The performance hatchback segment has never been more fiercely contested or tightly packed. Hot hatches from Ford, Suzuki and Renault, as well as Volkswagen are all aiming to be at the top.
But now Opel has rolled out a firecracker of a competitor, with enough steak to match the sizzle that its sexy styling promises - the Astra OPC.
OPC stands for Opel Performance Centre and it does the same job as RS does for Renault and R for Volkswagen, adding lustre and zest to mainstream models.
Interestingly, the first OPC car launched in 1999 was also an Astra and it sold out all 3,000 limited edition units in the world within four months. Then in 2005, the Astra OPC was reintroduced with an updated powertrain and styling features.
Zooming onto our shores this year is the third generation of the Astra OPC, which is essentially based on the Astra GTC, but ups the ante with added visual muscle as well as more firepower under the bonnet.
Exterior
Based on the identical and curvy Astra GTC, the OPC looks set to turn heads. A distinctive feature of the Astra OPC would be its colour - signature Arden Blue which our test car was draped in.
But now Opel has rolled out a firecracker of a competitor, with enough steak to match the sizzle that its sexy styling promises - the Astra OPC.
OPC stands for Opel Performance Centre and it does the same job as RS does for Renault and R for Volkswagen, adding lustre and zest to mainstream models.
Interestingly, the first OPC car launched in 1999 was also an Astra and it sold out all 3,000 limited edition units in the world within four months. Then in 2005, the Astra OPC was reintroduced with an updated powertrain and styling features.
Zooming onto our shores this year is the third generation of the Astra OPC, which is essentially based on the Astra GTC, but ups the ante with added visual muscle as well as more firepower under the bonnet.
Exterior
Based on the identical and curvy Astra GTC, the OPC looks set to turn heads. A distinctive feature of the Astra OPC would be its colour - signature Arden Blue which our test car was draped in.
Other unique features of the Astra OPC include a more aggressive front bumper and slightly redesigned LED daytime running lights with HID headlights as well as bigger 19-inch alloys that come as standard.
The tail end of the car is also entirely GTC, apart from an expressive rear spoiler as well as a redesigned rear bumper and diffuser that house trapezoidal twin exhausts.
There is also an optional OPC Appearance Pack on our test car which comprises of 20-inch rims, a biplane rear spoiler on top of the existing one and muscular side skirts - all of which further emphasise an already striking appearance.
Interior
If you have seen the interior of the Astra OPC's tamer sibling, the GTC, you realise that there are similarities between the two.
The cabin is equally dressed in an all black fashion with chrome trim highlights on the door handles. However, red ambient lighting spices things up in the Astra OPC.
Unfortunately, we took some time to figure out the controls on the centre console as they seemed more of a challenge than a welcoming invitation to the interior.
A redesigned flat-bottomed leather steering wheel feels good to the touch and provides a firm grip while a blue OPC badge further distinguishes the car - all of which add a sporty note to the interior.
If you have seen the interior of the Astra OPC's tamer sibling, the GTC, you realise that there are similarities between the two.
The cabin is equally dressed in an all black fashion with chrome trim highlights on the door handles. However, red ambient lighting spices things up in the Astra OPC.
Unfortunately, we took some time to figure out the controls on the centre console as they seemed more of a challenge than a welcoming invitation to the interior.
A redesigned flat-bottomed leather steering wheel feels good to the touch and provides a firm grip while a blue OPC badge further distinguishes the car - all of which add a sporty note to the interior.
Comfort is also not compromised even though the car comes with racing-style sports seats which are usually hard.
Intricate coupe curves on the outside somehow fail to affect cabin space, with adequate leg and headroom available for rear passengers.
Luggage compartment and storage areas are also generous, with a boot capacity of 1,165 litres when all seats are folded down.
Intricate coupe curves on the outside somehow fail to affect cabin space, with adequate leg and headroom available for rear passengers.
Luggage compartment and storage areas are also generous, with a boot capacity of 1,165 litres when all seats are folded down.
The Drive
Start up the Astra OPC and a low, fearsome growl ensues, reminding you again that this is not the regular GTC.
Dispatching 280 horses and 400Nm of torque, the 2.0-litre turbocharged powerplant allows the Astra OPC to do the century sprint in six seconds, although it felt much quicker in real time.
There is plenty of torque on tap but the real action starts after 3,500rpm. Once past that, it feels like the car is about to take off, credit going to the jet-like sounding whoosh of the turbocharger kicking in.
Push the hot hatch pedal to the metal and an immediate state of alertness to the surrounding lenses by the side of the road starts to set in.
The Astra OPC also comes with a new FlexRide chassis system where there are three different modes for the driver to choose from, with each offering a unique and specific experience.
The Standard mode delivers adequate performance while preserving comfort for daily drive situations. On the other hand, Sport mode supposedly stiffens the suspension, tweaks the throttle response and makes the steering more direct, although we couldn't quite feel the difference.
Start up the Astra OPC and a low, fearsome growl ensues, reminding you again that this is not the regular GTC.
Dispatching 280 horses and 400Nm of torque, the 2.0-litre turbocharged powerplant allows the Astra OPC to do the century sprint in six seconds, although it felt much quicker in real time.
There is plenty of torque on tap but the real action starts after 3,500rpm. Once past that, it feels like the car is about to take off, credit going to the jet-like sounding whoosh of the turbocharger kicking in.
Push the hot hatch pedal to the metal and an immediate state of alertness to the surrounding lenses by the side of the road starts to set in.
The Astra OPC also comes with a new FlexRide chassis system where there are three different modes for the driver to choose from, with each offering a unique and specific experience.
The Standard mode delivers adequate performance while preserving comfort for daily drive situations. On the other hand, Sport mode supposedly stiffens the suspension, tweaks the throttle response and makes the steering more direct, although we couldn't quite feel the difference.
And then there is the OPC mode.
Steering becomes even weightier in comparison to the Sport mode, although a little lacking in feedback. The throttle is also much more responsive and the suspension is tightened up a notch.
Doing the twisties in OPC mode is a joy to behold, as the car sits flat through higher speed turns. It carves corners so easily and confidently even when you throw the car around with reckless abandon.
Conclusion
The Opel Astra OPC is a well rounded hot hatch offering plenty of 'go' and a ride quality that should make it very easy to live with as an everyday drive.
Throw in a great design with some comfort, and it is clear that the Astra OPC has finally broken into the top performance hatch ranks.
Steering becomes even weightier in comparison to the Sport mode, although a little lacking in feedback. The throttle is also much more responsive and the suspension is tightened up a notch.
Doing the twisties in OPC mode is a joy to behold, as the car sits flat through higher speed turns. It carves corners so easily and confidently even when you throw the car around with reckless abandon.
Conclusion
The Opel Astra OPC is a well rounded hot hatch offering plenty of 'go' and a ride quality that should make it very easy to live with as an everyday drive.
Throw in a great design with some comfort, and it is clear that the Astra OPC has finally broken into the top performance hatch ranks.
