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• ‘Best Small Car’¹: Most powerful Corsa to date reaffirms the Corsa’s status as leading small car
• Motorsport DNA: 207 kW (281 hp), 345 Nm of torque, and acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.5 seconds – faster than any other current production Opel
• Serial success: To date, 23 ‘automotive Oscars’ for the Rüsselsheim-based manufacturer

Combined values for Opel Corsa GSE according to WLTP²: Energy consumption 16.0-17.0 kWh/100 km, CO₂ emissions 0 g/km; CO₂ label: A
Combined values for Opel Mokka GSE according to WLTP²: energy consumption 18.5 kWh/100 km, CO₂ emissions 0 g/km; CO₂ label: A

At Opel, GSE stands for ‘Grand Sport Electric’ – or, to put it another way: for goosebumps, speed and emotions. The new Opel Corsa GSE is a further testament to this. The most powerful version to date of this small car bestseller has outpaced its rivals and won the ‘Golden Steering Wheel 2026’ award in the ‘Best Small Car’¹ category. By winning this prestigious award at the 50^th ‘Golden Steering Wheel’ ceremony, the Corsa GSE impressively underlines that it is taking Opel’s hot hatch tradition into an electrifying future, while also being a versatile everyday sports car for everyone. The Corsa GSE, which is already available to order, impressed the ‘Golden Steering Wheel’ expert jury just as much as it recently sparked enthusiasm among media representatives and the public at its trade fair appearances in Paris and Zurich.

“Our new GSE models represent the high-performance variants within Opel’s extensive range. They demonstrate just how exciting and dynamic electric mobility can be, whilst simultaneously appealing to all customers. We would like to thank the readers and the expert jury at AUTO BILD and BILD am SONNTAG for awarding a GSE model the ‘Golden Steering Wheel’ with the Opel Corsa GSE. This is clear proof of how our everyday sports cars impress and inspire,” said Opel CEO Florian Huettl.

“Opel is taking a bold step! The Corsa GSE brings genuine rallying DNA to the road. You can feel it through every bend while it puts a permanent smile on your face. This is how Opel evokes true emotions in an electric car. Our jury is rewarding this bold move with a ‘Golden Steering Wheel’,” said Robin Hornig, editor-in-chief of AUTO BILD.

Last year, the Opel Mokka GSE kicked off the GSE’s string of awards at the ‘Golden Steering Wheel’. It, too, was named ‘Best Small Car’³. At this year’s anniversary event, the new Corsa GSE has now repeated this success impressively. After the readers of AUTO BILD and BILD am SONNTAG voted the hot hatch into the final, the all-electric everyday sports car underwent tough testing and strict evaluation of the ‘Golden Steering Wheel’ jury of experts at the DEKRA Lausitzring. The result: the Corsa GSE scored an impressive total of 4,261 points, securing its victory ahead of strong competition. It particularly outpaced the field in the assessment categories of launch behaviour, acceleration, power delivery and agility, while also impressing in areas such as overview, seating position and practicality.

From 0 to 100 km/h in 5.5 seconds: No current production Opel accelerates faster

Thus, the new Opel Corsa GSE combines the best of both worlds: highly dynamic sportiness with proven practical benefits. With a lowered chassis, Torsen limited-slip differential, 207 kW (281 hp) and 345 Newton metres of torque, the eye-catching high-performance version of Germany’s and the United Kingdom’s most popular small car offers just as much electric power as the Mokka GSE. But the Corsa GSE flexes its muscles a little more. Because it accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.5 seconds – faster than any other current production Opel! Drivers can reach a top speed of up to 180 km/h on a clear German Autobahn. The performance is underlined by an active sports sound developed exclusively for the new Corsa GSE, which accompanies the driving experience depending on acceleration and speed. This makes the performance visible, perceptible and audible to the driver and passengers.

