Opel Corsa D Celebrates 20th Anniversary: From 2006 Premiere to Upcoming Electric GSE
The fourth-generation Opel Corsa D, launched at the 2006 British International Motor Show, redefined the small car with innovations like FlexFix and a range from fuel-saving ecoFLEX to the high-performance OPC, and now…
- 3.3 L/100 km
- 210 hp (154 kW)
- 281 hp (207 kW)
- 5.5 seconds
What Happened
The Opel Corsa D, which debuted in July 2006 at the British International Motor Show in London, marked a complete redesign for the fourth generation of Germany's best-selling small car. Available as a sporty three-door or family-friendly five-door, it featured dynamic lines and a length of 3.999 metres. The model offered extensive personalization and clever innovations such as the FlexFix integrated bicycle carrier, DualFloor adjustable load compartment, AFL cornering lights, and a heated steering wheel.
Opel catered to diverse customer demands with extreme versions: the ecoFLEX achieved 3.3 litres of diesel per 100 km (NEDC) and CO2 emissions of 88 g/km, while the Corsa OPC 'Nürburgring Edition' delivered 154 kW (210 hp) and 280 Nm of torque, accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.8 seconds. The Corsa D also introduced a sporty GSi variant with 110 kW (150 hp) and a top speed of 210 km/h.
World premiere of the Opel Corsa D at the British International Motor Show.
Launch of the Corsa OPC with 141 kW (192 hp) and 266 Nm of torque.
Introduction of the Corsa OPC 'Nürburgring Edition' with 154 kW (210 hp), 280 Nm, 0-100 km/h in 6.8 s.
Corsa YES special edition available now; all-electric Corsa GSE (207 kW/281 hp) due later this year.
- Supermini Car of the Year in Great Britain
- Car of the Year in Denmark, Belgium, Ireland, Croatia, Romania, Serbia and Slovenia
- Autobest 2007 award
- Became best-selling small car in Germany and led segment in other countries
Why this matters
The Corsa D's blend of practicality, innovation, and performance extremes made it a best-seller across Europe, proving that a small car can satisfy both eco-conscious and thrill-seeking drivers. Its evolution into the electric Corsa GSE demonstrates Opel's commitment to keeping the model relevant in the EV era, offering powerful zero-emission driving to a new generation of buyers.
Terms in This Story
- ecoFLEX
- Opel's designation for particularly fuel-efficient models with start/stop systems and efficient engines.
- FlexFix
- An integrated bicycle carrier system that slides out from the rear bumper like a drawer.
- OPC
- Opel Performance Center – the brand's high-performance division for sporty variants.
- GSE
- Opel's designation for high-performance electric models, standing for 'Grand Sport Electric'.
Summarised from the linked release; details can be imperfect — always verify against the original source.