The 2020 Vauxhall Corsa has been leaked online ahead of the official reveal scheduled for the Frankfurt Auto Show in September.

The folks from L’Automobile Magazine accidentally posted the embargoed photos on their website, providing us with the first look at the next-generation subcompact hatchback.

The website quickly pulled the photos but by then someone had already snatched them and later posted them on the French forum WorldScoop. Eventually, the photos were deleted from there as well, hinting at some strong pressure from Opel to take them down.

Needless to say, the images spread like wildfire on the web, revealing an evolutionary design approach for Vauxhall’s B-segment model.

The car you see in the photos is the electric version which appears to be named Corsa-e. As with the rest of the Corsa range, the electric model shares underpinnings with the Peugeot 208 — more specifically with the e-208.

The all new Corsa models switched to the PSA’s CMP scalable architecture which already underpins the Peugeot 208 and DS3 Crossback. Thanks to the new platform, the Corsa will not only be electrified but also significantly lighter, shedding up to 108 kg (238 lbs) in the process. This will obviously bring improvements in fuel efficiency and dynamics.

Looking at the photos, the Corsa appears to be wider and lower than the current model, adopting a more dynamic appearance. At the front, the 2020 Corsa displays sleeker headlights (for the first time available with IntelliLux Matrix LED technology) and new grilles with diamond-like inserts for a more aggressive and upscale look.

The side view reveals a sporty design for the C-pillar which together with the black-painted roof contributes to the impression of a “floating roof.” As for the rear, the LED taillights look similar to those on the Insignia and the graphics echo those of the headlights.

The interior is probably the biggest step up compared to the current model, with the 2020 Corsa adopting a modern dashboard layout consisting of a digital instrument cluster and a big central touchscreen. Mind you, those are likely optional features as they are shown here on the range-topping Corsa-e electric model.

As with the hardware, the new Corsa ditches the GM software (the MyLink interface) for PSA’s infotainment systems. Another obvious PSA component is the shift-by-wire lever for the automatic transmission that is used by various Peugeot, Citroën and DS models.

According to the forum user who posted the photos, the Corsa is 40 mm (1.57 in) longer and 18 mm (0.7 in) wider than the outgoing car, which means it should be slightly roomier. The boot volume is said to measure 309 liters (10.9 cu ft), making it 25 liters (0.88 cu ft) bigger than the current Corsa.

There isn’t much info on the engine lineup but the Corsa-e should feature the same 100kW (136 PS/134 hp) electric motor and 50kWh battery as the Peugeot e-208. Expect a similar WLTP-rated driving range of 340 km (211 miles) as well. As for the internal combustion units, a 1.2-liter PureTech turbocharged three-cylinder engine available in various states of tune should be the core offering, along with a 100 PS (99 hp) 1.5-liter turbo diesel.


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