Next Corsa will have gallic underpinnings

Two years ahead of the arrival of the new generation Corsa, Opel has decided that it will use Peugeot-Citroen underpinnings instead of the previously planned GM architecture, writes Brian Byrne.

The turnaround follows the agreement made two months ago by the PSA Group to buy the German carmaker from parent General Motors.

It's understood that the use of the French technology will improve margins on the supermini model, Opel's best-selling car last year.

The first Corsa was produced in 1982 and is currently in its fifth generation. It has been sold in different markets under Vauxhall, Buick, Chevrolet and Holden brands, and with model names that have included Sail, Barina, Vita and Chevy.