2019 Opel Corsa teased

The next-generation 2019 Opel Corsa has been teased ahead of its launch later this year.

Releasing a single image of the Opel Corsa's front headlight, the all-new Renault Clio rival will come equipped with the car-maker's new IntelliLux LED matrix lights that are noticeably sleeker than the current car's and feature Opel's new daytime running light signature.

Originally, the sixth-generation Opel Corsa was conceived to be based on a GM platform but that car's development was effectively scrapped at a late stage in the wake of French car-making giant PSA's acquisition of the General Motors' European business.

When the Opel Corsa program was restarted, engineers switched to the Peugeot-Citroen CMP small-car platform that will underpin the next-generation 2019 Peugeot 208 and the all-new DS 3 Crossback.

The new CMP platform brings huge benefits for the small Opel, not least because it's been developed with pure-electric powertrains in mind.

Hence, Opel bosses have confirmed a battery-powered Corsa is coming. It will be sold alongside a zero-emissions Peugeot 208 with the same powertrain and could be launched as soon as 2020.

Set to feature a 50kWh lithium-ion battery pack and a single electric motor that will produce around 100kW, the zero-emissions hatch will rival cars like the Renault ZOE and have a range of around 400km.

Like the forthcoming Peugeot 208, which could be launched as soon as March at the Geneva motor show, the next Opel Corsa will be far more spacious than the current car thanks to a longer wheelbase.

In order to cut costs, it's unlikely the old three-door version will live on for the sixth-generation.

Set to shed around 100kg over the current model, thanks to its small turbocharged 1.2-litre PureTech petrol engines and a new 1.5-litre turbo-diesel, both the Corsa and Peugeot 208 are likely to lead the class for fuel efficiency.

Later on a high-performance version, set to be badged as the 'Corsa VXR', will take the battle to the next Renault Clio RS, not to mention the next 208 GTi.

Inside, the next Corsa will share tech with the next Peugeot 208 but have a far more conventional cabin.

Set to be unveiled in the latter half of 2019 and available in Europe shortly after, the Opel Corsa could one day return to Australia if the Euro brand is relaunched here.

If it makes a reappearance, the Corsa would benefit from the void left by the Barina after it was dropped by Holden back in September 2018, after more than 30 years on sale in Australia.