Karl, currently the youngest member of the OpelPortfolio is also the smallest. The tiny one, which has been available since mid-June, only measures 3,68 meters from bumper to bumper, but it still wants to be a whole guy - sorry - Karl. We checked that out.
In a nutshell, without much fuss and tam-tam: Karl has written simplicity on his body flanks and wants to position himself as a cheap alternative to the chic Adam and the larger Corsa. You won't find any decorative stickers, two-tone paintwork, colorful shells for the exterior mirrors or chic, customizable rim designs. After all, the Karl customer can choose from eight different metallic paints (surcharge: 460 Euro) if he is bored with the free white or uni red (160 Euro), and with a little color he is the typical Opel brand face would like to emphasize brisk side line and the quite handsome rear.
There is also simplicity in the interior. A few chrome flashes here and a little piano lacquer there; that must be enough to lighten the black interior with a high proportion of hard plastic. The instrument displays as well as the steering wheel and control lever are known from other Opel models. But why the dashboard was painted so glossy black that it is extremely reflected in the windshield when the sun is shining and always looks a bit greasy remains a secret of the creative minds. Maybe there was just no acceptance test in good weather.
The test vehicle started in the highest comfort level "Exclusive". This increases the price of 9.500 Euro for the standard version with a lean base version to at least 12.900 Euro. In addition to electrically adjustable window regulators, exterior mirrors, central locking with radio remote control, height-adjustable driver's seat, leather steering wheel, rear seat divided in 40: 60 ratio, cruise control system and fog lights, automatic climate control, radio including hands-free system and a lane departure warning system are also included in the scope of delivery. The Karl is therefore attractively priced in the competitive environment and leaves an adult impression. Especially since he always comes up with five doors.
Speaking of adults: the space is also fine for this target group. The front seats provide good support and made a good impression on longer tours. It's a shame that the steering wheel can only be adjusted in height and not in depth. With a little consideration for the people in front, it sits comfortably in the back. However, a maximum of two passengers should want to stay in the rear, three only fit if they are in XXXXS format.
The luggage part (195 to 1.013 liters) has to be cut back. Here you can see that a pointed pen was used. Trunk cover and trim are very simple. You can't fold down the back seat loan either. If you want to put them on, you must first pull up the seat cushions and stand them upright. The Karl, on the other hand, can score with a closed glove box. In addition, the front passenger window can also be operated electrically from the driver's side. Not every car in this class can do that.
The choice of drive is very simple: there is currently only one motor. This is a modification of the well-known 1,0 liter three-cylinder from the Opel range. In the Karl it delivers 55 kW / 75 PS and comes with the typical three-pot whirring and unfortunately without turbo support. 96 Nm maximum torque are only present at 4.500 revolutions. That means, if you want to be halfway afloat, you have to use the five forward gears of the transmission eagerly, otherwise the engine quickly runs out of air on gradients.
The little five-door hatchback does not win acceleration competitions. The standard sprint succeeds in patient 15,5 seconds - on flat routes. So Karl is not good for a sporty buddy. With a theoretical maximum speed of 170 km / h you get along on the highway. His overtaking prestige can, however, be improved. If you show up in the rearview mirror of a vehicle in front, you will not really be perceived as overtaking if you are registered at all. And on the next slope there is no longer such ambition. By the way, our Karl consumed an average of 5,8 liters, so we surpassed the standard consumption by 1,3 liters.
Karl also doesn’t exclude other customization options. Our test car had an electric glass sunroof (850 Euro) and parking sensors (250 Euro). Around 14.000 euros for a small car are no longer unusual today. In this respect too, Karl is a complete guy without compromises.
Author: Elfriede Munsch / SP-X