The Opel Corsa B is the second generation of the popular city car from the German manufacturer Opel, produced from 1993 to 2000. This model became a true symbol of the 90s, winning the love of millions of car enthusiasts thanks to its reliability, compactness, and affordable price. Let's explore what makes the Corsa B so special and what interesting facts are associated with it.
Generation and Alternative Names
The Opel Corsa B belongs to the second generation of the Corsa. In different countries, this model is known by different names, due to the marketing strategy of General Motors (Opel's parent company). For example:
-
Vauxhall Corsa — in the United Kingdom.
-
Chevrolet Corsa — in Latin America (especially popular in Brazil and Argentina).
-
Holden Barina — in Australia and New Zealand.
-
Opel Vita — in Japan (yes, it received a separate name there!).
Bumper Material: Polypropylene plus an ethylene, propylene, and diene terpolymer. Marking >PP+EPDM<.
How to Remove the Front Bumper:
-
Open the hood.
-
Under the hood, unscrew the two screws that secure the radiator grille and the two screws that secure the upper part of the front bumper.
-
From the underside of the vehicle, unscrew the two screws screwed from bottom to top and the three screws screwed from the engine compartment.
-
Unscrew the two screws in the wheel arches.
-
Inside the fender, unscrew one nut on each side that secures the wheel covers.
-
In the wheel liners, open the small flaps and unscrew the nuts underneath that secure the wheel covers and the corners of the bumper.
-
Free the corners from the screws in the wheel covers.
-
With the help of an assistant, remove the bumper by pushing it forward.
-
Installation is done in reverse order.
How to Remove the Rear Bumper:
-
Open the trunk lid.
-
In the trunk opening, unscrew the three screws that secure the upper part of the rear bumper.
-
From the underside of the vehicle, unscrew the four screws that secure the lower part.
-
In the wheel arches, inside the fenders, unscrew two nuts on each side that secure the wheel covers. The outer nuts secure the wheel covers and the corners of the bumper.
-
Free the corners from the screws in the wheel covers.
-
With the help of an assistant, remove the bumper by pulling it backward.
-
Installation is done in reverse order.
Design and Features
The Corsa B received more rounded shapes compared to the first generation, making it visually more modern and attractive. The design was developed with new safety and aerodynamic standards in mind. The car was offered in two body styles:
-
3-door hatchback — for those who appreciate dynamics and a sporty look.
-
5-door hatchback — a more practical option for families or those who frequently transport passengers.
The interior was simple but functional. In the base versions, everything was very spartan, while the more expensive trims included comfort features such as power windows, central locking, and even air conditioning.
Engines and Performance
The Opel Corsa B was available with a wide range of engines:
-
Petrol: from the modest 1.0-liter (50 hp) to the more powerful 1.6-liter (100 hp).
-
Diesel: 1.5-liter (57 hp), known for its fuel efficiency.
The car was perfect for city use: light, agile, and with good handling. On the highway, the Corsa B also performed well, although it lacked some power for high speeds.
Interesting Facts
-
Sport Version GSi: The Opel Corsa B GSi became a true legend. With a 1.6-liter engine (106 hp) and a sporty suspension, it was the dream of many young drivers. It was even called the "hot hatch" of its time.
-
Longevity on the Market: In some countries, such as Argentina, the Corsa B was produced until 2007! This speaks to its popularity and reliability.
-
Electric Corsa B: In 1997, Opel introduced an experimental version of the Corsa B with an electric motor. This was one of the company's first steps toward electric mobility.
-
Cult Status: The Corsa B became a true symbol of the 90s. It appeared in movies, music videos, and even video games (e.g., in the Need for Speed series).
-
Ease of Repair: Thanks to its construction, the Corsa B was very easy to repair. It can still be seen on the roads today, which proves its longevity.
Legacy
The Opel Corsa B left an indelible mark on automotive history. It was one of the most affordable and practical cars of its time, and its popularity in different countries confirms that it was a truly successful model. Today, the Corsa B is not just a car but part of a culture that still evokes nostalgia in many drivers.
If you see a Corsa B on the street, know that you are looking at a true "fighter" of the 90s, which has gone through years and kilometers but is still ready to make its owners happy!