Opel Corsa Electric 50 kWh

Overview

The Opel Corsa-e 50 kWh was a cracking all-electric supermini, essentially Europe's take on a fun, compact EV hatch. Think of it as a stylish alternative to city slickers like a used Chevy Bolt or Nissan Leaf. This specific trim packs a 50 kWh (nominal) battery, offering a surprisingly zesty drive. Though never officially sold stateside and now discontinued as of 2023, it represented a solid entry into electric motoring. Official US pricing isn't available, so you'd be looking at import considerations or finding it in its native markets if you're keen on this slice of Euro EV life.

What's New for 2023?

For the 2023 model year, this particular Opel Corsa-e 50 kWh was largely a carryover, marking the final outing for this iteration before a significant facelift arrived later for the 2024 season under new branding. So, you're getting the well-honed package of the preceding years. Any minor running changes to software or efficiency would have already been baked in from updates around late 2021/2022. It’s the ultimate version of this generation, just before Opel hit the refresh button, meaning it’s a proven, if not brand-spanking-new, bit of kit for those eyeing the used market.

Design & Exterior

The Corsa-e boasts sharp, contemporary European styling that still looks fresh. It's a proper head-turner for a small hatch, sharing its underpinnings with the Peugeot e-208, so it’s got good bones. Key dimensions make it a doddle to park: it’s just 159.8 inches long, 69.5 inches wide (mirrors excluded), and stands 56.4 inches tall. Expect neat details like distinctive daytime running lights and smart alloy wheels, giving it an upmarket vibe despite its compact footprint. It’s a tidy little package that's easy on the eyes, even as a discontinued model.

Interior, Tech & Cargo

Inside, the Corsa-e 50 kWh offers a modern, driver-focused cockpit with decent materials for its class, though some hard plastics are present. It seats five, with front passengers enjoying ample room, while the rear is better suited for kids or shorter trips – typical for a supermini. Tech-wise, expect a user-friendly touchscreen infotainment system, likely a 7-inch unit with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. Cargo space is practical, offering 10.9 cubic feet in the trunk, expanding to a useful 39.5 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. No frunk here, though!

Performance & Driving Experience

This Corsa-e is surprisingly nippy! With its 100 kW electric motor (that's about 134 hp) and a healthy 192 lb-ft of instant torque driving the front wheels, it zips from 0-60 mph in a brisk 7.8 seconds. The Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (PMSM) delivers smooth, responsive acceleration, making it great for city driving and darting through traffic up to its 93 mph top speed. The ride is generally comfortable, and its compact size makes handling agile. Regenerative braking helps recoup energy, likely with a selectable 'B' mode for stronger effect.

Range, Battery & Charging

Powering this Corsa-e is a 46.3 kWh usable battery pack (50 kWh nominal), delivering a Green Cars Compare calculated real-world range of 193 miles – pretty decent for urban adventures. It boasts an efficiency of 4.17 mi/kWh. For charging, its standard 7.4 kW on-board AC charger can top up the 400V battery in around 6.3 hours. Need a quicker boost? It supports DC fast charging up to 100 kW, getting you from 10-80% in about 30 minutes. It uses a CCS Type 2 port in Europe; a US version would need a CCS Type 1 connector.

Safety & Driver-Assistance Features

While it wasn't tested by NHTSA due to its European market focus, the Corsa-e scored a respectable 4 stars from Euro NCAP. You can expect a solid suite of standard driver aids, typically including forward collision alert with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection, lane keeping assist, traffic sign recognition, and driver drowsiness alert. More advanced features like adaptive cruise control or blind-spot monitoring might have been optional or on higher trims, but the core safety package is reassuringly comprehensive for a car of its class.

Warranty & Maintenance Coverage

If this Corsa-e were available new in the US, you'd expect warranty coverage similar to other Stellantis EVs. Based on its European offering, Opel typically provided a 2-year basic vehicle warranty with unlimited mileage, and a crucial 8-year/100,000-mile warranty for the battery, covering degradation to 70% capacity. Powertrain components would likely fall under the basic warranty. Maintenance is minimal, a big EV perk, focusing on tires, brakes, and cabin filters. As a used model (production ended 2023), warranty specifics would need careful checking with the seller.