The Opel Corsa E 5-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 a key component of Opel’s strategy to offer a diverse lineup catering to various customer needs, particularly in European markets where the Corsa was a consistently strong seller. It utilized the 1HX0/A3 platform shared with other Stellantis vehicles of the era.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Opel |
| Model | Corsa |
| Generation | Corsa E 5-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 | 5 |
| 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 | 12.1 kg/Hp, 82.7 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 8.4 kg/Nm, 119.5 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 | B14XEL |
| 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 | 1088 kg (2398.63 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1615 kg (3560.47 lbs.) |
| Max load | 527 kg (1161.84 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%) | 800 kg (1763.7 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes | 550 kg (1212.54 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 | 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 | 185/70 R14 88T; 185/65 R15 88H |
| Wheel rims size | 5.5J x 14; 6.0J x 15 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The Corsa E 1.4 ECOTEC (90 hp) utilized the B14XEL engine code, a naturally aspirated, inline-four cylinder petrol engine. This engine was part of Opel’s ECOTEC family, designed with a focus on fuel efficiency and reduced emissions. It featured multi-port fuel injection and a single overhead camshaft (SOHC) valvetrain with four valves per cylinder. The engine’s 1398cc displacement produced 90 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 130 Nm (95.88 lb-ft) of torque at 4000 rpm. The engine incorporated a Start/Stop system to further improve fuel economy in urban driving conditions. The engine was transversely mounted, driving the front wheels. The standard transmission was a five-speed manual gearbox, although a six-speed automatic transmission was also available as an option, though less common with this engine.
Driving Characteristics
The 1.4-liter, 90 hp engine paired with the five-speed manual transmission provided adequate, but not exhilarating, performance. Acceleration from 0-60 mph took around 12.5 seconds, and top speed was approximately 108.74 mph. The engine felt somewhat strained when pushed hard, particularly when fully loaded or on inclines. The gear ratios were tuned for fuel economy rather than outright performance. Compared to the more powerful 1.0 Turbo (115 hp) or the diesel variants, the 1.4 ECOTEC offered a smoother, more linear power delivery, but lacked the punch of its siblings. The automatic transmission, when equipped, further dulled performance, increasing 0-60 times to around 13.2 seconds.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 1.4 ECOTEC (90 hp) typically served as the base trim level for the Corsa E. Standard equipment included air conditioning, power steering, electric front windows, a basic audio system with USB connectivity, and ABS brakes. Safety features included driver and passenger airbags. Higher trim levels, such as the ‘Enjoy’ and ‘Cosmo’ offered additional features like alloy wheels, cruise control, a touchscreen infotainment system, and parking sensors. Interior upholstery was typically cloth, with a relatively simple dashboard layout. Optional extras included a panoramic sunroof, heated seats, and upgraded audio systems.
Chassis & Braking
The Corsa E featured a McPherson strut front suspension and a semi-independent torsion beam rear suspension. This setup provided a comfortable ride quality, suitable for everyday driving. The front brakes were ventilated discs, while the rear brakes were solid discs. ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) was standard. The steering was a rack and pinion system, offering reasonable precision. Stabilizer bars were fitted to both the front and rear axles to reduce body roll during cornering. The relatively light weight of the vehicle (1088 kg / 2398.63 lbs) helped to compensate for the modest engine output.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Corsa E 1.4 ECOTEC (90 hp) was generally well-received as an affordable and practical city car. Critics praised its fuel efficiency and comfortable ride, but noted its lack of performance. Compared to the 1.0 Turbo, the 1.4 offered a more refined driving experience, albeit at the expense of power. The diesel variants provided superior fuel economy, but were more expensive to purchase and maintain. The 1.4 ECOTEC appealed to buyers prioritizing economy and reliability over sporty driving dynamics. Fuel economy figures of around 5 l/100 km (47 US mpg) were competitive within its segment.
Legacy
The B14XEL engine, while not known for being particularly groundbreaking, proved to be a relatively reliable unit. Common issues were generally minor, such as occasional oil leaks or sensor failures. The Corsa E 1.4 ECOTEC (90 hp) remains a popular choice on the used car market, particularly for first-time drivers or those seeking a low-cost, economical vehicle. Its simplicity and relatively low maintenance costs contribute to its continued appeal. Parts availability is generally good, and the vehicle’s straightforward design makes it relatively easy to repair. However, potential buyers should be aware of the engine’s limited power output and the potential for wear and tear on the Start/Stop system.
