The Opel Corsa E 3-door 1.4 (90 hp) was a subcompact hatchback produced from May 2018 to June 2019. Positioned as an entry-level offering within the Corsa E range, it aimed to provide affordable transportation with reasonable fuel efficiency. This variant occupied the lower end of the Corsa E lineup, slotting below the more powerful 1.0 Turbo and 1.4 Turbo models, and offering a more economical alternative to the diesel options. It was primarily marketed in Europe, where the Corsa had long been a popular choice in the supermini segment.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Opel |
| Model | Corsa |
| Generation | Corsa E 3-door |
| Type (Engine) | 1.4 (90 Hp) |
| Start of production | May, 2018 |
| End of production | June, 2019 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Hatchback |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 3 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 7.0-7.4 l/100 km (33.6 – 31.8 US mpg, 40.4 – 38.2 UK mpg, 14.3 – 13.5 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 4.8-4.9 l/100 km (49 – 48 US mpg, 58.9 – 57.6 UK mpg, 20.8 – 20.4 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 5.6-5.8 l/100 km (42 – 40.6 US mpg, 50.4 – 48.7 UK mpg, 17.9 – 17.2 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 128-133 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 13.2 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 13.2 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 12.5 sec |
| Maximum speed | 175 km/h (108.74 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 6d-Temp |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 12.9 kg/Hp, 77.7 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 8.9 kg/Nm, 112.2 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 90 Hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Power per litre | 64.4 Hp/l |
| Torque | 130 Nm @ 4000 rpm (95.88 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | D14XEL |
| Engine displacement | 1398 cm3 (85.31 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 73.4 mm (2.89 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 82.6 mm (3.25 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 10.5:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Engine oil capacity | 4 l (4.23 US qt | 3.52 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 5.1 l (5.39 US qt | 4.49 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1159 kg (2555.16 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1630 kg (3593.53 lbs.) |
| Max load | 471 kg (1038.38 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 280 l (9.89 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1090 l (38.49 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 45 l (11.89 US gal | 9.9 UK gal) |
| Max. roof load | 75 kg (165.35 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 800 kg (1763.7 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes | 550 kg (1212.54 lbs.) |
| Length | 4021 mm (158.31 in.) |
| Width | 1736 mm (68.35 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 1944 mm (76.54 in.) |
| Height | 1479 mm (58.23 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2510 mm (98.82 in.) |
| Front track | 1472 mm (57.95 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1464 mm (57.64 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle | 11.2 m (36.75 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 5 gears, manual transmission |
| Front brakes | Disc |
| Rear brakes | Drum |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
| Tires size | 185/70 R14; 185/65 R15; 195/55 R16 |
| Wheel rims size | 14; 15; 16 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The Corsa E 1.4 (90 hp) was powered by the D14XEL engine, a 1.4-liter inline-four cylinder petrol engine. This engine belonged to Opel’s family of small displacement engines, known for their relatively simple design and focus on fuel economy. The D14XEL featured a multi-point fuel injection system and a single overhead camshaft (SOHC) valvetrain with four valves per cylinder. The engine produced 90 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 130 Nm (95.88 lb-ft) of torque at 4000 rpm. The engine’s relatively low output was a deliberate design choice, aimed at maximizing fuel efficiency and minimizing emissions. The engine was paired with a five-speed manual transmission, which was the standard configuration for this variant. While an automatic transmission was offered on other Corsa E models, it was not available with the 1.4-liter 90 hp engine.
Driving Characteristics
The 1.4-liter 90 hp Corsa E offered modest performance. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) took approximately 13.2 seconds, and top speed was limited to 175 km/h (108.74 mph). In real-world driving, the engine felt adequate for city commuting and shorter trips, but struggled when fully loaded or attempting to overtake at higher speeds. The five-speed manual transmission was well-matched to the engine’s characteristics, providing reasonable gear spacing. Compared to the more powerful 1.0 Turbo and 1.4 Turbo models, the 1.4-liter engine lacked the responsiveness and punch of its turbocharged counterparts. However, it offered a smoother and more linear power delivery, which some drivers preferred for everyday driving. The manual transmission also provided a more engaging driving experience than the automatic options available on other Corsa E trims.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The Corsa E 1.4 (90 hp) typically came with a basic level of equipment. Standard features generally included power steering, ABS brakes, a driver’s airbag, and basic audio system. Interior upholstery was typically cloth, and the dashboard featured a simple, functional design. Optional extras included air conditioning, alloy wheels, and a more advanced audio system with Bluetooth connectivity. Trim levels varied slightly depending on the market, but generally focused on adding cosmetic enhancements and convenience features. The 1.4-liter model was often positioned as the entry-level trim, appealing to budget-conscious buyers.
Chassis & Braking
The Corsa E featured a MacPherson strut front suspension and a torsion beam rear suspension. The suspension setup was tuned for comfort and ride quality, rather than sporty handling. The front brakes were disc brakes, while the rear brakes were drum brakes. This configuration was typical for vehicles in this weight class and price range. ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) was standard, providing enhanced braking performance and stability. The steering was a rack and pinion system with electric power steering, offering light and easy steering feel.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Opel Corsa E 1.4 (90 hp) received mixed reviews from automotive critics. While praised for its fuel efficiency and affordability, it was often criticized for its lack of performance and basic equipment level. Compared to its rivals, such as the Volkswagen Polo and Ford Fiesta, the Corsa E 1.4 was generally considered to be less refined and less engaging to drive. However, it offered a competitive price point and a practical, spacious interior. In terms of fuel economy, the 1.4-liter engine offered comparable figures to other naturally aspirated engines in its class. Reliability was generally good, with few reported issues specific to the 1.4-liter engine or the five-speed manual transmission.
Legacy
The Opel Corsa E 1.4 (90 hp) remains a relatively common sight on European roads today. The D14XEL engine is known for its durability and relatively low maintenance costs. While not a particularly exciting or high-performance vehicle, it provided reliable and affordable transportation for many drivers. On the used car market, these Corsas are typically priced very affordably, making them an attractive option for first-time car buyers or those seeking a budget-friendly runabout. The simplicity of the engine and transmission also makes it relatively easy and inexpensive to repair, contributing to its long-term appeal.
