2004 Opel Corsa Utility 1.7 DTi

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Photo: William McIntosh, Wheels24.co.za

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Author: Wilmer Muller

Surely, like most car enthusiasts, they expect I would prefer some flashy hot hatch or sizzling sports car.

However if I have to be realistic and practical - and I would opt for the Opel Corsa bakkie. We test it in 1.7 DTi guise.

The previous generation Corsa Utility was a big hit and it quickly became a familiar vehicle on our roads.

And I have no doubt that the all-new Corsa bakkie will even be a bigger hit as it is more stylish, better built and bigger.

Furthermore General Motors has also effectively created a new class of commercial: the three-quarter ton compact bakkie.

Design

Yes, bakkies can be stylish. The Corsa Utility is a sporty and beefy-looking vehicle, especially in Sport trim.

At the front it shares its aerodynamic nose design with the Corsa hatch and sedan, but its flared wheelarches make it look more muscular.

In Sport trim the pickup features colour-coded bumpers, front foglights and 14-inch alloys, adding to its sporty appeal.

The bakkie also has a big cab, while the prominent sculptured rear wheel arches add a dynamic look.

Its tailgate has a single central release with its own lock. A nice feature is that the tailgate has to be unlocked and opened to gain access to the mechanism that allows the spare wheel to be removed from under the load floor.

Furthermore the Opel bakkie also offers the best ground clearance in its class, 214 mm. Another important improvement is a bigger load box which has a total volume of 1.19m³.

However, the bakkie's most distinctive feature is that it has the best payload in the business - 790 kg for the 1.7 DTi and 680 kg for the 1.4i.

Therefore the 1.7 DTi model is actually a ¾ tonner which makes it an attractive option for those who often need to carry more than the 600 kg+ loads but don't have the full-time need for a one-ton pick up.

Interior and features

One of the Utility's biggest pluses is its spacious cabin, which Opel calls "Maxicab". The bakkie's interior gives occupants a car-like feeling and the overall interior design is great.

Furthermore there is loads of space and even taller drivers will have no difficulty getting comfortable. Perceived quality and fit and finish are good. Ergonomics are good too, with all the major operating controls within easy reach of the driver.

The 1.7 DTI Sport comes with comfortable bucket seats. Behind the seats there is more than enough storage space for items such as briefcase or toolbox.

In Sport guise the Utility comes with some nice standard comfort features such as air conditioning, power steering and an integrated audio/CD system.

Instrumentation is comprehensive and includes a service interval indicator, "low fuel" warning light, and a "key-in" warning tone reminds the driver to remove the key with its remote central locking facility.

However, safety features are limited and the Utility unfortunately doesn't offer any airbags or ABS brakes.

Under the skin

The diesel Utility features a significant engine change as it is now available with a 1.7-litre turbo-charged and intercooled unit instead of the previous model's naturally aspirated motor.

Power is up 31% from 42 kW at 4 300 r/min to 55 kW at 4 400 r/min. Torque has increased by a useful 40% from 105 Nm at 2 700 r/min to 165 Nm available between 1 800 and 3 000 r/min.

The oil change interval for the diesel model is also now 15 000 km instead of 7 500 km.

Front suspension is via MacPherson struts, and Opel says the driven wheels are positioned more accurately whatever the suspension load thanks to one-piece lower control arms with a fluid-filled front bush.

This pickup also departs from what is considered the bakkie norm with the fitment of a coil-sprung torsion beam trailing arm rear axle. Progressive rate springs enable it to combine comfort and good handling whether laden or unladen.

Steering is electrically-assisted, which means energy is only consumed when needed. Assistance is reduced as speed increases, resulting in improved feel and feedback when cruising.

Driving it

Starting up the Utility one can hear that it is a diesel, but this noise doesn't matter too much as it is a bakkie. It also does quiet down a bit on the open road, but the overall ride doesn't as there is quite a bit of road noise.

The car has acceptable road grip and doesn't easily lose its posture much in tight corners - but keep in mind that you are not driving a hot hatch. Steering is sharp and offers good feedback.

The bakkie is quite at home on the open road and offers a good controlled ride that doesn't disappoint at lower speeds. In fact in city traffic it proves to be quite nippy, especially on pullaway.

The gearshift action is slick and precise and getting up to speed is no hassle at all. However acceleration is mediocre, with a 0-100km/h time of 15.09 seconds, although top speed is 163 km/h. Overall fuel consumption is good with an average figure of 7 litres for every 100km.

Conclusion

The new Corsa Utility is an even better all-rounder than its predecessor, being a great combination workhorse and leisure vehicle.

It certainly has the looks to be spunky transport, but it is also more than capable of doing some heavy-duty work too. This pickup's dynamic looks will definitely lure younger first time buyers.

Furthermore the Utility has loads going for it such as the big cargo space and roomy interior, making it an attractive alternative to the iconic Ford Bantam.

The all-new Corsa Utility is a welcome addition to the commercial sector, and will make great everyday transport for the private buyer too.

Pluses

Can get noisy