Opel has released the first official images of two new models due for launch this year: the new Corsa and its new mid-range SUV, the Antara.
First to go on public show will be the new Corsa, the latest in a line of superminis to bulk up in size, with the new car slightly longer and wider than the current model. In the last year we have seen the arrival of a much larger Renault Clio and the bigger new Peugeot 207. In keeping with this the new Corsa is nearly four metres long, 1.7 metres wide and 1.5 metres tall.
This latest supermini addition takes its design cues from the new Astra range. As with its larger sibling, the Corsa will come in three and five-door format and the three-door version will take a more coupé-like profile with a more sloping roofline.
Inside, the longer wheelbase and wider track help deliver greater leg and shoulder room. The chassis was designed and developed by GM's engineers in Germany, and features several new active safety features including Enhanced Understeer Control (EUC).
Opel claims the new Corsa will also be the first car in its class to have variable progressive sports power steering, which is designed to offer greater levels of feedback on the open road, but lightens up when used in congested urban areas. A lowered sports chassis with 17-inch alloy wheels will be offered.
Five engines will be available initially. Petrol choices will be 1-litre, 1.2-litre and 1.4-litres, while there will also be a common-rail diesel 1.3-litre CDTi unit and a range-topping 1.7-litre CDTi.
The first official unveiling of the new car will take place at the British international motor show in London in July, with both three-door and five-door versions on display. It will go on sale in Ireland in the autumn.
Meanwhile, the Antara SUV will make its world show debut at the Paris motor show at the end of September.
While the five-seater SUV will offer the traditional rugged looks and high ground clearance of its class, the external dimensions will be only fractionally larger than the Astra estate, at 4.6 metres in length and 1.85m in width. Opel is also claiming a particularly spacious cabin. Sporty contoured seats, large instruments and a centre console with easy-to-read info display are all features.
The first cars to arrive in Ireland - and the biggest selling version of the Antara - will be powered by an all-new 2-litre common-rail turbo-diesel producing 150bhp. Both manual and automatic gearboxes will be available.
A 141bhp four-cylinder petrol unit will join the range shortly after launch to become the entry-level model.
All versions of the Antara will feature active four-wheel drive system, which operates mainly in front-wheel-drive mode unless there is slippage. It will also feature ABS, an ESP stability system and hill descent control.