Diesel-hybrid Opel Corsa concept

Diesel-hybrid Opel Corsa concept

Based on the 75 hp Opel Corsa 1.3 CDTI ecoFLEX, the Opel Corsa Hybrid concept car features outstanding fuel economy and impresses with low level of CO2 emissions.

The Opel Corsa Hybrid concept will be presented by GM at the upcoming IAA motor show in Frankfurt next month.

Equipped with a tiny 1.3-liter CDTI ecoFLEX diesel engine, mated to GM’s new hybrid system with belt-alternator starter technology and getting extra power from a lithium-ion battery, the car consumes only 3.75 liters (1 gallon) of diesel fuel per 100 km (62 miles) and emits only 99 g/km of CO2.

The Opel Corsa Hybrid concept switches off its diesel engine when the car is stopped, and restarts it when the brake pedal is released again.

The onboard Li-Ion battery is recharged with the help of regenerative braking when the vehicle’s kinetic energy is transformed into electricity.

I don’t really like the Opel/Vauxhall Corsa family of small hatchbacks (they are really small for my height) but nevertheless hope that the diesel/hybrid technology used here will soon cross the species barrier and arrive to larger vehicles.

Like SUVs.

Photos: GM/Opel

See also: Honda Civic Hybrid wears the shield