Opel's Corsa was an old design before it even reached us here in Australia, but at least in facelifted form it was new to the local market when Opel set up shop last year. Think how ancient it must now seem to the Europeans – including our own spy photographers at Carparazzi. They've been waiting for a new Corsa since the current 'D' generation made its debut back in 2006. In contrast, the 150 Series Toyota Corolla introduced here in 2007 has already been replaced by the new 180 Series.
It's a sign of the parlous financial state at Opel since the GFC that a car now overdue for replacement by an all-new model will be facelifted instead. According to Carparazzi, slow sales for the Corsa have likely placed Opel in a Catch-22 situation – not enough revenue to support a ground-up re-design for a car that needs a fresh start to expand its customer base.
Still, the cosmetic changes look substantial for a facelift. The front end appears to incorporate a newer corporate look shared with the even smaller Adam. And inside the Corsa the layout of the interior has been dramatically altered apparently, although the photographers were unable to get any shots to support that. They must have managed to get up close for a look-see though, because the spy snappers have given the steering wheel, radio and dash plastics a big tick.
And they're hoping that the Corsa will embrace new, more efficient engines for its international debut at the Frankfurt motor show in September.
– with Carparazzi
Read the latest news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at carsales' mobile site...