MotoringPREMIUM

Exclusive Opel Corsa Irmsher Edition now on sale in SA

Only 40 units of the sportier-looking hatchback are being made available to local customers

The new Opel Corsa Irmsher Edition shares equal specifications with the GS Line. Picture: SUPPLIED
The new Opel Corsa Irmsher Edition shares equal specifications with the GS Line. Picture: SUPPLIED

Opel SA has launched a limited-edition Corsa Irmscher Edition. The model is a tribute to racing heritage and precision engineering according to the German brand, and just 40 of the exclusive units will be released for sale in SA. This follows positive customer feedback received from last year’s Festival of Motoring, where the car was first displayed.

It’s based on the Corsa GS Line and differentiated from regular models through spiced up aesthetics bolstered by a front spoiler lip, side skirts, a rear roof spoiler, diffuser, Irmscher badging and 18-inch alloy wheels including a suspension lowered by 30mm.

The Corsa Irmsher is offered in three colours, each with a contrasting black roof. On the inside, the vehicle’s features are on par with the GS Line trim, but with Irmscher boot and floor mats. You can expect a reversing camera, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a single USB C port, park distance control, auto on/off lights, cruise control, high beam assist and heated front seats as standard amenities. 

It’s powered by a 96kW and 230Nm turbocharged 1.2l three-cylinder petrol engine driving the front wheels and paired with a six-speed automatic transmission exclusively. The 0-100km/h sprint time of the GS Line is 8.7 seconds and a 208km/h top end, but the 30mm suspension drop in the Irmsher should improve on the already class-leading handling dynamics.

The tuning company Irmsher was founded 60 years ago by German national Günther Irmscher, who began converting vehicles for racing purposes. Legendary drivers who’ve piloted Irmsher-tweaked cars include Walter Röhrl. The now defunct Delta Motor/General Motors (GM) SA imported Opel Kadett and Rekord Irmsher models in the nineties. Today the company is tunes a variety of Stellantis vehicles.

The recommended retail price of the new Opel Corsa Irmsher Edition is R534,900. 

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