Remember the Opel Corsa Lite? Well, the nameplate has made a return to South Africa, this time applied to the G2J0-generation hatchback. Here’s how much it costs…

The Opel Corsa Lite nameplate has made a return to South Africa! Back in 1996, the Corsa Lite was launched as a South African-specific derivative, based on the 2nd-generation (S93) Corsa and built right here in Mzansi. Remember the “Lite Side of Life” marketing campaign?

The original Corsa Lite was sold alongside the 3rd-generation (X01) hatch, before production finally ended in 2007. This time, however, it’s not a prolonged lifecycle model and is instead based on the current G2J0-generation version of the German’s firm’s B-segment hatchback.

Note the “Lite” badge on the newcomer’s rump.

Somewhat curiously, though, Opel SA has opted to equip the new Lite with the 74 kW/205 Nm turbocharged 1.2-litre, 3-cylinder petrol engine rather than the naturally aspirated 55 kW motor used in the base Corsa 1.2. For the record, however, the latter variant appears to have been discontinued, with the Lite now – rather appropriately – functioning as the entry point to the range.

The 3-strong line-up thus kicks off with the Corsa Lite 1.2T, which is priced at R349900 (so, R24 000 more than the old base Corsa 1.2). Next comes the Corsa Edition 1.2T at R356900 (yes, just R7 000 more), with the 96 kW Corsa Elegance 1.2T 6AT topping the range at R436900.

The Corsa Lite retains the standard version’s 7-inch touchscreen.

Like the Edition derivative, the Corsa Lite’s turbopetrol engine drives the front axle through a 6-speed manual gearbox, while the Elegance variant employs a 6-speed automatic cog-swapper.

Standard features on the freshly introduced Lite derivative include a 7-inch touchscreen, air conditioning, electric windows (front only), power-adjustable side mirrors, a multifunctional steering wheel, cruise control, rear parking sensors, a 180-degree reversing camera, hill-start assist, automatic headlamps, tyre-pressure monitoring and 16-inch alloy wheels.

It’s an interesting move from Opel parent company Stellantis, which clearly hopes to leverage a badge that remains well known in South Africa. We can’t help but feel, however, the Lite should be more than just R7 000 less expensive than the mid-tier derivative, even if that would mean stripping more standard kit…

How much does the Opel Corsa Lite 1.2T cost in South Africa?

Opel Corsa Lite 1.2T 74 kW 6MT – R349 900

Opel Corsa Edition 1.2T 74 kW 6MT – R356 900

Opel Corsa Elegance 1.2T 96 kW 6AT – R436900

All Corsa models ship with a 5-year/120 000 km warranty and a 3-year/45 000 km service plan.

Buy a used Opel Corsa on Cars.co.za!

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