Opel Corsa E x15 engines

The Opel Corsa E x15 was introduced in 2014 as the fifth generation of the popular small car series and positioned itself as a modern, efficient city runabout with improved quality compared to its predecessors. The engine range of the Corsa E x15 generation included both proven and completely new engines, ranging from economical three-cylinder gasoline engines to modern turbo diesels. Over the production period from 2014 to 2019, the powertrain range continued to evolve and integrated modern technologies such as start-stop systems and optimized exhaust gas purification.

Opel Corsa E x15 engines - first generation with new platform (2014-2016)

The first phase of the Corsa E x15 generation saw a complete realignment of the engine range. Typical mileages of 250,000 to 300,000 kilometers are realistic with proper maintenance, with major repairs usually occurring between 150,000 and 200,000 kilometers. The absolute highlight of this generation was the 1.4 Turbo with 100 hp, which optimally combined performance and reliability. The technical highlights included the introduction of the new three-cylinder technology and state-of-the-art common-rail diesel engines. In the small car segment, the Corsa E x15 thus positioned itself well above competitors such as the Renault Clio or Peugeot 208, especially in terms of engine variety.

Opel Corsa E x15 petrol engines first generation (2014-2016)

The range of petrol engines started with three different engines that covered different requirements. The 1.2-liter four-cylinder with 70 hp (engine code B12XE) was the entry-level engine and proved to be extremely reliable, but suffered from a lack of power at highway speeds. Much more interesting was the 1.4 liter four-cylinder with 90 hp (engine code A14XER), which combined proven GM technology with good everyday usability. The 1.4 Turbo with 100 hp (engine code A14NET), which with its turbocharger delivered decent torque even at low engine speeds, was the top of the range.

Problem areas with the 1.2-liter mainly occurred with the timing chain from around 120,000 kilometers, while the 1.4 Turbo occasionally developed difficulties with the turbocharger from 180,000 kilometers. The 1.4-liter naturally aspirated engine was considered to be virtually trouble-free and regularly achieved mileages of over 250,000 kilometers without major repairs.

Opel Corsa E x15 diesel engines first generation (2014-2016)

The diesel range was limited to the tried-and-tested 1.3 CDTi with 75 hp and 95 hp (engine code A13DTE), which was already familiar from other GM models. This Multijet diesel from Fiat proved to be economical and durable, achieving fuel consumption figures of less than 4 liters per 100 kilometers and typical mileages of 300,000 to 400,000 kilometers. The 95 hp version offered better torque for highway driving, while the 75 hp version was primarily designed for city traffic.

Typical weak points concerned the exhaust gas recirculation valve from around 100,000 kilometers and occasional problems with the particulate filter during predominantly short city journeys. The timing belt needed to be replaced every 120,000 kilometers, which had to be adhered to due to the engine's interference design.

Opel Corsa E x15 engines - model update with Euro-6 (2017-2019)

The 2017 model update primarily involved the adaptation to the Euro 6 emissions standard and the introduction of new engine variants. Reliability remained at the usual high level of 250,000 to 350,000 kilometers, with some of the revised engines even becoming more durable. The new 1.4 Turbo with 150 hp represented the absolute pinnacle of the entire Corsa E x15 era and transformed the small car into a genuine sports car. Technical innovations included improved emission control, optimized injection systems and automatic start-stop as standard on some engines. Compared to competitors such as the Ford Fiesta ST or VW Polo GTI, Opel thus offered a cheaper alternative with comparable performance.

Opel Corsa E x15 petrol engine model update (2017-2019)

The revised range of petrol engines was expanded to include the spectacular 1.4 Turbo with 150 hp (engine code A14NET), which was used exclusively in the Corsa OPC. This engine was based on the familiar 1.4 Turbo, but received a larger turbocharger, sportier tuning and reinforced internal components. At the same time, the existing 1.2 with 70 hp and 1.4 with 90 hp engines were revised and adapted to Euro 6 standards.

The 150 hp turbo developed an impressive 220 Nm of torque from just 1,800 rpm and catapulted the Corsa from 0 to 100 km/h in under 7 seconds. However, the high thermal load proved problematic, which could lead to premature wear of the turbocharger from around 120,000 kilometers. The milder engine variants benefited from optimized timing chains and improved seals, which further increased their longevity.

Opel Corsa E x15 diesel engine model update (2017-2019)

The tried-and-tested 1.3 CDTi remained the backbone of the diesel range after the facelift, but was extensively revised. The Euro 6 version with 95 hp (engine code A13DTE) received an improved exhaust gas purification system with an optimized particulate filter and more precise AdBlue injection. In addition, a new 110 hp version was introduced, which offered more power for highway driving.

The revised diesel engines showed significantly fewer problems with the particulate filter, as the software for regeneration cycles was optimized. The EGR valve remained a weak point from around 120,000 kilometers, while the timing belt was still due for replacement every 120,000 kilometers. The 110 hp version proved to be particularly durable and regularly achieved mileages of over 350,000 kilometers.

Conclusion: The best Opel Corsa E x15 engines of all generations

The engine development of the Corsa E x15 generation shows a consistent further development of proven technologies with a focus on efficiency and reliability. While the first years still had a few teething problems, the later Euro 6 engines reached a very high level of quality. The range from economical entry-level engines to the sporty 150 hp turbo covered almost every requirement.

• Best Opel Corsa E x15 gasoline engine:

The 1.4 A14XER with 90 hp impresses with its well-balanced combination of suitability for everyday use, reliability and moderate fuel consumption, while at the same time offering sufficient reserves for highway driving.

• Best Opel Corsa E x15 diesel engine:

The 1.3 CDTi A13DTE with 95 hp in the Euro 6 version represents the optimal compromise between economy, durability and driving performance, especially in the revised version from 2017.

• Sportiest Opel Corsa E x15 engine:

The 1.4 Turbo A14NET with 150 hp transforms the Corsa into a true sports car and offers GTI-level driving performance, but requires intensive maintenance for maximum durability.

For all Opel Corsa E x15 engines, you will find high-quality spare parts and wear components at AUTODOC at reasonable prices.