The Opel Corsa E 3-door 1.4 ECOTEC (90 hp) Easytronic start/stop was a subcompact hatchback produced from January 2015 to June 2018. Positioned as an entry-level offering within the Corsa E range, it aimed to provide affordable and efficient transportation. This variant utilized Opel’s 1.4-liter naturally aspirated engine paired with a five-speed Easytronic automated manual transmission, and incorporated a start/stop system to further enhance fuel economy. The Corsa E represented the fifth generation of the popular Corsa supermini, built on the General Motors Gamma II platform, also shared with models like the Chevrolet Trax and Buick Encore.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Opel |
| Model | Corsa |
| Generation | Corsa E 3-door |
| Type (Engine) | 1.4 ECOTEC (90 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 | 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) | 4.1 l/100 km (57.4 US mpg, 68.9 UK mpg, 24.4 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 4.8 l/100 km (49 US mpg, 58.9 UK mpg, 20.8 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 112 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 | 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.) |
| 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 | 1605 kg (3538.42 lbs.) |
| Max load | 539 kg (1188.29 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, 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 | 185/65 R15 88H; 185/70 R14 88T |
| Wheel rims size | 6.0J x 15; 5.5J x 14 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of this Corsa variant is the B14XER engine, a 1.4-liter inline-four cylinder gasoline engine. This engine is a member of Opel’s ECOTEC family, known for its focus on efficiency. It features multi-point fuel injection and a dual overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with four valves per cylinder. The engine produces 90 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 130 Nm (95.88 lb-ft) of torque at 4000 rpm. The Easytronic 5-speed automated manual transmission is a key component. Unlike a traditional automatic, Easytronic uses a conventional manual gearbox but shifts gears automatically via actuators controlled by the vehicle’s computer. This system aims to combine the fuel efficiency of a manual transmission with the convenience of an automatic. The start/stop system automatically shuts off the engine when the vehicle is stationary (e.g., at traffic lights) and restarts it when the driver depresses the clutch or brake pedal, further reducing fuel consumption and emissions.
Driving Characteristics
The 1.4-liter 90 hp Easytronic Corsa E offers modest performance. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) takes approximately 13.9 seconds, and top speed is rated at 175 km/h (108.74 mph). The Easytronic transmission, while offering convenience, is often criticized for its somewhat jerky shifts and slower response compared to a traditional automatic or a manual gearbox. The gear ratios are tuned for fuel economy rather than outright performance. In real-world driving, the car feels adequate for city commuting and shorter trips, but can struggle when fully loaded or attempting to overtake at higher speeds. Compared to the more powerful 1.0 Turbo (115 hp) or 1.4 Turbo (100 hp) variants, this model offers significantly less punch, but provides a lower purchase price and potentially better fuel economy.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The Corsa E 1.4 ECOTEC (90 hp) Easytronic typically came with a base level of equipment. Standard features generally 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. Optional extras included alloy wheels, upgraded audio systems, parking sensors, and a touchscreen infotainment system. Interior upholstery was typically cloth, and the dashboard featured a relatively simple design. Trim levels varied slightly depending on the market, but this variant generally represented the entry point into the Corsa E range.
Chassis & Braking
The Corsa E utilizes a McPherson strut front suspension and a semi-independent torsion beam rear suspension. This setup provides a reasonable balance between ride comfort and handling. The front brakes are disc brakes, while the rear brakes are also disc brakes on most versions, providing adequate stopping power for the vehicle’s weight and performance. ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) is standard. The steering is a rack and pinion system, offering precise and responsive steering feel. 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) Easytronic was generally viewed as a practical and affordable option in the subcompact segment. Critics praised its fuel efficiency and low running costs, but often criticized the Easytronic transmission for its lack of smoothness and responsiveness. Compared to other trims in the Corsa E lineup, this variant offered the lowest price point but also the least amount of performance. The 1.0 Turbo offered a noticeable improvement in power and driving experience, while the 1.4 Turbo provided even more performance. However, these higher-output variants came at a higher cost. In terms of reliability, the B14XER engine is generally considered to be a robust and dependable unit, but the Easytronic transmission has been known to experience occasional issues.
Legacy
The Opel Corsa E 1.4 ECOTEC (90 hp) Easytronic remains a relatively common sight on the used car market. Its affordability and fuel efficiency make it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers. The B14XER engine has proven to be reasonably reliable, although regular maintenance is essential. The Easytronic transmission, however, remains a potential weak point, and prospective buyers should be aware of its limitations and potential for issues. Overall, this variant represents a sensible and economical choice for those seeking a basic and reliable subcompact hatchback.
