AD01 • Opel Astra (J) OPC '12

The fourth generation of Opel Astra rose as its prédécesseuses the department Opel Performance Center to undergo a course of vitamin welcome. That now is the rival of the Megane RS, Golf R and Audi S3 others? Did she luggage needed to provide true feelings to his driver?

Technical sheet

Model	Opel Astra OPC
Engine	2.0 4-cylinder turbo 280 horsepower
Dimensions	4.45 x 1.84 x 1.48 meters
Mass	1 475 kg
Marketing	2012 - 2015
average coast	22 000 €
0 to 100 km / h	6"0
max	250 km/h
Consumption	8.1 l / 100 km
Date and place	November 11, 2015, Mayenne

A little history . In the early 2000s, car manufacturers are looking to expand their range and reach a wider audience. They develop alternately sports departments and offer more robust versions of their flagship models. Opel is the name Opel Performance Center was chosen in 1997. The second generation Astra 1998 inherits from the 1999 version of this OPC providing 160 and 200 horsepower. The improvements are not just mechanical and are also displayed on the outside with new wheels, redesigned mirrors, a spoiler, bigger brakes and the famous Blue Bermuda, adulated by fans of these productions. Gradually, sports versions OPC earn all of the Opel range, the Meriva Zafira, passing by the Corsa, Vectra and even the Insignia. In 2009, the fourth generation Astra was born, but it was not until 2012 that the 3-door GTC OPC happens ... And its release!

At least 5000 . After more than three years without Astra OPC the catalog, the enthusiasts beautiful bluewaiting firm foot the new version. At first, the changes made ​​since the previous generation Astra (H) are many! J (2012 vintage) shows a softer, sportier line. The OPC claw is identified quickly enough. We first note, the front bumper and two scoops perforated anodized gray. Opel big put on this model it plans to sell more than 5,000 copies in the first year. With competition increasingly fierce, it had to be louder, faster than the Audi S3, more toned than the Megane RS and more fun than the Scirocco R. Let's face it, the bet is daring. Let us now as the brand came out. The front is quite successful, even if Olympic White opaque is not necessarily the color that puts more value in our Astra OPC.

Racy . Three quarters before revealing much wider fenders that welcomes wheels 19 or 20 inches. Effective and tailored line that gives both a sense of elegance and sportiness. While there are still ten years, OPC models are mainly recognized by their accumulation reported aesthetic elements, there is this time a beautiful harmony and a line drawn very carefully. Faced with competition, there was little choice and the sports department of Opel would surely not resort to extensions clipped wings as the Megane RS. All draws the eye and shows that home designers have worked relatively well. The cabin receives an elegant interior with bucket surpiqés and many electronic accessories to connect a smartphone. A rigorous and well assembled together but with enough seats to accommodate petite adults.

Effective . The profile is damn seasoned. The big wheels contribute greatly to this impression as well marked the checkout line with effusion and a receding roof, like the Megane RS. The roof spoiler also clearly shows the intentions of our Opel Astra GTC. Time for action. Under the hood of this tension, there is a 4-cylinder 2.0 liter engine, supercharged by a turbo with a total output of 280 horsepower. The transition to direct injection is not trivial. 280 horsepower ... And to think that just over ten years ago, the Astra OPC had only 160 ... Inevitably, the performance is on the rise, up sharply. The torque of 400 Nm provides continuous acceleration from 2450 rev / m, almost sticking to the seat. One thing is certain: the first impression is that our national Mégane behind. Opel has to compensate the even stricter pollution standards than before ... but without sacrificing pleasure, except the manual six reports to the staging perfectible. A silencer was removed to provide a more present sound up to 75 decibels!

Almost without fail . However, if the motor is consistent, Renault Sport retains much ahead of the effectiveness of its chassis. The Astra OPC in 2012 made ​​a great leap forward, with tests who put strain. The behavior has been refined as wisely as possible by adopting a limited slip differential, a damper regulation, a front even sharper and even a hydraulic steering assistance. Three driving modes are offered depending on the type of course and the desired reactivity, like ESP. The OPC mode, most virile, strongly tightens the suspension and makes the behavior more clearly jigger but also more gratifying, especially once the ESP turned off. The front axle is still lacking, however, responding while braking can still be improved, the fault to a weight of about 1.5 tons, which flange a little fun. The behavior is enough player but lower than that of Mégane RS, which is still damage. Pending a sharper version for the Megane RS Trophy compete-R, the Astra OPC, however, remains a very good choice.

Positive balance . Series floor in 19-inch and optional 20-inch, the Opel Astra GTC makes its tires pay dearly, between 200 and 250 € gum ... Braking is provided by Brembo four discs, vented with 4-piston front and solid rear discs with single piston. An enduring braking but still lacks teeth once beautiful launched to look beautiful. The balance sheet is still relatively positive, our Astra shows a real leap forward, both in terms of performance at the level of the frame, which although improved, will suit the majority of users on track as in daily use. A fun sport that once the OPC mode, illuminates red in the passenger counters, strapping the gear lever and even doorknobs, we joke no more!

Dear Astra . At the rear, the design is also oriented sport with ventilated fin in the middle and diffuser encircling a dual exhaust. New sold out option from € 33,900, the Opel Astra OPC, about € 1,500 more than a Megane RS € 2,000 but less than the Volkswagen Scirocco R. Failing perfect, it offers and an interesting compromise for daily and occasional track use. The weight of 1 475 kg proves however handicapping and it will be difficult to win again kilos except by removing the rear seats, insulation and by removing some "gadgets". In 2015, the production of the fourth generation Astra has stopped, also condomnant the OPC version, which should be continued on the next, the K .

19 or 20 . A sporty and pleasing to the eye, the Astra has it all even if the Olympic White is not the official color of the OPC, it remains the Blue Bermuda . To limit the cost of tires the 19-inch wheels are preferred.The interview remains at a reasonable price while consumption stood at around 8 liters in the combined cycle.When pushed to its limits, it climbs to around 15 liters, which is still quite good for the category.

Colors . The second hand market is relatively well supplied with Astra OPC. Because even if the production lasted only three short years, the fair has attracted many buyers. Inevitably, it is the white that was the most sold and which is found in most listings. The Blue Bermuda rarer was often chosen by OPC models purists while more original colors, such as yellow had a very confidential draft. As often with this class of car, it is a purchase blow of heart that may on occasion combine the look right when the need arises.

Should I buy an Opel Astra OPC?

If you are seduced (e) by the Astra OPC, the supply on the market is sufficiently supplied to find a copy of your choice at the right price. Expect to € 20,000 for a model in good condition and in a standard configuration and 22 to € 28,000 if the options are many and the color combination is interesting. Although it is not for now, the few copies Blue Bermuda or yellow could well become collector. We'll talk in the next twenty years!