First Look at New BEV Vauxhall/Opel Corsa

Paul Myles

TU-Editor

---

24th May 2019

Vauxhall/Opel has unveiled its first all-electric car in the shape of the supermini Corsa-e alongside a PHEV version of its full-size SUV the Grandland X.

The brand, owned by the French PSA Group, promises to launch a further two electrified models next year including the next generation Mokka X compact SUV and a BEV version of the newly debuted Vivaro LCV. The manufacturer will have much of its hopes pinned on the Corsa, a model that has its best-selling car for many years with more than 13.5M sold in Europe since its launch in 1993.

Corsa-e claims a range of 205 miles on the WLTP extendable by 40% in its most economical of three driving modes, benefiting from regenerative braking, while it can be charged to 80% capacity in half an hour at a rapid-charge station. It boasts a healthy 134bhp and 191ft-lbs of torque employing a 50kWh battery pack and able to sprint to 62mph from standstill in 8.1 seconds.

Standard ADAS features include traffic sign recognition, lane keeping assistance with lane departure warning, side blind spot alert, adaptive cruise control and automatic emergency braking.

— Paul Myles is a seasoned automotive journalist based in London. Follow him on Twitter @Paulmyles_