Following an extensive series of tests, it turned out that the Opel Corsa has an aerodynamic drag ratio as low as 0.29 and a frontage area of just 2.13 square meters (22.93 sq. ft.). This is unexpectedly good for its class and on par with such vehicles as the Ford Fiesta, Nissan Micra, and Renault Clio.
To put things into perspective, the Audi A1 and the Mini Cooper are lagging behind with drag ratios of 0.31 and 0.30, respectively. Then again, most manufacturers never disclose actual drag coefficients for their cars, so a thorough comparison is not possible without doing own research.
The aerodynamic aspect of the new Corsa was perfected in the Vehicle and Engine Research Institute forming a constituent part of the Frankfurt University (Germany). The main goal of the research team was to minimize harmful emissions produced by the car, and the intermediate goal was to maximize fuel efficiency.
The car has flat panels covering its bottom, which improves its aerodynamic profile. A rear spoiler and a grille shutter also complement its efficiency. The shutter only opens in hot weather or during high engine workloads, such as when ascending a mountain road.
The German car manufacturer claims reducing the drag by 10 percent improves NEDC-cycle rated fuel consumption by approximately 2%, up to 5% if you mostly drive at 130 km/h (80 mph). To this end, Opel reminds us of its Corsa Eco three-door hatchback that debuted at the IAA Frankfurt show in 1995. The car also had a drag ratio of 0.29 and consumed less than 3.5 liters of gas per 100 kilometers traveled. This roughly translates into 81 miles per gallon in Great Britain and 67 MPG in the USA.