The French automaker is also the new owner of the Opel brand internationally after buying it from General Motors in 2017 for more than €2 billion, making it the second largest car manufacturer in Europe after Volkswagen.

After the subsequent merger with Fiat Chrysler, the French and German brands are now part of the global Stellantis group.

The latest generation Opels share their drivetrains and other aspects with modern day Peugeots and Citroëns, which make the arrival of Opels to PCSA dealerships a logical next step."

The other good news is that shortly after the launch of the new Opel Corsa, two more derivatives of the iconic small hatch will follow in months.

"...no immediate changes planned to the existing dealer network, customers can be assured that they will still have access to the same service points as they previously did.

The Opel brand has also enjoyed critical acclaim in South Africa, winning the South African Car of the year title four times since 1991.

“Of course, we are extremely excited to be distributing Opel vehicles,” said Leslie Ramsoomar, Managing Director of Peugeot Citroën South Africa, “the brand has a large following locally, and the future product line up is exciting with four product launches or updates planned for this year.”

PCSA has been clear in its approach to the Opel brand, assuring dealers and customers that the impact on them should be minimal, with no immediate changes planned to the existing dealer network, customers can be assured that they will still have access to the same service points as they previously did. “One of our focus areas for this year is training, with an emphasis on quality and customer service,” assured Ramsoomar, “and we’ll be working with the existing dealer network.”

The new model, the 6^th generation, with a 3-cylinder, 1.2-litre petrol engine, generates 55 kW and will cost R289 900 and will be known as the Corsa Edition. The new model is bigger than its predecessor but weighs in at 108 kg less.

The new Corsa will go head-to-head with the likes of the VW Polo, Ford Fiesta, Toyota Yaris/Starlet, Mazda2, Suzuki Baleno and the Honda Jazz.