There may be a regular flurry of ads featuring bright young things enjoying the freedom offered by a new small city car, but the dream doesn’t captivate Irish buyers, young or old. Perhaps it’s because Irish drivers want cars that can do more than city cars, whether it’s taking them home for the weekend or facilitating longer regular journeys.
Or it may be as simple as the fact that even a very small new car is still an expensive proposition. Whatever the reason, very small cars only accounted for 2.9 per cent of sales last year and so far this year that figure has only risen to 3 per cent. If younger people are buying a first car, then it is likely to be a second-hand Volkswagen Polo rather than a new VW Up, it seems.
It is interesting to note that Opel's new small car – the Karl – is marketed in as many countries as possible with a price tag of €10,000, or under. Here, the entry level price is €5 short of €12,000. That is cheaper than a similar Toyota Aygo and just below the price of a VW Up, but it is not going to encourage a raft of new car buyers out there. It could be argued that the Karl represents a chance for Opel to reposition itself strongly in the Irish market, but that is not going to happen at that price.
With a better price, the Karl would have been a very strong competitor. It may have a three-cylinder engine but the Karl’s quieter and more responsive than those of other companies. It also has the advantage of very keen and clever styling that allows the two doors to be full-sized and the rear has three seats that are quite comfortable indeed. It does not feel like a tiny car – with a length of 3.68 metres – but the boot is reasonable rather than ample.
Nicely sculpted finish
The design is impressive, with plenty of flowing lines with a nicely sculpted finish. The full-size doors do make a difference and give the car a definite edge over competitors. It also looks solid and well built. That feeling is reinforced when you drive it.
It also feels more spacious than its competitors and the height-adjustable driver’s seat and steering wheel make a difference. The rest of the dashboard layout is practical and typically German in functionality and ease of use.
There is only one choice of engine – a 1.0 litre aluminium Ecotec engine that already features in the Opel Corsa and produces 75hp. That output is delivered smoothly around town but more demanding driving will require either a relaxed approach, or a flat-out attempt to reach the engine’s limit at 6,500 rpm.
That, however, is to be expected from an engine that is designed for one purpose and not a multiplicity. The suspension does a good job and the ride and handling are generally positive, but the Karl does have limits beyond the city limits and these are evident quite quickly when the car is moved out of its comfort zone.
Standard equipment includes anti-lock brakes; electronic stability programme; traction control and a hill start system. There are also six airbags and daytime running lights. You will, however, have to move up a grade to get city mode steering; cruise control or electric windows. Even so, the equipment levels are very good for a car this size and the Karl represents a good package in this particular segment of the market.
Missed opportunity
The entry-level version, the S, costs €11,995. Better-equipped SC and SE versions cost €13,695 and €14,695 respectively. A new infotainment system which includes Apple CarPlay and Android phone integration and that allows contact with an emergency service centre will be available from next January as an extra. It is likely to cost about €500. In the meantime, there is a small screen that controls functions.
On either its 14-inch or 16-inch wheels the Karl has a certain presence and its styling offers more than others in the class in terms of profile. It is also a spacious offering that does not feel as claustrophobic as some of its competitors. However, it does seem something of a missed opportunity not to bring the car in at a more competitive price, especially given the relative stagnation of this segment of the market.
Lowdown: Opel Karl
Engines: only one – a 75 bhp 1-litre petrol unit
Economy: claimed 4.3 litres/100 km
0-100 km/h: 13.1 seconds
Emissions (road tax): 104g/KM (€190 per annum)
Arriving: in August
Prices: start at €11,995