed only 14.6 kWh/100 km on a mix of highways and rural roads.
Sporty Steering with a Minor Drawback
Steering the Corsa-e is pleasant and responsive, but some might notice that the steering feels artificially heavy in turns. The suspension gives the car a sporty and firm impression, but this can sometimes result in some stiffness. Thanks to the low center of gravity, the Corsa handles corners well, but this can occasionally translate into a feeling of "bucking" on certain roads, slightly affecting comfort.
Price-Quality Considerations
The Opel Corsa Electric Long Range GS starts at 38,500 euros in Belgium. The standard equipment is quite comprehensive, but extras like seat heating, a navigation module, a wireless charger for your smartphone, and front fog lights will cost extra. In terms of safety and driving assistance systems, the Corsa is reasonably in line with the market, but advanced systems are unfortunately lacking. This shows that the Corsa somewhat reveals its age in this regard.
Charging and More
The charging capacity of the Corsa Electric is relatively standard: fast charging is possible at 100 kW, and regular charging at 11 kW with three-phase alternating current. Additionally, a heat pump is included, which is practical for energy efficiency. Although you can't tow a trailer with the Corsa, a trailer hitch for a bike carrier is fortunately available.
The Opel Corsa Electric Long Range offers an excellent balance of performance, range, and sporty style. With its fresh look and technological improvements, it presents an appealing option for those seeking an electric car that's both practical and fun to drive.
