Test Opel Corsa-e, 136 electric hp and 337 kilometers of autonomy

Opel He summoned us a few days ago to know his current plug-in range, which is getting wider every day. The lightning firm already has electric versions in Corsa, Mokka, Vivaro, Zafira, Combo and Movano, as well as a plug-in hybrid variant of the Grandland X. Of course, there is a menu with many different dishes to choose from in the German brand.

After soaking up all the information and data provided by the company at the press conference, we had the opportunity to test some of these models. We opted for the Opel Corsa-e, the first electric variant of the famous utility vehicle that has given so much joy to the German brand.

And it is that, we remember, the Opel Corsa It has been on the market for almost four decades. 39 years specifically, taking place from the first moment in Spain. Without a doubt, it is a historical model in the automobile sector. During all this time they have been commercialized more than 14 million units, which is said soon.

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Pleasant in aesthetics, identical to the thermal versions

We start with the aesthetics, but there is little we can comment on that we would not have said a year ago now, when my colleague Diego López got behind the wheel of an Opel Corsa with a 100 hp gasoline engine and an Elegance finish. Visually they are identical., differing at first glance only by an "e" located on the B pillars, and by the Corsa-e inscription on the gate.

In my opinion, the Corsa still has that public-friendly design. It tends to appeal to both young and old audiences, offering a technological and urban aesthetic without being excessively ornate. In addition, so many years of history help it to have that recognition as a lifelong utility vehicle.

Pretty much the same thing happens with the cabin. At first glance it is impossible to differentiate from any thermal variant, since the features, materials and details are identical. The gear selector for this electric model is the same as for automatic transmissions, for example.

Of course, behind the wheel we have a digital instrument cluster that shows its own information, logically. There are several display modes, but most importantly, instant speed, battery charge level, and estimated range always look good. Of course, to tell the truth, the box could be somewhat better used in terms of the size of the hole for it and the size of the screen.

And to remember a little habitability, the Opel Corsa-e is not one of the most spacious B-segment vehicles. Two adults will go correctly in the front seats, but the rear seats are just for two others, both in space for the knees and for the head. Meanwhile, his boot capacity is reduced from 309 to 267 liters for the batteries.

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Engine, battery and other data of the Opel Corsa-e

The Opel Corsa-e is powered by a electric motor 100 kW (136 hp) and 260 Nm of torque. This propellant is fed by a battery with 50 kWh of capacity, which gives it an approved autonomy of 337 kilometers on a single charge.

Among its benefits stands out a 0 to 100 km / h in 8,1 seconds, as well as a 0 to 50 in just 2,8 seconds. Meanwhile, the top speed of this electric Corsa is limited to 150 km/h.

To better manage battery life and performance, it has three driving modesn intuitively selectable from the center console. These modes vary steering weight and throttle feel, but also limit mechanical performance.

For example, in Sport mode it performs 100%, that is, 136 hp and 260 Nm. If we select the normal mode it offers 109 hp and 220 Nm, while in Eco mode we only have 82 hp and 180 Nm. The latter is recommended especially for the city, since the energy delivery is smoother and more progressive.

At the wheel of the Opel Corsa-e

During this day we were able to travel about 50 kilometers at the wheel of the Opel Corsa-e, combining city, ring roads and some sections of secondary roads and highways. needless to say engine response is more than enough for any of these conditions, as the 136 hp and instant torque give it enviable agility.

And it is that the strong point of electric motors is that instantaneity, that forceful and flat power delivery with little that we step on the accelerator. That is why they feel so agile in urban driving, starting from traffic lights with great acceleration and, therefore, moving like a fish in water between the traffic of the big cities.

Perhaps what I liked least is that behind the wheel is a car that feel too isolated of driving. This is quite common in electric cars, as there are no noises or vibrations, but neither is precise information on the direction, not even a good touch on the brake pedal due to regenerative braking.

But otherwise, the Opel Corsa-e goes really well. Thanks to your very low center of gravity, moving through the sections of curves is a lot of fun. It comes to surprise how fast it offers cornering, turning very flat and with a very neutral behavior. Of course, the objective of this car is not exactly that.

Where it has caught my attention the most is on the highway. These types of engines are usually very explosive at low speeds, but lose a lot of “bellows” at highway speeds. With the 136 hp and 260 Nm of the Opel Corsa you can drive with full guarantee on fast roads, offering good recoveries and being easy to maintain cruising speeds. In case you're wondering, its top speed is limited to 150 km/h.

Drive relaxed to get all the performance

During this contact we have traveled about 50 kilometers and, although to get a real idea you have to drive much more, the computer has registered an average consumption of 17,5 kWh/100 km. We have driven in an agile way practically at all times, with constant intense accelerations and several sections at high speeds on fast roads.

Being the main approach of this car urban and perimeter routes to a city, it is expected that the approximate usual record will be around 15 kWh per 100 kilometers traveled without making notable efforts for efficient driving.

Conclusions

The Corsa-e of Opel It is an interesting car for all those drivers who have another thermal engine vehicle and go to use this model for urban and routine journeys. Of course, for this you must have a charging point at home.

It has compact dimensions that allow it to maneuver with ease and not spend too much trouble when looking for parking. It also has an approved cabin for five people, but the reality is that four adults will go a little fair inside.

And as for the price, the Opel Corsa-e part of the 26.990 euros official price without aid. With the MOVES III plan, if we deliver a car for scrapping, you can stay in just $19.990. Of course, we must bear in mind that the aid will one day end...