At the same time, the Corsa GSE is not only suitable as a fun-to-drive option, but also serves as an everyday car as well as it makes for a pleasant road trip companion. Like every electric Corsa, the hot hatch offers a load volume of up to 1,042 litres. Standard equipment details such as the heated seats and steering wheel as well as the 180-degree rear-view camera make journeys even more comfortable. And if Corsa GSE drivers want to power external devices this can be supplied from the vehicle battery thanks to the bidirectional onboard charger (V2L)⁴.

Opel and the ‘Golden Steering Wheel’: All 23 winners from Rüsselsheim

The new Opel Corsa GSE is the latest in a proud series of Opel winners of the ‘Golden Steering Wheel’. Out of 90 new models, 27 finalists competed in 9 categories in the anniversary year. After the tests at the Lausitzring, the respective category winners were finally determined. In addition, the ‘Best Used Car’ and the ‘Best Classic Car – Golden Steering Wheel Winner’ were also announced this year.

The award, which is presented by BILD am SONNTAG in cooperation with AUTO BILD, is considered the ‘Oscar’ of the automotive industry. In 50 editions the brand with the Blitz has been recognised 23 times. Since 2020 alone, the trophy has gone to Rüsselsheim six times. Opel celebrated its first success in 1978, two years after the award was founded, with the Senator A taking top honours.

‘Golden Steering Wheel’ Year – Model

1978 – Opel Senator A

1979 – Opel Kadett D

1981 – Opel Ascona C

1982 – Opel Corsa A

1984 – Opel Kadett E

1987 – Opel Senator B

1990 – Opel Calibra

1994 – Opel Omega B

1995 – Opel Vectra B

1999 – Opel Zafira A

2002 – Opel Vectra C

2005 – Opel Zafira B

2009 – Opel Astra J

2010 – Opel Meriva B

2012 – Opel Zafira Tourer

2015 – Opel Astra K

2017 – Opel Ampera-e

2020 – Opel Corsa-e

2021 – Opel Mokka-e

2022 – Opel Astra L

2024 – Opel Grandland

2025 – Opel Mokka GSE

2026 – Opel Corsa GSE

1978 – Opel Senator A: The first ‘Golden Steering Wheel’

In 1978, the brand with the Blitz won its first ‘Golden Steering Wheel’ with the Opel Senator. Presented at the IAA in September 1977, the Senator was the successor of the legendary Kapitän, Admiral and Diplomat models and was Opel’s top-of-the-line model until making its final bow in 1993. The 1978 Senator was available with three different engines – a 2.8-litre with 103 kW (140 hp), a 3.0-litre unit with 110 kW (150 hp) and the top-of-the-range 3.0-litre engine with 132 kW (180 hp).

1979 – Opel Kadett D: The award-winning space wonder

One year later, Opel was back on the top of the rostrum. The 1979 Kadett D was the first ever Opel compact class car with front-wheel drive and delivered the company’s second ‘Golden Steering Wheel’. Thanks to the transverse engines and the lack of a propellor shaft it offered the passengers ample space despite compact dimensions and being 126 mm shorter than its predecessor. In addition to the spacious estate with a load volume of up to 1,425 litres, Opel offered two different fastback versions. In January 1983, the sporty Kadett GTE followed, with a top speed of 187 km/h and equipped with a 1.8-litre four-cylinder engine that developed 85 kW (115 hp).

1981 – Opel Ascona C: Good things come in threes

In 1981, it was the Opel Ascona C’s turn to bring home the goods for the Rüsselsheim-based carmaker. It was the first Opel midsize car with front-wheel drive. The powertrain range for the Ascona C consisted of petrol engines ranging from 1.3 to 1.6 litres and a 1.6-litre diesel.

1982 – Opel Corsa A: Small car, huge impact

Only 12 months later, in 1982, a brand-new Opel model took the ‘Golden Steering Wheel’ awards by storm and became a highly acclaimed top seller – the Corsa A. Opel’s first-ever small car featured close-coupled proportions within a short length of just 3.62 metres. It had bold, flared wheel-arches like a rally car and an exceptionally low drag coefficient of 0.36. The highlight was the 72 kW (98 hp) Corsa GSi. The two-door hatch and notchback line-up was expanded in 1985 with the addition of the popular five-door model.

