The first electric cars from Opel were the Ampera and the Ampera-e. However, the two Hesse pioneers were too expensive and unsuitable for everyday use. Now they want to change that with a Corsa under power.
Berlin (dpa-infocom) - Opel tried to enter electromobility about eight years ago with the battery models Ampera and Ampera-E, which were introduced by the former parent company GM. But the two Stromer were not a real hit. Now the Hessen send the Corsa-e to catch up.
With a price of less than 30,000 euros and a range of over 300 kilometers, it is supposed to make electric mobility equally affordable and suitable for everyday use - and to save Opel from high CO2 fines.
Low costs despite a high base price
The path into the electricity age could succeed this time. The battery size of 50 kWh is rather below average, and in practice the 337 km range from the test bench quickly shrinks to two thirds. But first of all, most of them can get through the day safely - especially since small cars usually only whir through the city. Secondly, it pushes the price down. At 29,900 euros, it is still twice as high as the basic model. And even the most powerful petrol engine with 96 kW / 130 PS is around 8,000 euros cheaper. But if you include the state bonus and tax breaks, drive a lot and draw cheap electricity, the bottom line is even better. Especially because it can also save on maintenance.
But not only when buying, but also when driving the Corsa, costs can be reduced and the range maximized. For example, the engine brake can save energy. You can also change the driving programs and thus increase the radius of action. Because the more power and comfort consumers are cut off, the further the Corsa gets. And because this is new for most Opel customers, the options are analyzed and displayed on the screen.
Suitable as an athlete, but not as an eye-catcher
The fact that the Stromer is stingy with every kilowatt hour shows only one of its facets. Because there is also a veritable athlete in him. If you don't think about the range and simply enjoy the spontaneous acceleration, you can experience the Corsa with its 100 kW / 136 PS and 260 Nm as an electric go-kart that finally makes city traffic fun again. The center of gravity deep, the chassis full and the sprint strength pronounced - this makes the Corsa a champion in traffic light sprints and a striker in every underground car park. It is not for nothing that it takes 2.8 seconds to stop at 50 km / h. Only at the city gates will it be difficult to keep up. With the limited top speed of 150 km / h you sometimes even feel a little out of place on the highway.
The drive is as exciting and the driving behavior is fresh, so is the design. While VW or Honda have made their cordless cars their own trendsetters, the Corsa is only the nameplates and rims that make the difference visible from the outside. And of course the missing exhaust. And inside you have to take a closer look to avoid confusing the Stromer with the combustion engine. At least in the cabin. It looks a little different in the trunk. Firstly, because with its 267 liters it is already around 40 liters smaller than with petrol and diesel. Secondly, because there is usually still the case with the charging cables in it. It costs 720 euros extra, but prepares the Corsa buyers for reloading. Because there are adapters for almost all charging sockets. Depending on which column you are controlling, the Corsa only needs 30 minutes for 80 percent. And as with almost every electric car, you can control and monitor this at Opel with an app from your smartphone.
Conclusion: everyday instead of avant-garde
Yes, you have to calculate the electric Corsa a little so that the price becomes reasonably competitive. And as a long-distance car, the Opel isn't necessarily the best choice. But in its core area, the city center, the small car with the new drive is as sporty as it is practical. It makes the switch to electromobility extremely easy. What was previously avant-garde is now becoming everyday life with him.
Datasheet: Opel Corsa-e
Motor and drive | Electric motor |
Displacement: | 1199 cc |
Maximum power: | 100 kW / 136 hp |
Max. Torque: | 260 Nm |
Drive: | Front wheel drive |
Transmission: | Automatic input |
mass and weight | |
Length: | 4060 mm |
Width: | 1960 mm |
Height: | 1435 mm |
Wheelbase: | 2538 mm |
Empty weight: | 1530 kg |
Payload: | not specified |
Trunk volume: | 267 liters |
Driving data: | |
Top speed: | 150 km / h |
Acceleration 0-100 km / h: | 8.1 s |
Average consumption: | 14.8 kWh / 100 km |
Range: | 337 km |
CO2 emission: | 0 g / km |
Fuel: | electricity |
Pollutant class: | not specified |
Efficiency class: | not specified |
Costs: | |
Base price of the model series (Opel Corsa 1.2 DI): | 13,990 euros |
Basic price of the Opel Cors-e: | 29,900 euros |
Type classes: | not specified |
Vehicle tax per year: | 0 euros |
Important standard equipment: | |
Safety: | Front, side and curtain airbags, fatigue detection, LeD headlights |
Comfort: | Air conditioning, central locking, power windows, navigation |
All data according to the manufacturer, GDV, Schwacke