The Opel Corsa E 3-door 1.4 ECOTEC (90 hp) start/stop was a popular subcompact hatchback produced from April 2015 to April 2018. Positioned as an entry-level offering within the Corsa E range, it aimed to provide affordable and efficient transportation. This variant was primarily sold in European markets, where the Corsa had long been a mainstay in the small car segment. It represented the fifth generation of the Corsa, built on the General Motors’ 1HX0/A3 platform, shared with other models like the Vauxhall/Opel Adam. The 3-door body style offered a sportier aesthetic compared to the 5-door version, appealing to a younger demographic or those prioritizing a more compact footprint.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Opel |
| Model | Corsa |
| Generation | Corsa E 3-door |
| Type (Engine) | 1.4 ECOTEC (90 Hp) start/stop |
| Start of production | April, 2015 |
| End of production | April, 2018 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Hatchback |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 3 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 6.3 l/100 km (37.3 US mpg, 44.8 UK mpg, 15.9 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 4.2 l/100 km (56 US mpg, 67.3 UK mpg, 23.8 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 5 l/100 km (47 US mpg, 56.5 UK mpg, 20 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 117 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 6 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 11.8 kg/Hp, 84.4 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 8.2 kg/Nm, 122 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 | B14XER |
| 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 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| 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 | 1066 kg (2350.13 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1595 kg (3516.37 lbs.) |
| Max load | 529 kg (1166.25 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 285 l (10.06 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 | 11.00 m (36.09 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 suspension | Independent type McPherson |
| Rear suspension | Semi-independent, coil spring |
| Front brakes | Disc |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Tires size | 185/65 R15 88H; 185/70 R14 88T |
| Wheel rims size | 6.0J x 15; 5.5J x 14 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the Corsa E 1.4 ECOTEC was the B14XER engine, a 1.4-liter (1398 cc) inline-four cylinder petrol engine. This engine was part of Opel/Vauxhall’s ‘Family 0’ engine family, known for its relatively simple design and focus on fuel efficiency. It featured a multi-port fuel injection system and a single overhead camshaft (SOHC) operating 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 ‘ECOTEC’ designation signified the engine’s focus on efficiency, incorporating features like reduced internal friction and optimized combustion chamber design. The start/stop system, standard on this variant, further enhanced fuel economy by automatically shutting off the engine when the vehicle was stationary. The engine was paired with a five-speed manual transmission, delivering power to the front wheels. While an automatic transmission was offered on other Corsa E models, it wasn’t available with this specific 90 hp engine.
Driving Characteristics
The 1.4-liter 90 hp engine in the Corsa E provided adequate, but not exhilarating, performance. Acceleration from 0 to 60 mph took around 12.5 seconds, and the top speed was 175 km/h (108.74 mph). The five-speed manual transmission was well-matched to the engine’s characteristics, offering a reasonable spread of gears for both city driving and highway cruising. However, drivers seeking more spirited performance would find the engine lacking, particularly when fully loaded or tackling steep inclines. Compared to the more powerful 1.0-liter turbo or 1.4-liter turbo variants, the 1.4 naturally aspirated engine felt less responsive. The gear ratios were tuned for economy, meaning the engine needed to be revved to extract maximum performance. The steering was light and precise, making the Corsa E easy to maneuver in urban environments.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The Corsa E 1.4 ECOTEC (90 hp) start/stop typically came with a base level of equipment. Standard features included air conditioning, power steering, electric front windows, a basic audio system with USB connectivity, and ABS brakes. Safety features such as driver and passenger airbags were also standard. Interior upholstery was typically cloth, and the dashboard featured a simple, functional design. Optional extras included alloy wheels, a more advanced infotainment system with touchscreen display, cruise control, and parking sensors. Trim levels varied slightly depending on the market, but generally, this variant represented the entry point into the Corsa E range.
Chassis & Braking
The Corsa E utilized a McPherson strut front suspension and a semi-independent torsion beam rear suspension. This setup provided a comfortable ride quality, although it wasn’t particularly sporty. The front brakes were ventilated discs, while the rear brakes were solid discs. ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) was standard, enhancing braking performance and safety. The relatively light weight of the vehicle (1066 kg / 2350.13 lbs) contributed to its nimble handling. Stabilizer bars were fitted to both the front and rear axles to reduce body roll during cornering.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Corsa E 1.4 ECOTEC (90 hp) start/stop was generally well-received as an affordable and economical city car. Critics praised its fuel efficiency and low running costs, but noted its lack of outright performance. Compared to the more powerful Corsa E variants, such as the 1.0-liter turbo, this model offered a more budget-friendly option, albeit with a trade-off in performance. The 1.3 CDTi diesel variant offered superior fuel economy, but at a higher purchase price and with potential concerns regarding diesel particulate filter maintenance. The 1.4 ECOTEC’s simplicity and reliability were seen as advantages, making it a popular choice for first-time car buyers and those seeking a practical and dependable vehicle.
Legacy
The B14XER engine, while not known for being particularly groundbreaking, proved to be a relatively reliable unit. Common issues were generally minor, such as occasional sensor failures or oil leaks. The Corsa E 1.4 ECOTEC (90 hp) start/stop remains a relatively affordable option on the used car market. Its low running costs and simple mechanicals make it an attractive proposition for buyers seeking a budget-friendly and dependable vehicle. However, potential buyers should be aware of the car’s limited performance and ensure that it has been properly maintained. The Corsa E, in general, helped solidify Opel’s position as a major player in the European subcompact car segment.
