Opel Karl (2015-2019): How to Remove the Bumpers

The Opel Karl is a compact city car introduced in 2015, which quickly gained popularity due to its practicality and affordable price. However, in different countries, this model is known by other names, which is due to the marketing strategy of General Motors (and later PSA Group and Stellantis). Let's explore what the Opel Karl is called elsewhere, its features, and what makes it interesting.

Alternative Names for the Model

• Vauxhall Viva — in the UK. The name Viva was revived specifically for this model, paying homage to the classic Vauxhall from the 1960s.

• Chevrolet Spark — in some countries, such as Latin America and India. Although the Spark looks different, it is built on the same platform as the Karl.

• Holden Spark — in Australia and New Zealand. Here, the model is also positioned as an affordable city car.

Bumper Materials

The bumpers are made of polypropylene, a terpolymer of ethylene, propylene, and diene, with 12% mineral filler. The marking is >PP+EPDM-M12<.

Tools Needed for Removal:

• Socket set with an extension.

• Ratchet or wrench.

• Flathead screwdriver.

• Torx bit set or Torx keys.

How to Remove the Front Bumper

1. Open the hood.

2. From the top, unscrew two screws and remove two clips securing the upper part of the front bumper and the radiator grille.

3. Move to the lower part and unscrew eight screws, fastened from bottom to top.

4. In the wheel arches, remove two clips on each side securing the front part of the wheel liners.

5. Pull the wheel liners aside and unscrew one screw on each side (fastened from bottom to top) securing the corners to the fenders.

6. Grab the corners of the bumper with your hands and gently pull toward yourself. The sides should release from the clips in the fenders.

7. Release the clips in the brackets under the headlights.

8. (Two people are needed) Remove the bumper by pulling it forward. Be careful not to damage the wires.

9. Disconnect the connectors of the fog lights.

10. Disconnect the temperature sensor connector or remove the sensor from the grille.

11. For reinstallation, follow the reverse order.

How to Remove the Rear Bumper

1. Open the trunk.

2. In the trunk opening, unscrew two screws on each side, release the fasteners in the fenders, disconnect the electrical connectors, and remove the rear lights.

3. Under the rear lights, unscrew two screws securing the upper part of the rear bumper.

4. On the lower part, remove two clips and unscrew two screws inserted and fastened from bottom to top.

5. Through the wheel arches, on the inner part of the fenders, unscrew one screw on each side securing the corners to the brackets.

6. Pull the sides out of the clips in the fenders by grabbing the corners with your hands and pulling toward yourself.

7. Release the clips in the trunk opening.

8. Remove the bumper from the car, being careful with the wires.

9. Disconnect the electrical connectors (if present).

Model Description

The Opel Karl is a five-door hatchback in the A-segment, ideal for city driving. Its compact dimensions (only 3.68 meters long) make it maneuverable and easy to park. The car is equipped with a 1.0-liter gasoline engine (70 or 75 hp) and is available with a five-speed manual or automatic transmission.

Despite its small size, the Karl's interior is surprisingly spacious: there is enough room for four adults, and the trunk offers 206 liters of space (which expands to 1,013 liters with the rear seats folded down).

Interesting Facts

• Efficiency — The Opel Karl consumes only about 4.7 liters of fuel per 100 km, making it one of the most economical cars in its class.

• Safety — Despite being a budget car, the Karl received 4 stars in Euro NCAP tests thanks to its stability control system, airbags, and other modern technologies.

• Design — The Karl stands out with its stylish design, featuring the characteristic Opel grille and compact yet expressive headlights.

• Electric Version — In 2019, an electric version called the Opel Karl Rocks-e was introduced, but it is classified as a quadricycle rather than a full-fledged car.

Why the Opel Karl Made an Impact

The Opel Karl became a symbol of an affordable and practical city car. Its simplicity, efficiency, and compactness made it popular among students, young families, and those looking for a reliable vehicle for daily commutes. Although production of the Karl ended in 2019, its legacy lives on in other models like the Opel Corsa and the brand's more modern electric vehicles.

If you're looking for a used city car, the Opel Karl (or its "siblings" Viva and Spark) is an excellent choice that won't break the bank and offers great reliability.