OPEL ASTRA 1.6T SPORT OPC LINE / Managing expectations
Opel Performance Centre, or OPC, was established for the development of Opel’s performance derivatives. This is similar to AMG, TRD or BMW’s M division. Therefore, when Opel releases a car with the OPC moniker, our performance expectations naturally runs quite high. However, does the Opel Astra OPC-Line live up to the expectations?
It does not scream much of a changeup from the standard Astra, although closer inspection will reveal new OPCLine-specific bumpers, some tastefully placed chrome bits around the car and 18” alloy wheels. As a result, it looks quite attractive, but it does lack some of that sports car character.
WHAT OF THE INTERIOR?
The interior has a premium feel, with a characteristic German air of quality. From the comfortable leather seats to the piano black trim (excellent at collecting dust and fingerprints), aluminium sports pedals, sporty heated steering wheel and an 8” touchscreen infotainment system, the cabin is a delightful place to be.
The car comes equipped with a number of standard features including heated seats, Apple Car Play and Android Auto, dual-zone climate control, blind-spot monitoring, rain-sensing wipers, traction control, six airbags, ABS and stability control which is not only great for day-today living, but also helps with resale value.
Practicality is not an issue since there is ample leg and headroom for both front and rear passengers with competitive storage in the segment at 370 litres. The latter is also expandable by folding the rear seats for that much needed extra litres of storage space.
IS IT A GTI SLAYER?
No. And this is where I have a bone to pick. Back in the day, if a car wore a performance badge it meant something. Now we have AMG and M badges on cars featuring just about any engine and while this more often than not designates the level of trimmings. Opel is equally guilty.
The engine is pretty much the same 1.6-litre turbocharged unit you get from an Astra 1.6T Sport churning out 147 kW and 280 Nm. It is, by its own right, a pretty capable engine that will get you to 100 km/h in a claimed 7.8 seconds while going about the daily business with a measure of gusto. But bearing the OPC name you would have expected a bit more in the fireworks department.
It is not all gloom, though. For what the Astra lacks in outright speed and power, it more than makes up for when faced with the corners. The suspension strikes a golden balance between firm and suppleness meaning that around the bends you do not have to deal with atrocious body roll, while your spine won’t shatter over bumpy surfaces.
The reasonably light steering also returns reassuring feedback that constantly projects what the front wheels are doing. If only it had OPC-like power, it would definitely make for an even more exciting drive.
LAST WORD
The Astra Sport OPC-line is in all fairness a very pleasant car to live with. It rides beautifully and comes standard with a plethora of features that make daily driving easier and safer. However, the let-down comes from the obvious lack of power despite the OPC treatment that merely improved it cosmetically.
It is somewhat of a tough car to recommend since there are excellent second-hand deals for cars offering more of everything at pretty much the same price.