Named after the son of the company founder, the new model is compact in size at 3.68m long but still brings room for up to five people along with technologies and features from higher segments.

The model joins the ADAM and Corsa, giving Opel its strongest mini and small car portfolio.

‘Short, crisp and full of character – the name KARL reflects its strengths. Opel’s new entry-level model is a grown-up car and will appeal to heart and intellect,’ explained Opel Group CEO Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann. ‘KARL offers typical Opel virtues starting with the high-tech, quiet one-litre, three-cylinder engine and by no means ending with our award-winning IntelliLink infotainment system. The Opel KARL is the ideal car for price-conscious customers looking to combine everyday suitability with comfort and modern technologies.’

Styling uses Opel sculptured, precise design philosophy, including the signature “blade” on the doors. At the front there’s a distinctive winged chrome bar with the Griffin badge along with bold headlights and taillights at the rear. A total of 10 exterior paint colours will be offered with a variety of 14- to 16-inch wheels.

Only one engine will be offered; a new 75PS 1.0-litre three-cylinder ECOTEC engine developed especially for the model and mated to a five-speed transmission.

Opel also says the Karl’s chassis and steering have been developed to provide exceptional safety and class-leading comfort. It also features the City mode that reduces steering effort at the push of a button as already implemented for the ADAM and Corsa.

The brand also promises numerous safety and comfort features that customers will not expect in this price category. The Karl comes with standard ESP with traction control, ABS with Electronic Brake-force Distribution and the Hill Start Assist, and can also be equipped with the Lane Departure Warning system.

Elsewhere, Park Assist prevents unwanted bumps when parking by issuing an acoustic warning from approaching obstacles when reversing and there’s cruise control with speed limiter and an integrated cornering light function.

Optional comfort features include heated front seats, heated leather steering wheel and sunroof.

The Opel IntelliLink infotainment system will also be available, which allows seamless integration of Apple iOS and Android devices.