Technical Specifications
| Brand | Opel |
| Model | Corsa |
| Generation | Corsa E 3-door |
| Type (Engine) | 1.4 ECOTEC (90 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production | January, 2015 |
| End of production | April, 2018 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Hatchback |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 3 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 7.8 l/100 km (30.2 US mpg, 36.2 UK mpg, 12.8 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 4.9 l/100 km (48 US mpg, 57.6 UK mpg, 20.4 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 6 l/100 km (39.2 US mpg, 47.1 UK mpg, 16.7 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 140 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 13.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 13.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 13.2 sec |
| Maximum speed | 170 km/h (105.63 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 | 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 | 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 | 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 | 6 gears, automatic 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 |
The Opel Corsa E 3-door 1.4 ECOTEC (90 hp) Automatic, produced between January 2015 and April 2018, represented an entry-level offering within the fifth generation of Opel’s popular supermini. Positioned as a practical and affordable option, this variant aimed at buyers prioritizing ease of use and lower running costs over outright performance. It was a key model in the European market, where the Corsa consistently ranked among the best-selling vehicles in its class. The Corsa E utilized the General Motors Gamma II platform, shared with other vehicles like the Chevrolet Trax and Buick Encore, offering a balance of size, weight, and cost-effectiveness.
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of this Corsa variant is the 1.4-liter (1398 cc) B14XER inline-four cylinder engine. This engine belongs to Opel’s ECOTEC family, known for its focus on fuel efficiency and reduced emissions. The B14XER features a naturally aspirated configuration with multi-port fuel injection and a compression ratio of 10.5:1. It produces 90 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 130 Nm (95.88 lb-ft) of torque at 4000 rpm. The engine utilizes a single overhead camshaft (SOHC) design with four valves per cylinder. Paired with this engine is a six-speed automatic transmission, providing smooth gear changes and enhancing the car’s usability in urban environments. This transmission wasn’t known for being particularly sporty, prioritizing comfort and fuel economy over rapid shifts.
Driving Characteristics
The 1.4L 90 hp Automatic Corsa E offers a comfortable, if not exhilarating, driving experience. Acceleration from 0-60 mph takes around 13.2 seconds, and top speed is limited to 170 km/h (105.63 mph). The automatic transmission, while convenient, contributes to a noticeable difference in performance compared to the manual versions. The gear ratios are tuned for fuel efficiency, meaning the engine can feel strained during quick acceleration or when climbing hills. Compared to the more powerful 1.0 Turbo or 1.4 Turbo models, this variant feels significantly less responsive. However, for city driving and commuting, the smooth power delivery and ease of use of the automatic transmission are definite advantages.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 1.4 ECOTEC Automatic typically came equipped as a mid-range trim, offering a good balance of features without the premium price tag of higher-spec models. Standard equipment generally included air conditioning, power windows, central locking, and a basic audio system with USB connectivity. Safety features such as ABS, ESP (Electronic Stability Program), and multiple airbags were also standard. Optional extras included alloy wheels, a touchscreen infotainment system, and parking sensors. Interior upholstery was typically cloth, with a functional and durable design. Dashboard materials were largely plastic, reflecting the car’s budget-conscious positioning.
Chassis & Braking
The Corsa E 3-door utilizes a McPherson strut front suspension and a semi-independent coil spring rear suspension. This setup provides a comfortable ride quality, absorbing bumps and imperfections in the road reasonably well. The front brakes are discs, while the rear brakes are also discs on most variants, providing adequate stopping power for the car’s weight and performance. The steering is a rack and pinion system, offering light and precise control. 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 Automatic received mixed reviews. Critics praised its fuel efficiency and ease of driving, particularly in urban environments. However, the lack of outright performance and the somewhat dated interior design were common criticisms. Compared to rivals like the Volkswagen Polo, Ford Fiesta, and Renault Clio, the Corsa E offered a competitive price point but often lagged behind in terms of refinement and driving dynamics. The 1.8L and diesel variants offered better fuel economy and performance, but at a higher initial cost. The automatic transmission, while convenient, was often seen as detracting from the overall driving experience compared to the more engaging manual gearbox.
Legacy
The 1.4 ECOTEC (90 hp) Automatic Corsa E has proven to be a relatively reliable powertrain. The B14XER engine is generally known for its durability, and the six-speed automatic transmission, while not particularly sophisticated, has a good track record for longevity. In the used car market, these Corsas represent an affordable and practical option for buyers seeking a small, economical hatchback. However, potential buyers should be aware of the potential for age-related wear and tear, such as suspension components and exhaust systems. Overall, the Corsa E 1.4 Automatic remains a popular choice for those seeking a dependable and budget-friendly city car.
