just a mixed taste

Before switching to all-electric use planned for 2028 at Opel, the Blitz still has to deal with thermal energy for a while. But a quarter of the market is taken by the hybrid and offering a medium level of electricity for its cars seems to be an important step before a complete transition. Other than its plug-in hybrid version, regarding its compact models, we could not find a “simple”, non-rechargeable hybrid in the German manufacturer’s lineup. Within the Stellantis group, the survey was the same everywhere and therefore it is with the new hybrid engine that the entity intends to take the field for a good part of its many brands. Peugeot was the first to get it and Opel logically follows in its footsteps, to equip its entire range of passenger cars, with the exception of the Crossland urban SUV.

The Opel Corsa, the technical twin of the Peugeot 208 and recently modified, here on test, even benefits from the choice between two power levels, with no other technical difference: 100 or 136 horses. Others keep a stronger version. We take the most common wheel. In all cases, it is a 1.2 liter three-cylinder unit. well known in the group, for the event with variable geometry turbo and which has seen its transmission belt replaced by a chain, a priori more difficult in terms of reliability. But the main feature of this engine is in its distribution.

It has a two-speed automatic gearbox. At the same time, the pinion connects the whole thing to an electric motor that adds 28 horses and 55 Nm of torque to the hot part. The power electronics are connected directly to the transmission and this does not interfere with the volume that can stay (a little at the back), everything that is left under the hood. In addition to the battery, under the driver’s seat. A small 48V lithium-ion battery with a capacity of 0.89 kWh, about half the amount of “full hybrid” cars on the market, such as the Renault Clio E-Tech or the Toyota Yaris Hybrid.

It will not be possible to drive as long and fast in electric mode as in the second mode, but the different phases of driving are comparable in all modes. Whereas a hybrid usually does not allow the vehicle to be driven on electric power alone. Opel advertises up to 50% of the time spent in the city with electric driving only. And if the speed in this case remains low, about thirty kilometers per hour, the contribution of the electric motor with the help of the gasoline unit can be effective up to 135 km / h.

Do more with less

In use, the starters are often electric and at frequent city speeds, it is often enough to release the accelerator pedal and then return it more gently to cut fuel and move to electric for about 1 km if conditions allow. The speedometer shows its value in blue during these phases. And energy recovery occurs during deceleration, also cutting three cylinders. With a dual-speed gearbox, the gear changes are very smooth and smooth for driving in any mode of operation. It is very bad that every restart of the oil is accompanied by vibrations. Such transitions disrupt the pleasure of general appreciation.

100 or 136 hp? The core strength is sufficient

Especially since the power of 100 horses is enough for the Corsa and makes it a go-to addition for high power, while the power of 136 horses is not much for the Astra – with the same collection of machines but heavier – which does not avoid putting the lower boosters. Light weight on the Corsa which therefore facilitates performance but also the right balance between agility and comfort. An efficient and pleasant German city car is easily accessible on all roads and at any speed. In the city, its relative strength does not prevent it from absorbing speed bumps and road breaks very well.

The braking phases, on the other hand, are not well adjusted, with a barrier that varies suddenly with constant pressure on the pedal, when the disc friction takes over from the electric motor at a very low speed. In addition, the engine brake generated by the electric component during deceleration turns out to be less pronounced depending on the situation and we would be happy to be able to adjust the energy recovery force, for example by means of the paddles on the steering wheel, which is used here only for the change of gear gear.

Use without flashing

Compared to a 100% petrol engine with an eight-speed automatic transmission of the same power, the Corsa Hybrid 48V 100 hp requires an additional €800 but saves the penalty, i.e. a total difference of less than €600 between the two versions. It’s worth the extra cost to get hybrid code approved, even if everything is not perfect in the presentation. However, consumption is not as low as expected and quiet driving is required to hope to make any profit. In fact it was only with a light foot and some sensitivity that we managed to drop below 6 l./100 km on the main urban route and in a few places that required direct restarts. More “electric” hybrid systems are more convincing in this regard but at the cost of higher additional costs. So it is without miracles that the Corsa gets its hybrid name, which it nevertheless deserves.

Our opinion

Credit Image – Opel

What is missing are a few driving improvements (vibrations when restarting the petrol unit, differences in the barriers when braking at low speeds, non-configurable electric brake) to create a complete illusion in the face of hybrid models with better equipment on the side of electricity. . But the result is persuasive in terms of the adoption of the system called “light”. A little bit about usage.

We like

• Comfort/compromise road holding
• Convincing performance
• Electrical input

We like a little

• Lack of fantasy on the board
• Back space
• There is no efficiency on use

Technical paper

Credit Image – Opel

Acheter

• Opel Corsa Hybrid 48V 100 ch GS
• Tested version: €27,170
• From €23,700
• Manufacturer’s average consumption/time tested (l/100 km): 4.6/5.6-6
• CO2 (g)/ bonus-malus : 104/0 €
• Financial power: 5 HP
• Country of manufacture: Spain

Range provided

• Nature
  • from 75 hp to 130 hp
  • from €19,400 to €26,200
• Hybrid
  • from 100 hp to 136 hp
  • from €23,700 to €27,300
• Electricity
  • from 136 hp to 156 hp
  • from €36,050 to €38,100

Driving

• Engine:
  • cell 100 ch
  • 3 turbo cylinders with different geometry
  • supply chain
  • 1,199 cm3 + 28 hp permanent magnet synchronous electric machine
• Transmission: 6-speed dual clutch
• Battery/kWh : lithium-ion 48V/0,89
• Power (hp per rpm): 100 to 5,500
• Torque (Nm per rpm): 205 to 1,750 + 55 electric
• Pods (kg) : 1 267
• Long.xlarge.xhaut. (m) : 4,06×1,77×1,44
• Wheel base (m): 2.54
• Tank (l): 44
• Max speed (km/h) : 190
• 0 to 100 km/h (s): 9.9
• Standard tires: 205/45 R 17
• Test tires:
  • 205/45 R 17
  • Michelin 4 greatness

Vivre

• Back leg space (cm): 65
• 5/2 chest (l): 309/1,081

Recommended options

• Upholstery mixed Alcantara/TEP: €800
• Fixed panoramic roof: €500
• Techno package (variable matrix headlights, LED front fog lights): €700

Main competitors

• Renault Clio TCE 100 GPL
• Toyota Yaris Hybrid 1.5 l.
• Peugeot 208 Hybrid 48V 100 e-DCS6
  • 100 hp, from €22,610
• Hyundai i20 1.0 T-GDi 100 Hybrid 48V BVMi

Summing up

The combination is important in the market, especially for a city car. Opel wanted to take advantage of this and is therefore using the new mechanics of the Stellantis group and a 48V micro-hybrid to power its Corsa at a lower cost. Measured changes but a driving style that alternates frequently with the same electric.

Editor