1984 – Opel Kadett E: Another compact class winner

Five years after winning the ‘Golden Steering Wheel’ with the Kadett D, his direct successor took pole position again. The second front-wheel drive Kadett, built from 1984 to 1991, was an absolute winner and also took the 1985 ‘Car of the Year’ award. Furthermore, the Kadett E is rated as an aerodynamics champion. The sporty GSi, with a Cd of 0.30, stunned the experts and even the normal hatchback sedan achieved a sensational value of 0.32.

1987 – Opel Senator B: Smooth-running winner

The Opel Senator B also managed to repeat the success of its predecessor. Based on the rear-wheel drive Opel Omega, the new flagship mainly came with six-cylinder engines, with the smooth 3.0-litre in-line engine with 115 kW (156 hp) leading the way. You could place a coin on its edge in the engine compartment and the coin wouldn’t fall off when the engine was running. Later, a four-valve version of the six-cylinder engine with a Dual-Ram variable intake system and hearty 150 kW (204 hp) was introduced.

1990 – Opel Calibra: The champion wins

A true champion won the ‘Golden Steering Wheel’ in 1990: A breath-taking coupé with a record-breaking drag coefficient of 0.26! The Calibra was available with powerful engines ranging from 85 kW (115 hp) to 150 kW (204 hp). The Opel Calibra Turbo with all-wheel drive and acceleration from zero to 100 km/h in a mere 6.8 seconds was the icing on the cake. A V6 engine with 125 kW (170 hp) rounded off the offer. In motorsports, a Calibra V6 won the touring car crown by taking the ITC in 1996.

1994 – Opel Omega B: The big car takes gold

The second edition of the Omega left a special impression on the jury. The dynamic design, the extensive amount of space and the new V6 engines with alloy cylinder heads and up to 155 kW (210 hp) impressed the experts. The new airbag systems ensured a high level of safety for all occupants. The estate version boasted sheer endless loading capacity, making it the ideal car for families and artisans alike, whereas the limousine version was rated as a representative business sedan.

1995 – Opel Vectra B: Mirror, mirror, on the door

The Opel Vectra’s most eye-catching features were the aerodynamically shaped door mirrors that formed a harmonic unity with the front of the car – a feature the ‘Golden Steering Wheel’ jury simply could not resist. The Vectra also won because of its new and efficient petrol engines ranging from 1.6 to 2.6 litres featuring outputs between 55 kW (75 hp) and 125 kW (170 hp). Elsewhere, the direct injection diesel engines with displacements ranging from 1.7 to 2.2 litres delivering exemplary consumption celebrated their debut.

1999 – Opel Zafira A: The quick-change artist with seven seats

Who invented it? Opel! Yes, the compact van that can be turned from a complete seven-seater into a transporter with impressive maximum load volume (1,700 litres max.) in a flash without removing a single seat is a Rüsselsheim brainchild. The formula is called Flex7 and it helped the Zafira win the ‘Golden Steering Wheel’ in 1999. Thanks to the ingenious concept, the seats disappear into the vehicle floor when necessary. The flexible space wonder also impresses with compact dimensions and outstanding driving dynamics.

2002 – Opel Vectra C: The master electrician

The third-generation Vectra successfully defended the title won by its predecessor by winning gold yet again. The new midsize car entered the electronic age, connected its systems via a CAN (Controller Area Network) bus instead of via a wiring harness, and came with electrohydraulic power steering. Outputs of the petrol and diesel engines ranged from 74 kW (100 hp) to 206 kW (280 hp) with displacements from 1.6 to 3.2 litres. In 2004, Opel also fitted the Vectra with the IDS Plus active suspension with Continuous Damping Control (CDC), which ensured that the dampers adapt to the prevailing driving situation.

