The second Opel model to receive the iconic GSI moniker after the Insignia with the current Astra expected to follow suit, the three-door only Corsa GSI features exterior touches taken from the since dropped OPC, in the form of the bonnet scoop, bootlid spoiler and body kit, with further changes consisting of optional 18-inch alloy wheels and Recaro sport seats, a OPC tuned chassis and red brake calipers, aluminium pedals and a leather-wrapped sport steering wheel and gear knob.

Unknown until now, Opel has confirmed previous speculation that the GSI will come powered by the same 1.4-litre turbocharged engine doing duty in the locally marketed Corsa Sport and Corsa S in Germany, with outputs unchanged at 110kW/220Nm. A six-speed manual is the sole transmission offered with top speed being a claimed 209 km/h and the 0-100 km/h sprint takes a claimed 8.9 seconds.

At present, it remains to be seen whether Opel distributor Williams Hunt will give the GSI the green light for South Africa, but it’s likely overlapping with the Corsa Sport will see it restricted to Europe and the United Kingdom where it will be sold as the Vauxhall Corsa GSI.