Vauxhall has opened orders for the New Corsa Hybrid, featuring 48-volt hybrid technology for improved efficiency and lower emissions compared to equivalent petrol models. Prices start from £22,890 with first deliveries commencing in March.
The new hybrid powertrain features a lithium-ion battery with a usable capacity of 432Wh, which is recharged automatically under certain driving conditions. This is combined with a new generation of 1.2-litre three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engines specially developed for hybridisation. It is available in two states of tune, with a peak power of 100hp or 136hp produced at 5,500rpm and a maximum torque of 205Nm or 230Nm available at 1,750rpm.
The engine is coupled to a new electrified six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission that has also been designed specifically for hybrid applications. A permanent magnet synchronous electric motor is integrated into the gearbox and produces a peak power of 21kW (28hp) and a maximum torque of 55Nm. The transmission casing houses the electric motor, the DC inverter and the ECU (Engine Control Unit), optimising the size and weight of the drivetrain and ensuring that excellent driving performance is delivered. The battery is installed under the front left seat to ensure no compromise on boot space.
Efficient, fun to drive and user-friendly, 48V hybrid technology is ideal for the New Corsa. Compared with the similar non-electrified Corsa 1.2 (100hp) with an eight-speed automatic transmission, the new 100hp Corsa Hybrid offers a reduction in fuel consumption of approximately 20 per cent (60.1-62.8 mpg, WLTP combined) and lower CO2 emissions (102-106g/km CO2, WLTP).
Seamless: Petrol engine and electric motor operate together or separately
In everyday driving, on a mixture of city and country roads, the Vauxhall Corsa Hybrid’s petrol engine and electric motor operate together or separately to optimise energy consumption and performance. The system offers advantages above all in city traffic.
The electric motor allows the New Corsa Hybrid to be driven short distances on electric power alone under low torque requirements (e.g. when manoeuvring or under 18mph in city traffic). It also assists the petrol engine under acceleration, such as when launching from a standstill. This contributes to a 0-62mph time of 10.7 seconds for the 100PS powertrain and 8.6 seconds for the 136PS powertrain – both 0.1 seconds quicker than the equivalent petrol models.
During deceleration, the petrol engine stops and the e-motor acts as a generator to recharge the hybrid system’s 48V battery. The battery also stores the energy recuperated by the regenerative braking system.
The new petrol engines have been optimised for efficiency and operate in the Miller combustion cycle. This thermodynamic cycle is enabled by the variable geometry turbocharger, which enhances performance at low rpm, and variable valve timing. A belt-driven starter combines with the e-motor to start the petrol engine from cold. The belt-starter also restarts the engine quickly and seamlessly while driving.
The New Corsa Hybrid widens the powertrain options available to customers, with the Corsa also available with a choice of two fully electric powertrains as well as efficient petrol engines.
Specification
In line with Vauxhall’s simplified trim line-up, the New Corsa Hybrid is available in Design, GS and Ultimate specifications.
Design is the entry level to the New Corsa range and is extremely well equipped. It features 16-inch alloy wheels and chrome-effect badging, while inside it benefits from a new 10-inch touchscreen, with Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ included as standard. All Design models feature LED headlights and daytime running lights, high beam assist and rear parking distance sensors as well an array of driver-assistance tech, including lane departure warning with lane keep assist, speed sign recognition, driver drowsiness alert, cruise control and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection.
GS models add a sporty flavour to the New Corsa’s design. Among the enhancements are a contrasting black roof and A-pillars, high-gloss black B-pillars, a black Griffin logo and Vizor frame at the front and 17-inch diamond-cut gloss black alloy wheels. Other additions to Design specification include LED front fog lights and tail lights, front and rear parking sensors and a rearview camera.
Top-of-the-range Ultimate models enhance the Corsa even further, with Vauxhall’s class-leading IntelliLux adaptive LED® Matrix headlights providing enhanced visibility at night without dazzling other road users. A heated steering wheel, heated seats and keyless entry and start provide additional comfort and convenience. More advanced driver-assistance features such as enhanced automatic emergency braking and extended traffic sign recognition are also included.
New Corsa Hybrid – Pricing
| Trim | CO2 emissions (g/km, WLTP) | MPG (WLTP Combined) | OTR MRRP |
| Corsa Design Hybrid 1.2 100PS e-DCT6 | 102 | 62.8 | £22,890 |
| Corsa GS Hybrid 1.2 100PS e-DCT6 | 102 | 62.8 | £25,270 |
| Corsa GS Hybrid 1.2 136PS e-DCT6 | 104 | 61.4 | £26,240 |
| Corsa Ultimate Hybrid 1.2 136PS e-DCT6 | 106 | 60.1 | £29,020 |
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