2005 – Opel Zafira B: Completing the golden dozen

The second-generation Zafira continued to set the standards with a further development of the Flex7 seating system and won the ‘Golden Steering Wheel’ again. Furthermore, it was also classed as the fastest van on the planet when the OPC version with 177 kW (240 hp) completed a lap on the Nürburgring Nordschleife in 8:54:38 minutes. The 240 powerful horses under the bonnet and an outstanding performance handling system helped achieve this record-breaking time.

2009 – Opel Astra J: The compact designer piece

In 2009, the Astra J, a true designer piece, followed in the footsteps of the Kadett D space wonder and the Kadett E aerodynamics champion, securing Opel’s third ‘Golden Steering Wheel’ compact class title. The Astra followed Opel’s new design philosophy ‘Sculptural artistry meets German precision’. In additional, the Astra J came with modern assistance systems such as the Opel Eye and the AFL+ headlamp system that can see around corners. The FlexRide adaptive technology helped it adapt to the prevailing driving situation and front-seat occupants were able to enjoy the ride in AGR-certified (Campaign for Healthier Backs) seats.

2010 – Opel Meriva B: So clever, so compact

The Zafira’s little brother struck gold in 2012 with the Meriva B underlining Opel’s van expertise. The jury was convinced by the versatile FlexSpace rear-seating system and the innovative rear-hinged rear door system. The FlexDoors allow easy access to children’s seats in the rear and ensured comfortable entry and egress for tall passengers. The engine portfolio offered ample power while curbing consumption thanks to downsizing and turbo-charging.

2012 – Opel Zafira Tourer: The lounge on wheels

The Zafira was accompanied by a premium partner in the Zafira Tourer and immediately won another ‘Golden Steering Wheel’. In addition to the flexible interior, the newcomer impressed with lounge comfort, panorama glass sunroof and innovations such as radar-based speed control and Forward Collision Alert.

2015 – Opel Astra K: The quantum leap

The Astra K was based on a completely new lightweight vehicle architecture, powered exclusively by ultra-modern engines and enabled outstanding connectivity, e.g. via smartphone integration. The Astra also continued Opel’s tradition of introducing features previously only known from higher segments into the compact segment. All this resulted in the 2015 ‘Golden Steering Wheel’.

2017 – Opel Ampera-e: The electric range champion

The Opel Ampera-e leaves its competition standing with its sports car-like acceleration and the by far longest electric range in its segment. With a single charge of the 60-kWh lithium-ion battery a distance of up to 520 kilometres is measured in accordance with the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC). And the Opel Ampera-e also impresses when tested approximated to the speed profile defined in the WLTP⁵ (Worldwide Harmonized Light-Duty Vehicles Test Procedure) driving cycle (shortened test procedure): Based on this development test, the engineers estimate a combined WLTP⁵ range of 380 kilometres. The Ampera-e accelerates from 0 to 50 km/h in just 3.2 seconds. Furthermore, the 4.16 metre-long Ampera-e also offers plenty of space for up to five passengers plus boot space of 381 litres (1,274 litres when the seats are folded down).

2020 – Opel Corsa-e: Electrified bestseller

With the sixth generation of the Corsa, the best-selling small car has become electric. Thanks to the 50-kWh battery, the Corsa-e can travel up to 353 kilometres on a single charge (according to the WLTP cycle⁵) and is therefore suitable for everyday use. There is space for up to five occupants and the entry-level version already features numerous high-tech assistance systems.

2021 – Opel Mokka-e: Bold, pure, unconventional and locally emissions-free

The Opel Corsa-e is followed by the Opel Mokka-e as ‘Golden Steering Wheel’ winner⁶. With the Opel Vizor brand face on the outside and the fully digital Pure Panel on the inside, the bold and pure SUV impresses immediately. In addition, as a battery-electric Mokka-e, it has a locally emissions-free range of up to 338 kilometres (according to WLTP⁵) without a charging stop.

