The Opel Corsa E 5-door 1.4 ECOTEC (90 hp) Automatic, produced between January 2015 and April 2018, represented an entry-level offering within the fifth generation of the Corsa (E) model range. Positioned as a practical and affordable hatchback, this variant aimed at buyers prioritizing ease of use and fuel efficiency over outright performance. It was a key model for Opel in the European market, competing with vehicles like the Volkswagen Polo, Ford Fiesta, and Renault Clio. The Corsa E itself was built on the General Motors Gamma II platform, shared with other small Opel/Vauxhall and Chevrolet models.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Opel |
| Model | Corsa |
| Generation | Corsa E 5-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 | 5 |
| 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 | 12.5 kg/Hp, 80.1 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 8.6 kg/Nm, 115.7 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 | 1124 kg (2478 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1645 kg (3626.6 lbs.) |
| Max load | 521 kg (1148.61 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 | 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 | 185/70 R14 88T; 185/65 R15 88H |
| Wheel rims size | 5.5J x 14; 6.0J x 15 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of this Corsa variant is the 1.4-liter (1398 cc) B14XEL inline-four cylinder engine. This engine belongs to Opel’s ECOTEC family, known for its focus on fuel efficiency and relatively low emissions. The B14XEL utilizes a multi-port fuel injection system, delivering fuel directly into the intake ports rather than directly into the combustion chamber. It features a single overhead camshaft (SOHC) operating 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 engine is transversely mounted at the front of the vehicle. Paired with this engine is a six-speed automatic transmission, providing smooth gear changes but at the expense of some performance compared to the available manual transmission options. This automatic transmission was a common unit used across various General Motors platforms at the time.
Driving Characteristics
The 1.4L 90 hp Automatic Corsa E offers a comfortable, if not particularly exciting, driving experience. Acceleration is modest, taking approximately 13.9 seconds to reach 62 mph (100 km/h). The automatic transmission prioritizes fuel economy, often upshifting quickly to maintain lower engine speeds. This results in a relaxed cruising experience but can feel sluggish when attempting to overtake or climb hills. Compared to the more powerful 1.0 Turbo or 1.4 Turbo variants, this version lacks the punch needed for spirited driving. The six-speed automatic provides reasonable gear spacing, but the transmission’s programming isn’t particularly sporty. The relatively low power output and automatic transmission make it ideal for urban driving and commuting.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 1.4 ECOTEC Automatic typically came equipped as a mid-range trim level, offering a balance of features and affordability. Standard equipment generally included air conditioning, power windows, central locking, a basic audio system with USB connectivity, and ABS brakes. Higher trim levels added features like alloy wheels, a touchscreen infotainment system, cruise control, and parking sensors. Interior upholstery was typically cloth, with a functional and durable design. Optional extras included metallic paint, upgraded audio systems, and a panoramic sunroof.
Chassis & Braking
The Corsa E utilizes a McPherson strut suspension setup at the front and a semi-independent torsion beam suspension at the rear. This configuration provides a comfortable ride quality, absorbing bumps and imperfections in the road reasonably well. The front brakes are ventilated discs, while the rear brakes are solid discs. ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) is standard, enhancing braking performance and stability. The steering is rack and pinion, providing precise and responsive handling. Stabilizer bars are fitted to both the front and rear axles to reduce body roll during cornering.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Corsa E 1.4 Automatic was generally well-received as a practical and economical city car. Critics praised its fuel efficiency and comfortable ride, but noted its lack of performance compared to rivals. Compared to the 1.0 Turbo version, the 1.4 Automatic offered less power and slightly worse fuel economy. However, it was often considered more reliable due to the simpler engine design. The 1.4 Automatic appealed to buyers who prioritized ease of use and affordability over driving excitement. Its fuel economy of around 39.2 US mpg combined made it a competitive option in its class.
Legacy
The 1.4 ECOTEC engine, particularly the B14XEL variant, has proven to be a relatively reliable powertrain. While not without its potential issues (such as occasional oil leaks or timing chain wear), it is generally considered durable and long-lasting with proper maintenance. In the used car market, the Corsa E 1.4 Automatic remains a popular choice for budget-conscious buyers seeking a practical and economical hatchback. Its simplicity and relatively low running costs make it an attractive option for first-time car owners or those needing a dependable city car. Parts availability is generally good, and maintenance costs are reasonable.
