Opel Corsa GSi review

We drove Opel's new supermini on Irish roads to see if it lives up to expectations

by Martin O'Neill

Apr 24, 2019

Pros: Good handling, impressive design, cheaper than alternatives

Cons: Not as punchy as rivals, no 5-door model

What is it?

Following the launch of the Insignia GSi, Opel has now brought back a GSi version of its Corsa hatchback. According to Opel GSi models combine driving pleasure and advanced technology in a sporty, athletic form. We drove the new Opel Corsa GSi on Irish roads to see if the new supermini lives up to expectations.

Opel Corsa GSi Price

What’s it like?

From the outside, the new Corsa GSi certainly separates itself from the rest of the range. The colour of the car we tested was Lava Red. GSi body styling includes a front and rear spoiler, side sills and skirts which all combine to give the hot hatch its sporty silhouette. Carbon-effect door mirrors and tinted rear windows also add to the sporty character. 17-inch bi-colour alloy wheels come as standard in the Corsa GSi, with an option to add 18-inch diamond cut Titan alloys.

Opel Corsa GSi Ireland

Inside, the Corsa GSi is as sporty as the outside with the optional leather Recaro seats in the front, a leather-covered flat-bottom steering wheel, gear knob and handbrake which look and feel of high quality.

Opel Corsa GSi Sport

As well as looking the part, the cabin is quite comfortable and even spacious for a small car. The standard Infotainment system is simple yet innovative in the Corsa GSi and is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto which are displayed on an impressive 7-inch touchscreen.

Opel Corsa GSi Interior

In the rear, space is quite limited for passengers and accessibility isn’t practical, which can be expected from a 3-door supermini. There is 280-litres of boot space which can be increased to 1,090-litres with the rear seats easily folded.

Opel Corsa GSi Seats

On the road, the Corsa GSi is agile and has good responsiveness when taking sharp corners. It’s Michelin tyres form a strong grip on the road making it fun to drive especially on country backroads. It does, however, have quite a firm ride and can be bruising over uneven surfaces and speed bumps. The turbo engine generates 150hp and reaches 0-100km/h in 8.9 seconds. Although you can feel the turbo when taking off it’s not as punchy as you would expect and is off the pace of its 200hp rivals.

Opel Corsa GSi Tyres

The Corsa GSi comes with a number of features as standard including the 17-inch alloys, air conditioning, cruise control, hill start assist as well as the sporty styling and connectivity features mentioned above. There are also a number of other features that can be added including the Recaro leather seats, rear parking camera and Bi-Xenon headlights which featured in our test car.

Opel Corsa GSi Lights

Carzone Verdict 3/5

The Corsa GSi is a good-looking sporty supermini with an impressive interior to match. Unfortunately, performance wise it is a step behind some of its competitors but is still undoubtedly a fun car to drive and handles very well on Irish roads.

Opel Corsa GSi Features