Opel is bringing out the heavy artillery for Geneva as it presents the Corsa OPC, Russelsheim's rival for the likes of the Ford Fiesta ST, Peugeot 208 GTi and Clio Renaultsport.
Exterior
Adopting the looks of the latest generation Corsa - itself inspired by the Opel Adam - the new OPC model has a unique front end design with large air intakes either side of the front bumper and a scoop (scoop may be overplaying it - opening would be better) at the bonnet's leading edge to feed air to the turbocharged engine behind (more on that later).The headlights are bi-Xenon units and a Remus exhaust system out back with twin pipes that peer out from below the OPC's rear diffuser is also standard. Lording over it all is an oversized rear spoiler.
Interior
As with the Astra and Insignia OPC, the hot Corsa gets figure hugging Recaro seats and a leather clad, flat bottomed steering wheel. Also included in the package - aside from OPC goodies like sports pedals, gear lever and instruments - are a heated windscreen and IntelliLink connectivity for Apple and Android smartphones.
Mechanicals
Ah, the fun stuff! In this category, 200hp is the minimum (the Fiesta ST makes 200hp on overboost so it's in, ok?) so the Corsa OPC rolls into the fight with 207hp from its turbocharged 1.6-litre petrol engine. This power figure is backed up by a healthy 245Nm of torque that is available from 1,900rpm - a drop of 350rpm compared to the last fast Corsa for better low-down response. The torque also lasts longer, staying on strong until 5,800rpm - as opposed to 5,500rpm. Opel has even included an overboost function that dumps an extra 35Nm into the mix when required. All told the Corsa OPC will dispatch the 0-100km/h sprint in 6.9 seconds and keeps going until it runs out of puff at 230km/h.
The previous Corsa OPC was fast too, but it just fell apart at the corners, which is why Opel called on suspension specialist Koni this time around. Together the two companies developed Frequency Selective Damping (FSD), which keeps body control in check when pushing on but is also said to offer better ride quality at lower speeds. Revisions have also been made to the steering system to deliver a more feelsome yet precise system and the ride height has been dropped by 10mm all round.
Opel must feel confident with its changes as it has enabled something called 'Competition Mode' in the OPC's electronic safety systems. Enable this setting and the traction control is turned off and the electronic stability package (ESP) is reined in, intervening less often. For track use it can be fully disabled. Though if you are heading for the track you may want to consider the optional Performance Package that adds 330mm Brembo front brakes, 18-inch alloy wheels, a more focused FSD damper setting and a Drexler limited-slip differential.
Anything else?
"Our OPC models are the dynamic spearheads of our car ranges. They reflect Opel's sporting heritage, epitomise quality German engineering, emotional design and distinctive driving dynamics. It also demonstrates how high the bar has been set in this segment." commented Dave Sheeran, Managing Director, Opel Ireland.
The Corsa OPC will be unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in March.
Further reading
Ford Fiesta ST review - on Irish roads