Opel Reveals Fifth-Generation Corsa

General Motors Co.'s Opel unit says its redesigned Corsa supermini has been engineered to deliver performance akin to larger and more expensive cars.

The five-passenger three- and five-door hatch will be publicly unveiled at the Paris auto show in September and go into production at Opel factories in Germany and Spain by year-end.

The new Corsa sports a 5-mm lower center of gravity, stiffer subframe, improved suspension geometry and modified damping. Opel says the combination, coupled with a new speed-sensitive electric steering system, results in sharper steering and a more sophisticated ride. Buyers can choose between a "comfort" and "sort" chassis setup.

Corsa's assortment of gasoline and diesel engines starts with Opel's new all-aluminum 1.0-liter, 3-cyinder powerplant. The turbocharged direct-injection unit will come in two output levels: 90 hp and 115 hp, each making 125 lb-ft of torque.

Other gasoline engines include 1.2- and 1.4-liter naturally aspirated four-bangers and a 1.4-liter turbo (100 hp/148 lb-ft). Two 1.3-liter diesels are rated at 75 hp and 95 hp.

Transmissions include a new 6-speed manual, a next-generation 6-speed automatic and an automated manual gearbox.

Exterior design highlights include LED daytime running lights and "wing-shaped" headlamps. Opel describes the new body as more sculpted and wider looking, with distinctive character lines on the hood and lower side panels.

Interior electronics include a 7-inch color touchscreen, voice-controlled smartphone connectivity and a smartphone charging station.

Among the optional safety and convenience systems are blind spot alert and lane departure warning, park assist, a front camera with road sign recognition capability, high-beam assist and forward collision alert with a head-up warning display on the windshield.