ALL-WHEEL-DRIVE CORSA TAKING SHAPE

Posted 14th May, 2008 in Opel | Leave a comment

Here’s the latest version of Opel’s Corsa – spotted on a Spanish transporter this week. The baby 4×4 looks production ready, but buyers can expect the showroom-ready model to wear unique alloy wheels, under-floor protection and ‘body armour’ – including new rugged bumpers.

The petite-SUV will be doing its best to ditch the ‘gas guzzling’ tag normally associated with that type of vehicle by making use of the company’s economical petrol turbo and 1.3 and 1.7-litre CDTI diesel powerplants. There are rumours of a hybrid model, but it’s thought such a system may prove too expensive for a car in this bracket. A ‘mild’ system, combining a ’stop-start’ facility with regenerative braking and a small electric engine could very well see production.

Even though it probably won’t do any more than take the kids to school, insiders have revealed that engineers and designers want the AWD Corsa to deliver genuine off-road credentials, although a front-wheel-drive variant will be available for those with more sense than money.

[Source: Auto Express]