2022 – Opel Astra L: Design statement with technologies of the future

The Opel Astra has achieved a double-triple in the ‘Golden Steering Wheel 2022’⁷. The Astra generation is the third in succession to receive the prestigious award. At the same time, Opel has won for the third year in a row. The design of the Astra and Astra Sports Tourer is bold and pure, from the Opel Vizor on the outside to the all-digital Pure Panel in the cockpit. Then there are the top technologies that make driving safer and more enjoyable. In addition, the powertrains of the latest-generation Astra are fit for the future. Opel’s bestselling compact car is available in numerous electrified versions – as a plug-in hybrid or hybrid with 48V technology as well as fully battery-electric.

2024 – Opel Grandland: Electrified top SUV with innovative technologies

The following year, the Opel Grandland won the ‘Golden Steering Wheel’⁸ award. The top-of-the-line SUV is electrified in every variant and, thanks to the new architecture, offers a battery capacity of 97 kWh and a locally emissions-free range of up to 691 kilometres (WLTP⁵). In addition, it is the first Opel with 3D Vizor including an illuminated Opel flash at the front and continuously illuminated OPEL lettering at the rear. Safety and comfort features such as the adaptive Intelli-Lux HD light with more than 50,000 LED elements, the practical, translucent pixel box in the centre console and standard Intelli-Seats with a central recess take it to the next level.

2025 – Opel Mokka GSE: Fastest all-electric production Opel

The Opel Mokka GSE was the first ‘Grand Sport Electric’ model to the ‘Golden Steering Wheel’³ circle. With its performance and design, it literally brings rally feeling to the road. The 207 kW (281 hp) GSE series sports car is based on the competition vehicle Opel Mokka GSE Rally used in the ADAC Opel GSE Rally Cup. With an immediate torque of 345 Newton metres, it is just as uncompromising as its motorsport counterpart. The Mokka GSE accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.9 seconds – and with a top speed of 200 km/h, it is the fastest all-electric production Opel so far.

2026 – New Opel Corsa GSE: Electric hot hatch in the finest tradition

Gold for GSE, for the second time: In the anniversary year of the ‘Golden Steering Wheel’, Opel once again takes top honours¹ for a high-performance model. This time, it is for the new Opel Corsa GSE. A hot hatch in every sense of the word: sharply styled in true GSE design and, with 207 kW (281 hp) and 345 Newton metres of torque, just as powerful as last year’s winner Mokka GSE, the Corsa GSE flexes its muscles even more. It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.5 seconds – faster than any other current production Opel. The Corsa GSE is the most powerful version of the best-selling small car to date and combines highly dynamic driving fun with everyday practicality.

^[1] AUTO BILD issue 46/2026 and BILD am SONNTAG issue 46/2026, category ‘Small Cars’.

^[2] The values of a vehicle depend not only on the efficient use of fuel by the vehicle, but are also influenced by driving behaviour and other non-technical factors.

^[3] AUTO BILD issue 47/2025 and BILD am SONNTAG issue 47/2025, category ‘Small Cars’.

^[4] For full V2L functionality, an accessory adapter is required.

^[5] Range values determined according to WLTP test procedure methodology (R (EC) No. 715/2007, R (EU) No. 2017/1151). The actual range can vary under everyday conditions and depends on various factors, in particular on personal driving style, route characteristics, outside temperature, use of heating and air conditioning and thermal preconditioning.

^[6] AUTO BILD edition 45/2021 and BILD am SONNTAG edition 46/2021, category for ‘Best car under €25,000’.

^[7] AUTO BILD edition 45/2022 and BILD am SONNTAG edition 46/2022, category for ‘Best car under €50,000’.

^[8] AUTO BILD edition 46/2024 and BILD am SONNTAG edition 45/2024, category ‘Best car under €50,000’.