Is this the 2012 Opel / Vauxhall Corsa Facelift?

We were tipped off this morning by an attentive reader from Chile about images of the facelifted Opel Corsa (Vauxhall in the UK) that were posted by a user on Opel's dedicated Facebook page. The back story is that the refreshed Corsa was found momentarily on the official configurator on Opel's German site, but was abruptly removed shortly after the posting. We checked on the webpage but didn't find anything.

Now, unless we have a photoshop-wiz in our hands, we'd say the images look pretty real. The cosmetic changes over the current model (at least the ones we can see from these angles) are concentrated on the front end that takes styling cues from both the new Meriva and latest Astra, including a crispier front grille, reshaped headlamps and a new design for the bumper with a wider lower grille and taller housings for the fog lamps on either side.

We'll keep an eye on Opel's site to see if these pictures turn out to be real or fake and post an update on any new developments.

Muchas gracias Javier for the tip!

Via: Opel Facebook

_______________________________GALLERY_______________________________

New Opel Ampera to Sell for €42,900 or US$59,100 in Europe

General Motors announced today that the European version of its extended-range Chevrolet Volt electric car, the Ampera, will go on sale in the fourth quarter of 2011 as an Opel in mainland Europe and as a Vauxhall in the UK, with prices -including tax- starting from €42,900.

At the current exchange rates, that comes to around US$59,100, which is significantly higher than the base price of the Volt in the USA that sells for US$41,000 (€29,800) not including a $7,500 federal tax credit.

Opel noted that in Germany, with 19 percent VAT, the Ampera net price is €36,050, adding that, because trim levels may be different in each market, prices in each country may also differ.

"The Ampera defines a new class of e-mobility. No other electric vehicle provides the freedom of individual transportation as the Opel Ampera," said Alain Visser, Vice President of Sales, Marketing and Aftersales at Opel. "We have compromised on nothing. The Ampera is a beautiful car that is as fun to drive as it is packed with premium content."

Even though the exterior and interior design have been slightly modified over the Volt, everything else remains the same with the North American model, meaning that the Ampera can be driven in pure electric mode for 40-80km before the petrol engine kicks in to produce electricity and / or motivate (we still haven't figured that out...) the front driving wheels.

When the 16-kWh, lithium-ion battery runs low, it can be recharged in about three hours at 230v by plugging the vehicle's on-board charge system into a standard outlet. Together, the battery and gasoline-fueled engine/generator can extend the total driving range to over 500 kilometers on a full tank.

Those interested to reserve the Ampera can head over to General Motors' dedicated site at "opel-ampera.com".

_______________________________GALLERY_______________________________

New Car >> 2010 Opel GTC Paris Concept

At 4,46 m, GTC Paris, an ideal size for a compact, sporty car, but it still offers room for five passengers. Most of the iconic vehicles were taken from the parties. Many people may be the outline, two or three distinct lines. Same with the new concept car Opel in: In Profile, designers maximum voltage, limiting the number of rows in the GTC Paris. As with tendons, a sprinter, these lines create tension and provide sculptural forms. They serve as a basis for highlighting and surfacing to respond and then the wheels in a very sporting fashion.

The Opel signature blade is introduced in the same direction as first seen in the Insignia – a fine, tense crease along the rocker panel. A second line shoots from the door handle to the rear, emphasizing the vehicle’s dramatic stance by spreading the surfaces to a fine undercut and a broad shoulder. The third line following the silhouette of the roof is finished in finely brushed aluminum that accentuates the window graphic, guiding the eye to the sharply distinct integrated spoiler.

The front is clean yet full of character and features Opel’s typical centerline crease. It is further accented by intense, very slim eagle-eye shaped headlamps acting as parenthesis between the refined chrome emblem bar and the dramatic low trapezoidal grill which hints at its sporty character. Signature LED daytime running lights are outlined with finely crafted chrome inserts that can stand as a piece of sculpture by themselves.

The best of Opel’s compact car technology is brought to its sportiest level on the GTC Paris. The chassis has a special design with an extra-wide stance. It features a compound crank with an Opel-exclusive Watt’s link in the rear, a new, updated execution of the adaptive mechatronic FlexRide suspension and a front electronic limited slip differential. The GTC Paris is planted to the ground with dynamic 21-inch wheels.The powertrain in the GTC Paris is a four-cylinder, 2.0 liter Turbo with direct injection, packing maximum horsepower and torque. It is fitted with Start/Stop technology, proving that drivers can combine high performance with maximum fuel efficiency in urban driving conditions. The transmission is a six-speed manual gearbox.

