All-new hatchback surfaces online in EV form months ahead of scheduled debut in Frankfurt.

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The next-generation Opel Corsa has been leaked on an online forum, ahead of its official reveal slated for later this year. Posted to French forum WorldScoop, the revealing images were allegedly posted to a news website by accident and taken down, though that didn't stop one user from saving hi-res files and publishing them. The eye-catching orange vehicle you see pictured is the electric model, which appears to be dubbed 'Corsa-e'. This model is the first EV from the Opel and Vauxhall brands, and shares its underpinnings with the new Peugeot e-208. Like the EV variant, the wider Corsa range also makes the switch to PSA's CMP scalable architecture for compact models, which already underpins the likes of the new Peugeot 208 and the DS 3 Crossback.

The new underpinnings not only allow for electrified powertrains, but also are a lot lighter (the Corsa is apparently around 100kg lighter than before) which should translate to notable improvements in fuel efficiency. From the outset the Corsa looks a lot wider and lower than the current model, doing away with the tall and skinny proportions that were so common across previous-generation light hatchbacks. Up front is a new interpretation of Opel's corporate face, with diamond-like motifs in the front grille and intake, along with sharper headlights for a more upmarket and aggressive look. Speaking of the headlights, the company's 'IntelliLux' Matrix LED technology will be available for the first time, also a first for the segment. The rear offers a clean and curvy look that is somewhat generic, though the LED tail-lights of the vehicle in the images are consistent with Opel's 'hook' light signature at the front.

The cabin looks to be a pretty decent step up compared to the outgoing model, with a completely digital instrument cluster and large central touchscreen dominating the dashboard of this EV variant. It appears the Corsa has ditched the MyLink interface developed by previous parent General Motors (GM) and employed PSA software – which makes sense given the change in ownership. We can also see the PSA shift-by-wire lever that is fairly ubiquitous across the Citroen and Peugeot brands, though the steering wheel and dashboard designs stay largely true to Opels of old. According to the forum post, the Corsa has also grown about 40mm in length and 18mm in width, which should afford noticeably more space for passengers and cargo – the boot is said to measure around 309L now, which is up around 25L compared to the old model.

In terms of available powertrains, we'd say the Corsa-e will feature the same 100kW electric motor hooked up to a 50kWh lithium-ion battery pack as the e-208. The Peugeot's 340km range claim should serve as a guide, too. As for the core range, a 1.2-litre PureTech three-cylinder turbo should be offered, along with a range of small-capacity petrols and diesels from the PSA engine family. Stay tuned to CarAdvice for more Corsa news as official information comes to hand. Australia

Given Opel pulled out of the Australian market a couple of years ago, it's unlikely we'll see the Corsa in local showrooms anytime soon. Currently, the Opel Astra and Insignia are available Down Under badged as Holdens, though the recent acquisition of both Opel and Vauxhall by the PSA Group from General Motors means the Australian lion brand won't be getting any more Opel products in future given its GM ownership. Click on the images for the full gallery Thanks to Jean for the tip! MORE: Opel Corsa coverage

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