When France’s PSA Group bought Opel and Vauxhall in 2017, the development of the next-generation Corsa was almost finished.
However, since the original 2020 Corsa project was based on a GM platform, PSA had to cancel it and develop an entirely new version on the same CMP architecture as the next-generation Peugeot 208.
Up until now Opel and Vauxhall have done a good job of keeping Corsa F prototypes under the radar but not anymore: for the first time, our photographers caught one during winter testing.
As the photos can attest, the 2020 Corsa won’t be just a rebadged version of the upcoming Peugeot 208 — although there are some similarities when it comes to the proportions. Still, Opel and Vauxhall fans can relax as the Corsa seems to carry over some of the nameplate’s signature styling cues despite the fact it’s entirely new. It was about time too, as the current model is nothing more than a facelift of the Corsa D launched in 2006.
The full body wrap does a good job of hiding the new Corsa’s key design details, but we can clearly see it has more dynamic proportions than the outgoing model thanks to the slightly wider and lower body, as well as the steeply raked tailgate window. The spied prototype was in five-door hatchback configuration; for now, a three-door body style hasn’t been confirmed.
The 2020 Corsa will obviously share powertrains with the new Peugeot 208, including the latter’s Puretech turbocharged three- and four-cylinder gasoline engines. No decision has been announced regarding diesel engines but given the current trends in the auto industry, we wouldn’t be too surprised if the new Corsa stayed away from oil burners, especially since the new model will also be available as an all-electric version.
Opel is expected to debut the all-new Corsa at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September, with sales likely to begin across Europe from December 2019. The Corsa EV should go on sale in mid-2020.