New Opel Meriva: Opening the door to greater flexibility [Video]

Geneva/Rüsselsheim. Innovative, versatile and stylish: the second generation Opel Meriva, making its world premiere at Geneva, raises the bar for automotive versatility. It is packed with a multitude of innovative features, engineered to optimize the flexible use of space and presented in a distinctive, contemporary design.

Opel created a new market segment for small, affordable monocabs when it launched the first generation Meriva in 2003. With its revolutionary FlexSpace rear-seating concept, high seating position and roomy cabin, it has always been big on flexibility yet small in size.

Now the second generation Meriva takes affordable, on-board flexibility to a new level. It introduces FlexDoors, innovative rear-hinged rear doors that facilitate cabin access - an industry first for a volume manufacturer. Greater interior stowage space is also enhanced by FlexRail, a revolutionary concept for adaptable center console storage. All this, in addition to an easy-to-use FlexSpace seating system and the option of Opel's unique FlexFix integrated rear bicycle carrier.

The Meriva's dynamic proportions brings elegance to the small monocabs. Its expressive exterior and interior styling carries forward Opel's new award-winning sculptural design language already introduced on the Insignia and Astra. A distinctive wave graphic for the rear side windows accentuates the Meriva's FlexDoors, while also improving the view for rear passengers, particularly children.


Entering a new era of doors

Meriva opens up a new dimension in rear seat access with its unique rear-hinged rear doors. Unlike some current designs, the Meriva's FlexDoors are full-sized. The use of a conventional B-pillar enables them to be opened independently, without the need for a clamshell overlap by the front doors.

FlexDoors make it easy to get in and out of the rear seat without any twisting or sliding. It's also more convenient for parents to reach in to help buckle up children. For optimum access, FlexDoors open up to 84 degrees, much wider than conventional doors. The Meriva's front occupants also enjoy the same wide-opening access.

When the front and rear doors are open at the same time, a natural safety zone is also created. A door no longer separates a child and its parent and parents can keep an eye on their kids, for example, when getting out of the car. It's also more convenient for the driver or front passenger to open a FlexDoor when stowing a jacket, briefcase or an umbrella behind the front seat, for example.

Apart from better ergonomics, FlexDoors add a touch of style. Stepping in and out of the vehicle not only feels much more natural, it looks cool and elegant.

The FlexDoors concept has been successfully market-tested with Meriva customers since 2006. A patented locking system including a highly-sophisticated FlexDoors logic ensures the passengers are always protected whenever the vehicle is in motion.


New dimensions in on-board versatility

Increased flexibility is extended to all areas of the new Meriva. The innovative FlexSpace rear seating system has been further developed and refined and it is now more intuitive to move or fold the seats down, making the system easy to use.

Throughout the cabin, storage space is considerably increased with convenient locations provided for items which are most commonly carried inside a car. The revolutionary FlexRail console system consists of exchangeable storage units that slide on aluminum rails located between the front seats. It provides convenient and adaptable storage for many different uses. The FlexRail system was made possible because of the high mounted gear shift lever and the electric parking brake.

The new, generously proportioned seats, similar to those of the Astra and Insignia, offer a class-leading range of adjustment - 240 mm forwards/backwards and 65 mm in height.


Monocab expression of new Opel design

Meriva moves forward Opel's new, expressive design language - sculptural artistry meets German precision - with the same focus on quality already seen on Insignia and the new Astra.
A lower, sweeping roof-line and Opel's signature blade side-body motif combine with the wave rear window line to give the new Meriva a fresh, distinctive character.

Inside, the wraparound wing-shaped instrument panel enhances the feeling of width and roominess, while the forward-leaning center stack also adds sculptured space. The cabin is available with six different levels of color and trim, the widest choice ever offered for a single Opel model.


Efficient performance

The new Opel Meriva will be offered with an engine line-up ranging from 55 kW/75 hp to 103 kW/140 hp. All engines comply with the Euro5 emissions standards.

The gasoline line-up will offer three variants of the 1.4-liter multi-valve engine. Variable valve timing, for improved breathing, is a feature of the entry 100 hp 1.4-liter, the only naturally-aspirated unit in the line-up. The choice is completed by the 1.4-liter Turbo engine introduced on the new Astra range, offered here in two output versions: 88 kW/120 hp or 103 kW/140 hp. The top-of-the-line 1.4 Turbo is equipped with a 6-speed manual gearbox.

