Vauxhall/Opel Corsa heads for the hills

In the latest craze to produce low-emitting SUV's, Vauxhall/Opel doesn't want to be left out. Rivalling the likes of the upcoming Toyota Urban Crusier, Dacia Sandero SUV, Mazda2 SUV/Ford Fiesta SUV, Honda Jazz SUV, Peugeot 207 SUV and wannabe mini-SUV's; Volkswagen Polo Dune and Ford Fusion Pursuit, the new model will follow in the footsteps of the Antara and will go on sale by 2010.

More expensive grades will be using part-time 4WD while cheaper variants will be given 2WD. The newcomer is expect to use rugged bumpers, body armour, under-body protection along with a unique alloy wheel design. Vauxhall/Opels insiders have revealed that engineers and designers want the car to deliver genuine off-road ability with a proper 4x4 gearbox.

First prototypes have been spied in Spain on a transporter in prepearation of hot-weather testing in coming months. The mules have higher ride height, visable testing equipment and are slight wider than the normal Corsa's to ensure greater off-road ability without ruining the standard car’s nimble, secure road manners.

Don't expect it to be cheap, the new vehicle will sit alongside the current flagship trim levels. Like Toyota, bosses are willingly to point out that this is a low-emitting and fragul SUV. Powering this will be the 1.3 and 1.7 CDTi diesels which will be tuned for low-down torque and refinement. If you're a fan of petrol, a range of low-capacity, high-economy turbo engines will be available. Whats more, a potential hybrid could be in the works using stop-start facility with regenerative braking and a small electric engine but a spokesperson hinted that sister brand, Chevrolet will also use the set-up, in a 4x4 model based on the T2X concept.

Meanwhile, GM bosses have revealed that both the Corsa and Chevrolet could be built in the manufacturer’s state-of-the-art factory in Antwerp, Belgium. They have also said that buyers should expect a glimpse of the Vauxhall model at a major motor show in 2009, before sales start 12 months later. The vehicle should soon become a familiar sight on UK roads, as it is thought GM would like to sell 120,000 units annually.

Via: Autoexpress > Vauxhall Corsa 4x4 shapes up