The third generation of the Corsa was unveiled in 1999 as a 2000 model and it was the smallest car offered by the German car-maker on the European market.
It was available in three or five-door configurations.

The small-segment hatchback market in Europe was highly contested in the 2000s by most of the car-makers, from Italy, Japan, France, and Germany. It was a highly competitive segment and important due to its high volume. The Corsa itself was sold in more than 500.000 units a year and that made it an important player in the segment.

The new “edge” design trend affected the little 3-door Corsa and the designers installed bigger headlights with an angle toward the grille. The small doors provided access for both front and rear seats. Right behind the rear doors, a small, and narrow, a vertical side window was included in the C-pillar. That was a Corsa-specific feature in the small-segment. To protect the taillights from scratches and parking bumps, they were installed on the C-pillars.

Inside, the car featured good amenities for its segment, even though the base model didn’t feature power-windows or air-conditioning. Moving up to the trim level and options list, the Corsa was fitted with a good sound system with CD-player, on-board computer, and four power-windows.

The Corsa was available with a wide choice of engines ranged between 1.0-liter and 1.7 liters, both gasoline, and two turbodiesels. The standard transmission for the entire range was with a 5-speed manual. There was an option for a 4-speed automatic or a 5-speed automated (Easytronic). The top of the range engine, 1.8-liter gasoline, was available only for the 3-door version.