The diesel line-up starts with a 55 kW/75 hp, 1.3 CDTI engine fitted with closed loop technology. This control system improves fuel consumption: Opel is the first to adopt it on such a small engine. The diesel offer is completed with the 1.7 CDTI motor (74 kW/100 hp) with a six-speed automatic transmission.

Later this year, the engine line-up will gain three additional diesel variants: A low CO2 emitting ecoFLEX variant will be powered by the 70 kW/95 hp 1.3 CDTI engine. Two variants of the 1.7 CDTI engine will also be available, developing 81 kW/110 hp and 96 kW/130 hp respectively; both are equipped with the 6-speed manual transmission.

The new Meriva benefits from a longer wheelbase and wider front and rear tracks, which contribute to improved handling and greater ride comfort.


New champion

"With the Zafira Flex 7 and the Meriva's FlexSpace seating concepts, we invented a new fully integrated, on-board flexibility," says Alain Visser, Vice President Sales, Marketing and Aftersales Opel/Vauxhall. "For the new Meriva, we wanted to engineer the new versatility champion in the automotive industry. I don't see any other car offering so many features that make life easier."

Designed and developed at Opel's engineering center in Rüsselsheim, Germany, the new Meriva will be built in Zaragoza, Spain. It is scheduled to go on sale this summer.


New Opel Meriva now available starting at 15,900 euros

The new Opel Meriva premieres today at the 80th Geneva Motor Show and can now be ordered in Germany as well as in several other European countries. Prices for Opel's new flexibility champion start at 15,900 euros in Germany for the entry-level 1.4-liter (74 kW/100 hp) gasoline engine.

Opel created a new market segment for highly versatile yet small and affordable monocabs when it launched the first generation Meriva in 2003. The second generation Meriva is again a pioneer in fully integrated, on-board flexibility by introducing FlexDoors, innovative rear-hinged rear doors that facilitate cabin access - an industry first for a volume manufacturer. The Meriva's famous FlexSpace rear-seating concept has been further developed to become even more intuitive and easy to use. Greater stowage capacity is further enhanced by FlexRail, a revolutionary concept for adaptable center console storage, and Opel's unique FlexFix integrated rear bicycle carrier.


The Opel Meriva will be available in three equipment levels: Essentia, Enjoy and Cosmo.

As usual on its models, Opel offers an extensive active and passive safety equipment, such as: ESP, front airbags, side and curtain airbags, seat belt reminders front and rear, front seat belt force limiters and pretensioners, adaptive brake lights, the Opel Pedal Release System as well as ISOFIX for rear outer seats.

The Essentia entry level models already offer rich equipment with - of course - the FlexSpace and FlexDoors systems, but also the space saving Electric Park Brake (EPB), heated power exterior mirrors, power windows in the front, remote control for doors, tailgate and fuel filler cap locking, the FlexFloor (the floor can be raised to bumper height for ease of loading and under-floor stowage), a seat height adjuster for the driver as well as a height and reach-adjustable steering column.

The Enjoy level also adds air conditioning, a radio CD300 system with MP3 and the innovative FlexRail storage system between the front seats that features a tray with cup holder. Side and curtain head airbags are standard as of Enjoy (optional on Essentia). For the interior, the customer can choose between three colour combinations.

Compared to Enjoy, the upper Cosmo execution adds front and rear power windows, front fog lamps, a board computer, cruise control, a leather steering wheel with controls, the flexible front armrest from the FlexRail system as well as 16-inch alloy wheels. The Cosmo trim level is available in two colour combinations for the interior.

True to the Opel philosophy of making innovative technology affordable, equipment such as the halogen directional AFL headlights (Adaptive Forward Lighting), the heated steering wheel, the panorama sunroof, Hill Start Assist or the AGR*-certified ergonomic front sport seats - a unique feature in the segment - are also available.

The new Opel Meriva will be offered with an engine line-up ranging from 55 kW/75 hp to 103 kW/140 hp. All engines comply with the Euro 5 emissions standard.


* AGR: Aktion Gesunder Rücken e.V. (Action for Healthy Backs) - an independent panel of ergonomics experts and doctors in Germany.



Source:Opel