With safety and technology constantly gaining momentum in the car industry, Opel has engineered new intelligent systems on its Corsa to offer high levels of protection for driver, passengers and road users and enhance driving pleasure.
New features include an overspeed warning which alerts the driver if the preset maximum speed is exceeded, and a Safetec System to mini-mise potential damage to both the car and its passengers in the event of a collision. Through the system, the impact energy is controlled and absorbed by a monoblock and a “crashbox” located between the bumper cross members and the body. The bolted-on crashboxes can be replaced easily and inexpensively.
The safety system includes a Pedal Release System that decouples the clutch and brake pedals under the force of a front impact, reducing the risk of foot and leg injury. An Electronic Stability Programme provides controlled brake intervention on up to four wheels. A Drag Torque Control, which is an ABS function, also prevents lock-up on driving wheels when the clutch is engaged and during downshifting on curves. Another ABS function is the Straight-Line Stability Control that prevents the vehicle from skidding, especially on uneven road surfaces.
The new Corsa is also equipped with intelligent fuel-saving technology for four-valve gasoline engines with displacements of up to 1.6 litres. This technology employs variable intake control via a throttle valve in one of the two intake ports for each cylinder and uses high rates of exhaust gas recirculation to reduce fuel consumption by as much as 10 per cent under everyday driving conditions. While at partial load up to 25 per cent of the cylinder charge is made up of previously burnt exhaust gas that is delivered through an additional line, power generation and fuel efficiency are completely retained at full load, and can even be improved.
A mobile phone portal enables all important phone functions to be operated by the steering wheel controls, Infotainment dashboard controls, or voice commands. The portal also comes with Bluetooth connectivity and the phone is automatically charged when placed in the cradle.