Opel Corsa Electric 50 kWh

Overview

The 2025 Opel Corsa-e is the sharp-looking European electric supermini we wish we had stateside. As a direct competitor to the MINI Electric, this compact hatchback packs a stylish punch, an efficient powertrain, and a tech-forward cabin perfect for urban life. While not officially sold in the US, its blend of practicality and panache would make it a compelling choice. Based on European prices, if it landed here, you could expect it to be positioned competitively, likely starting around an estimated $38,000, offering a fresh, continental alternative in the small EV segment.

What's New for 2025?

For 2025, the Corsa-e gets a serious glow-up, adopting Opel’s slick ‘Vizor’ front end for a much more modern and aggressive look. Inside, the tech gets a big boost with a new, faster 10-inch infotainment system powered by a Snapdragon platform. This specific trim features the proven 100 kW motor, which is now part of a revised lineup that also introduced an even punchier 115 kW long-range option. These updates significantly sharpen the Corsa-e’s competitive edge, making it a more attractive and capable package than ever before.

Design & Exterior

This thing looks the business. The new front end, dominated by the black ‘Vizor’ panel that seamlessly integrates the badge and LED headlights, gives it a futuristic vibe. It’s a proper compact hatchback, measuring just 159.9 inches long and 69.5 inches wide, making it a master of tight city streets and parking spots. The overall height is a tidy 56.5 inches. With sharp creases along its flanks and a sporty, planted stance, the Corsa-e proves that small electric cars can come with a massive dose of personality and curb appeal.

Interior, Tech & Cargo

Hop inside, and you’re greeted by a clean, driver-focused cockpit. The centerpiece is the new 10-inch central touchscreen, which is now snappier and runs wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. While materials are more durable than decadent, the layout is logical and user-friendly. Passenger space is cozy, as expected for its class. Cargo room is a practical 9.4 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to a very usable 36.8 cubic feet when you fold them down. Unfortunately, there's no frunk for stashing charging cables or extra gear.

Performance & Driving Experience

Don’t let its size fool you; this little hatch has some zip! With its 100 kW (around 134 hp) front-wheel-drive motor delivering 192 lb-ft of instant torque, it scoots from 0-60 mph in a respectable 8.4 seconds. That’s plenty of punch for darting through traffic. The Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor provides smooth, silent acceleration. Its compact dimensions and low center of gravity make for nimble handling, feeling agile and fun on twisty roads. The ride is tuned for a good balance between comfort and control, soaking up urban imperfections well.

Range, Battery & Charging

The Corsa-e is powered by a 46.3 kWh usable battery pack. Green Cars Compare calculates a real-world range of about 193 miles, making it an ideal daily driver and commuter. It’s quite efficient, achieving an impressive 4.17 mi/kWh. For the US market, it would feature a CCS Type 1 port. At home on a standard 7.4 kW AC charger, a full top-up takes around 6.5 hours. When you need a quick boost on the road, it can DC fast-charge at up to 100 kW, getting you from 10-80% in about 30 minutes.

Safety & Driver-Assistance Features

While not rated by the NHTSA, the Corsa-e earned a solid four-star rating from the stringent Euro NCAP. It comes equipped with a good suite of standard safety tech to keep you protected. You get automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane keeping assist, and traffic sign recognition right out of the box. For more relaxed highway cruising, you’ll want to tick the option box for advanced features like adaptive cruise control and a more comprehensive blind-spot monitoring system, which are typically bundled in higher-level packages or optional safety packs.

Warranty & Maintenance Coverage

If the Corsa-e were sold in the US, it would likely adopt Stellantis’s standard warranty coverage. This would typically include a 3-year/36,000-mile basic vehicle warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. Crucially for an EV, the high-voltage battery would be covered for 8 years or 100,000 miles, with a guarantee against significant degradation (usually to 70% of its original capacity). As a simple EV, maintenance is minimal, mainly consisting of tires, brakes, and cabin air filter changes, promising low running costs for owners.