The evocative GSi nameplate will soon be back in the South African market. Opel will introducea new, sporty 3-door Corsa GSi to its local lineup in May, with an asking price of R365900?. Take a look at what this hot number offers…

With the next-generation Corsa expected to be unveiled in the near future, this flagship Corsa derivative appears to be a fittingsend-off for the current model. It needs to be noted, however, that Opel intends to repositionthe GSi badge tosymbolise "sport luxury with a powertrain (that) focuses on everyday driving needs", or, to put it another way: "gently distancethe new GSi badge from its historical pure performance roots."

Key features

With its OPC sports chassis, the Corsa GSi promises agile handling.

Powered by a 1.4-litre turbopetrol engine that delivers 110 kW/220 Nm and is mated witha short-ratio, 6-speed manual gearbox, the GSi is said to offer "outstanding punch in 2nd and 3rd gears". Reports say the derivative has aclaimed 0-100 kphtime of 8.9 seconds,a 207-kph top speed and an average fuel consumption figure of just over 6.0 L/100 km.

The newcomer borrows its Nurburgring-honed sports chassis from the Corsa OPC, which should ensure nimble cornering ability. The 3-door has been spruced up visually too and features a sizable honeycomb grille with large air intakes, a sculpted bonnet, rear spoiler,carbon-look side mirrors,red brake callipers and 18-inch light alloy wheels that give the self-styled "warm hatchback" a racier edge.

The Corsa GSi's sculpted Recaro sports seats should offer ample body-huggingsupport in the twisties!

On the inside, the Corsa GSi features Recaro sportsfront seats, leather cladding, a sports steering wheel, leather wrapped gear lever and aluminium sport pedals. In-car connectivity comes in the form of Opel’s IntelliLink infotainment system.

It's highly likely that, like its local siblings, the newcomer will be sold with a 3-year/120 000 km warranty and 3-year/60 000 km service plan.

Buy an Opel Corsa on Cars.co.za

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