Opel preparing a premium supermini based on Corsa platform
By Steph, 26 Mar, 2011. 0 Comments
2011 Opel Corsa Hatchback
Vauxhall/Opel has released details of its premium supermini, which could rival MINI’s lineup. According to UK managing director Duncan Aldred who spoke with AutoExpress, this car will be smaller than the Corsa and it will be a “fun and fashion” model that’s meant to go up against the Fiat 500, Citroen DS3 and the MINI. This car, which will be based on a shortened Corsa platform, is internally known as the Junior. Aldred said that it is “funky, likeable and has lots of personality.” A key part of the new project is customization.
The Junior has a distinctive two-bar grille and narrow LED headlamps that are the marks of a Vauxmall. Meanwhile, it features a contrasting roof and upside down ‘blade’ on the flanks, enhancing style. The Junior will be able to compete with premium offerings from MINI and Fiat as it is expected to have a stylish design and be built with costly materials.
The engine lineup will be composed of a range of next-generation units that General Motors developed. One of which is an ultra-efficient direct-injection 1.0-litre petrol unit that pledges low CO2 emissions of less than 100g/km and a combined economy of around 80mpg. Production will start next year, with the range expected to have a starting price of £11,000 at launch in 2013. The Junior is not meant to replace the Agila, which will be succeeded by a low-cost model to be released in 2014 that will rival Ford’s Ka.
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