Significant improvements to the current Corsa's 1.3 CDTi diesel engine have been made to bring it up to Euro 6 emissions standards for the new model.
At launch, the most frugal Corsa diesel version - with 95PS, 5-speed manual transmission and braking energy recuperation system - can reduce the three-door model's CO2 emissions to 85g/km and allow it to achieve 88.3mpg on the combined cycle. The same engine is also available with 75PS. Both units have been reworked to provide more refinement and responsiveness while remaining outstandingly efficient.
The New Corsa is the first small Vauxhall to be available with the new six-speed, torque converter automatic transmission. An increased number of ratios (the outgoing Corsa model had a four-speed automatic transmission) enable a wider spread of gears. The long sixth gear ensures lower engine revs and a reduced noise level in the cabin. Initially this transmission, featuring fast and extremely smooth gear shifting, is available exclusively with the 1.4-litre (90PS) petrol engine.
There's also a new generation five-speed automated Easytronic 3.0 transmission. It provides automated operation at a more affordable price as well as excellent fuel efficiency and smooth gear shifting. It will appeal especially to price-sensitive customers who do not want to forgo the comfort offered by an automatic transmission.
Easytronic 3.0 is a technical tour de force, with shift-quality and drive-off responses on a par with a conventional, converter-based automatic, but for about half the price and with improved fuel economy. Technical optimisation has been achieved through advancements in the areas of actuators, sensor technology and control engineering, as well as the incorporation of a completely re-worked base manual gearbox.
There are also new functions in the interaction between the powertrain's control modules. In addition to automatic mode with an electro-hydraulic actuator taking over shifting and clutch operations, Easytronic 3.0 also offers manual gear shifting via push and pull operation of the gearshift.
Compared to conventional automatic transmissions, Easytronic 3.0 has a lower weight and minimal interior friction. With the Easytronic, the new Corsa achieves 60.1mpg combined and CO2 emissions as low as 110g/km.