The Opel Corsa D 3-door 1.3 CDTI, producing 90 horsepower, was a popular entry-level variant within the Corsa D range, manufactured between October 2006 and June 2010. Positioned as a fuel-efficient and affordable option, it catered to buyers seeking a practical and economical small hatchback. This model played a significant role in the European market, particularly for younger drivers and those prioritizing low running costs. It was part of the Corsa D generation (2006-2014), which represented a substantial improvement over its predecessor in terms of refinement, safety, and overall build quality.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Opel |
| Model | Corsa |
| Generation | Corsa D 3-door |
| Type (Engine) | 1.3 CDTI (90 Hp) |
| Start of production | October, 2006 |
| End of production | June, 2010 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Hatchback |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 3 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 5.9 l/100 km (39.9 US mpg, 47.9 UK mpg, 16.9 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 3.8 l/100 km (61.9 US mpg, 74.3 UK mpg, 26.3 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 4.6 l/100 km (51.1 US mpg, 61.4 UK mpg, 21.7 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 124 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 12.7 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 12.7 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 12.1 sec |
| Maximum speed | 172 km/h (106.88 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 4 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 13 kg/Hp, 76.9 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 5.9 kg/Nm, 170.9 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 90 Hp @ 4000 rpm |
| Power per litre | 72.1 Hp/l |
| Torque | 200 Nm @ 1750-2500 rpm (147.51 lb.-ft. @ 1750-2500 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | Z13DTH |
| 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 | 18.4:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Diesel Commonrail |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 3.5 l (3.7 US qt | 3.08 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 6.3 l (6.66 US qt | 5.54 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1170 kg (2579.41 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1570 kg (3461.26 lbs.) |
| Max load | 400 kg (881.85 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 285 l (10.06 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1050 l (37.08 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 44 l (11.62 US gal | 9.68 UK gal) |
| Length | 3999 mm (157.44 in.) |
| Width | 1737 mm (68.39 in.) |
| Height | 1488 mm (58.58 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2511 mm (98.86 in.) |
| Front track | 1485 mm (58.46 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1478 mm (58.19 in.) |
| Drag coefficient (Cd) | 0.32 |
| Minimum turning circle | 10.6 m (34.78 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | ICE, Front wheel drive |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 6 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent, McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar |
| Rear suspension | Rigid axle suspension |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Tires size | 185/65 R15 |
| Wheel rims size | 15 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the Corsa D 1.3 CDTI was the Z13DTH engine, a 1.3-liter inline-four cylinder diesel. This engine was a member of Opel/Fiat’s family of small-displacement diesel engines, known for their fuel efficiency. It featured a common rail direct injection system, delivering fuel directly into the combustion chamber at extremely high pressure for optimized combustion. The engine utilized a turbocharger with an intercooler to boost power output and improve torque. The double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain, with four valves per cylinder, further enhanced breathing and performance. The 6-speed manual transmission was the standard offering, providing a good balance between fuel economy and drivability. The engine’s design prioritized low-end torque, making it suitable for everyday driving conditions.
Driving Characteristics
The 90 hp output and 200 Nm of torque provided adequate, though not exhilarating, performance. Acceleration from 0-60 mph took around 12.1 seconds, and the top speed was 172 km/h (106.88 mph). The engine felt most comfortable in the mid-range, offering sufficient power for overtaking and merging onto highways. Compared to the more powerful 1.7 CDTI variants, the 1.3 CDTI felt noticeably slower, especially at higher speeds. However, the 1.3 CDTI’s lighter weight and efficient engine contributed to superior fuel economy. The manual transmission offered precise shifts, but the gear ratios were tuned for economy rather than outright performance. The driving experience was generally comfortable, with a focus on practicality and ease of use.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 1.3 CDTI typically came with a relatively basic level of equipment, reflecting its position as an entry-level model. Standard features generally included power steering, central locking, electric front windows, and an ABS anti-lock braking system. Air conditioning was often an optional extra. Interior upholstery was typically cloth, and the dashboard featured a functional, if somewhat plain, design. Higher trim levels offered upgrades such as alloy wheels, a CD player with MP3 compatibility, and more premium interior materials. Safety features included driver and passenger airbags.
Chassis & Braking
The Corsa D 3-door utilized a McPherson strut front suspension and a rigid axle rear suspension. This setup provided a reasonable balance between ride comfort and handling. The front brakes were ventilated discs, while the rear brakes were solid discs. The steering was a rack and pinion system, offering decent feedback. The relatively lightweight nature of the vehicle contributed to its agility. Stabilizer bars were fitted to both the front and rear axles to reduce body roll during cornering.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Opel Corsa D 1.3 CDTI was well-received by critics for its fuel efficiency and affordability. It was often praised as a practical and economical choice for city driving. However, some reviewers noted its lack of outright performance compared to higher-powered variants. Compared to the 1.7 CDTI models, the 1.3 CDTI offered significantly better fuel economy but at the expense of acceleration and overall refinement. The 1.3 CDTI also proved to be more reliable than some of the more complex engine options in the Corsa D range.
Legacy
The Z13DTH engine, while not known for being particularly exciting, proved to be a durable and reliable unit when properly maintained. The Corsa D 1.3 CDTI remains a popular choice in the used car market, particularly for buyers seeking a low-cost, fuel-efficient hatchback. Common issues include wear and tear on suspension components and potential problems with the turbocharger, but these are generally manageable with regular maintenance. The Corsa D 1.3 CDTI represents a solid and practical option for those prioritizing economy and reliability over performance.
