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A new generation Opel Combo van will be launched in September following a debut at the Hannover Commercial Vehicle Show in September, writes Brian Byrne . Based on the Citroen Berlingo and the Peugeot Partner, following the purchase of Opel by PSA Group, the van will be the 5th generation of the nameplate, and will offer load volume of up to 4.4 cu m, and up to 1,000kg payload. There will be SWB and LWB variants along with a crew cab option. The new Combo will feature a range of connectivity and safety technologies, including a permanent rear view camera. Prices in Ireland will be announced closer to launch.

When the sporty new Opel Corsa GSi becomes available to order later this year, it will be powered by the brand’s 1.4 turbo engine with 150hp and 220 Nm of torque, writes Trish Whelan .   Fuel consumption is a claimed 6.3-6.2 L/100kms for the combined cycle. C02 is from 147-143. This hot hatchback takes 8.9 seconds for the 0-100km/h dash and has a maximum speed of 207km/h.   Opel say that when configuring the engine, engineers specifically optimised responsiveness for great driving fun on winding country roads and the turbocharged engine with short-ratio, six-speed gearbox impresses with excellent punch in second and third gears as well as a maximum torque plateau of 3,000 to 4,500 rpm, tailor-made for spirited driving. The sport chassis is known from the OPC version and the brakes with red callipers ensure precise athleticism, outstanding handing and short braking distances also when combined with the optional 18-inch light alloy wheels.   It ...

Opel is to phase out use of the GM-owned connectivity system OnStar by 2020, at the same time introducing the PSA Group's connectivity under the brand name Opel Connect, writes Brian Byrne . This is a further element of the assimilation of Opel into the PSA Peugeot-Citroen ethos, after the French group took over Opel last year. Opel Connect will be introduced on Opel passenger cars and light commercial vehicles beginning in 2019, one of the first models to feature Opel Connect will be the next generation Corsa due next year.

Opel will launch a new sporty Corsa in September, the Corsa GSi, writes Trish Whelan . It will have a sports chassis and an as yet unannounced engine power, likely a 1.4 with around 150hp. The car will feature enhanced GSi styling, and will also have the Opel Intellilink infotainment system as an option.