The Opel Corsa E 5-door 1.3 CDTI ECOTEC (95 hp) Easytronic start/stop was a subcompact hatchback produced from January 2015 to June 2018. Positioned as an entry-level to mid-range offering within the Corsa E generation (introduced in late 2014), this variant aimed to provide fuel efficiency and affordability to buyers in the European market. It utilized a small-displacement diesel engine paired with Opel’s Easytronic automated manual transmission, a combination designed to maximize economy while offering the convenience of an automatic. The Corsa E represented Opel’s attempt to modernize its small car offering, building upon the success of previous Corsa generations while incorporating updated styling and technology.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Opel |
| Model | Corsa |
| Generation | Corsa E 5-door |
| Type (Engine) | 1.3 CDTI ECOTEC (95 Hp) Easytronic start/stop |
| Start of production | January, 2015 |
| End of production | June, 2018 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Hatchback |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 3.4 l/100 km (69.2 US mpg, 83.1 UK mpg, 29.4 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 3 l/100 km (78.4 US mpg, 94.2 UK mpg, 33.3 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 3.1 l/100 km (75.9 US mpg, 91.1 UK mpg, 32.3 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 85 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 13.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 13.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 12.8 sec |
| Maximum speed | 182 km/h (113.09 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 6 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 12.2 kg/Hp, 81.8 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 6.1 kg/Nm, 163.5 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 95 Hp @ 4000 rpm |
| Power per litre | 76.1 Hp/l |
| Torque | 190 Nm @ 1500-3500 rpm (140.14 lb.-ft. @ 1500-3500 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | B13DTE |
| Engine displacement | 1248 cm3 (76.16 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 69.6 mm (2.74 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 82 mm (3.23 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 16.25:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Diesel Commonrail |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Engine oil capacity | 4 l (4.23 US qt | 3.52 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 6 l (6.34 US qt | 5.28 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1162 kg (2561.77 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1695 kg (3736.84 lbs.) |
| Max load | 533 kg (1175.06 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 285 l (10.06 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1120 l (39.55 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%) | 1150 kg (2535.32 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes | 580 kg (1278.68 lbs.) |
| Length | 4021 mm (158.31 in.) |
| Width | 1746 mm (68.74 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 1944 mm (76.54 in.) |
| Height | 1481 mm (58.31 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 | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 5 gears, automatic transmission Easytronic |
| 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 | 185/70 R14 88T; 185/65 R15 88H |
| Wheel rims size | 5.5J x 14; 6.0J x 15 |
INTRODUCTION
The Opel Corsa E 5-door 1.3 CDTI ECOTEC (95 hp) Easytronic start/stop, launched in 2015, represented a key offering in Opel’s compact car lineup. Built on the General Motors Gamma II platform (also known as the 1HX0/A3 platform shared with other GM and PSA vehicles), the Corsa E aimed to appeal to budget-conscious buyers seeking a practical and fuel-efficient hatchback. This particular variant, with its 1.3-liter diesel engine and Easytronic transmission, was designed to deliver low running costs and ease of use, making it a popular choice for urban commuters and those prioritizing economy over outright performance. It sat towards the lower end of the Corsa E range, below higher-powered petrol and diesel options.
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of this Corsa E variant is the B13DTE engine, a 1.3-liter inline-four cylinder diesel. This engine is a member of Opel/Fiat’s family of small-displacement diesel engines, known for their efficiency. It features a turbocharger with intercooling to boost power output and a common rail direct fuel injection system for precise fuel delivery. The engine produces 95 horsepower at 4000 rpm and 190 Nm (140 lb-ft) of torque between 1500 and 3500 rpm. The Easytronic 5-speed automated manual transmission is a key component. Unlike a traditional automatic with a torque converter, the Easytronic uses a conventional manual gearbox with actuators to shift gears automatically. This design aims to combine the fuel efficiency of a manual transmission with the convenience of an automatic. It operates in both fully automatic and semi-automatic modes, allowing the driver some control over gear selection.
Driving Characteristics
The 1.3 CDTI Easytronic Corsa E offers a driving experience focused on fuel economy and ease of use rather than sporty performance. Acceleration from 0-60 mph takes around 12.8 seconds, and top speed is 113 mph. The Easytronic transmission, while convenient, can exhibit slightly jerky shifts compared to a traditional automatic, particularly at lower speeds. The gear ratios are optimized for fuel efficiency, meaning the engine often operates at lower RPMs during cruising. While the 190 Nm of torque provides adequate pulling power for everyday driving, overtaking maneuvers require careful planning. Compared to the 1.0-liter petrol versions, the 1.3 CDTI offers significantly more torque, making it feel more responsive at lower speeds. However, it lacks the outright punch of the more powerful 1.4-liter petrol or 1.6-liter diesel options.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The Corsa E 1.3 CDTI Easytronic typically came equipped with a reasonable level of standard features. These included air conditioning, power steering, electric front windows, a basic audio system with USB connectivity, and ABS brakes. Higher trim levels, such as ‘Sportive’ or ‘Energy’, added features like alloy wheels, cruise control, a touchscreen infotainment system, and upgraded interior trim. Interior upholstery was typically cloth, with a functional and durable design. Optional extras included parking sensors, a rearview camera, and a panoramic sunroof.
Chassis & Braking
The Corsa E utilizes a McPherson strut front suspension and a semi-independent torsion beam rear suspension. This setup provides a comfortable ride quality, well-suited for everyday driving. The front brakes are disc brakes, while the rear brakes are typically disc brakes on higher trims, but some base models featured drum brakes. ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) is standard. The steering is a rack and pinion system, providing reasonably precise steering feel. Stabilizer bars are fitted to both the front and rear axles to reduce body roll during cornering.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Corsa E 1.3 CDTI Easytronic was generally well-received by critics as a practical and economical city car. Its fuel economy of around 76 mpg (combined) was a major selling point. However, the Easytronic transmission received mixed reviews, with some testers finding it clunky and slow to respond. Compared to other trims in the Corsa E lineup, the 1.3 CDTI offered the best fuel economy but the slowest acceleration. The 1.0-liter petrol versions were cheaper to buy but less fuel-efficient, while the 1.4-liter petrol and 1.6-liter diesel offered more performance at a higher price point. Competitors included the Volkswagen Polo, Ford Fiesta, and Renault Clio.
Legacy
The 1.3 CDTI engine, while generally reliable, can be susceptible to issues with the diesel particulate filter (DPF) if not driven on longer journeys regularly. The Easytronic transmission, while offering fuel efficiency, is known to require more frequent servicing and can be prone to actuator failures. In the used car market, the Corsa E 1.3 CDTI Easytronic represents an affordable option for buyers seeking a fuel-efficient and practical hatchback. However, potential buyers should be aware of the potential maintenance costs associated with the DPF and Easytronic transmission. Despite these potential issues, the Corsa E remains a popular choice due to its low running costs and relatively simple mechanical design.
