Opel Astra OPC Review: Performance and Comfort Unleashed

Review of the Opel Astra OPC

In the UAE and the Middle East, hatchbacks haven't attracted many enthusiasts, as most people prefer sedans. Sales of hatchbacks have not been significant, with the Volkswagen Golf GTi leading the pack, followed by Honda Civic Type-R and SEAT Leon FR.

However, recently, sales of hatchbacks have surged with models like the Renault Clio RS, Ford Focus ST, and VW Scirocco (some argue it’s a coupe, but I view it as a two-door hatchback).

After a decade-long absence, the Astra OPC has returned to make its mark. Is it worth the hype?

Design

I won't waste time debating this: the Opel Astra OPC is a stunning car. While yellow isn't my first choice, it still looks beautiful. It has a more aggressive appearance than the Astra GTC, thanks to the new front bumper and wheel arches. The lines on the sides are striking, with an L-shaped line extending from the rear light around the door handle to the rear arch. The rear brake also adds to its appeal.

The car sits on 19-inch wheels, which I find less appealing. In other markets, 20-inch wheels (the same as those on the Astra OPC we previously tested) enhance the sporty look. While 19 inches are not bad, 20 inches would undoubtedly be better.

Nonetheless, the car is visually appealing and certainly turns heads.

Space and Comfort

Open the door and you might be surprised. The car has two doors but comes with rear seats. The doors open wide, allowing easy access to the rear seats. However, if you park in a tight spot, getting into the front seats can be tricky due to their forward positioning. Thus, the wide-opening doors have their pros and cons, and this is the price of a beautiful design.

The seats are among the best in this category—not only do they look good, but they also keep you secure during sharp turns.

For a two-door hatchback, it offers ample space. Once you navigate the tricky entry, you'll find the interior is roomy. I drove with five people without any complaints. The passengers weren't basketball players, but they were of average height. The only complaint was that the windows are small, making the rear feel a bit cramped. However, the front is comfortable and spacious, with plenty of storage pockets from the center console to the large dashboard, glove compartment, and door pockets.

Technology and Comfort

The materials used are not top-notch but are acceptable. The center console appears a bit cheap, though the overall cabin is satisfactory. You’ll find many buttons scattered across the console—most of which are not user-friendly.

The surfaces are covered in leather or soft-touch materials, but they can't compare to the quality found in Volkswagen vehicles, as the Germans are always leaders in cabin quality.

A downside is the technology. Hatchbacks typically target the youth market, and today’s young people love technology. Opel falls short here. There are no touchscreen displays; you get a mere 3-inch screen, which feels outdated. It has rear sensors, speed limiters, and cruise control—that’s about it. For a car priced at 116,000 dirhams, like the Golf GTi, this is unacceptable.

Driving Performance

Engine Noise

Turn the key (what?! No push start?!) and the 2-liter engine roars to life. Initially loud, it quiets down.

The sporty seats are comfortable and the steering wheel is adjustable—albeit manually. The driving experience is good, and the car feels light over bumps. The engine presence is noticeable in the cabin, making it occasionally noisy. Wind noise is minimal thanks to the body design, but the engine noise can be enough to make the cabin feel intrusive.

Braking

The Brembo brakes are excellent. The car weighs around 1.5 tons, yet the brakes work wonderfully to bring it to a halt. The downhill stretch we usually test cars on puts them through their paces, but the Astra held strong throughout, instilling confidence.

Fuel Consumption

In the city, the car is quiet and easy to maneuver. Although the small windows limit visibility, the large mirrors help. Fuel economy isn’t a major concern in these regions, but it features a tech that shuts off the engine when not needed. Typically, you’d expect to see less than 10L/100km—even lower at times—but you'll want to accelerate once you feel the engine’s power.

Transmission

While the Astra OPC screen feels outdated and unrefined, the 6-speed manual transmission is a step in the right direction. I know many of you may dislike this and opt for a double-clutch automatic at the nearest Volkswagen dealership, but truthfully, driving is more enjoyable when you control the gears and manage the car's power as you wish. The clutch is light, making gear shifts easy.

Power and Acceleration

The engine is the car’s standout feature. The 2-liter turbo is mid-sized for this segment, but its power will surprise you. It delivers 280 horsepower and 400 Nm of torque, making it a formidable competitor. The turbo does lag below 2,000 rpm but kicks in strongly around 2,500 rpm. The car accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in about 6 seconds. You might not feel the speed, but the clock will confirm it. The car accelerates vigorously, reaching speeds that could attract speeding tickets. However, beyond 3,500 rpm, the engine noise becomes unpleasant, reminiscent of a factory—definitely not a sweet sound. It’s like the car is struggling on the road.

But...

After you speed up, you’ll notice both pros and cons. Once you get used to the drawbacks mentioned, you’ll become addicted to the torque. On twisting mountain roads, you’ll find that in 2nd or 3rd gear, the car keeps pushing forward. This means you can make mistakes without issues. However, the gear change itself isn’t the best. The clutch is quite long, as is the gear change itself, which means you can’t shift quickly. Additionally, shifting from 5th to 6th sometimes requires a strong push to find the right gap. More than once, I accidentally shifted to 3rd instead of 5th. You can feel the steering. But at the same time, what do you expect from a 280-horsepower front-wheel-drive car?!

Suspension

The Astra features a sport button and an OPC button. Pressing either will make a noticeable difference, especially in suspension firmness. I preferred the Sport setting, which enhanced control without compromising suspension comfort. The OPC mode lights up red around the speedometer and firms up the suspension, but it makes you feel every bump. The OPC is best suited for smooth tracks, not regular streets.

Handling

The best feature is the limited-slip differential between the front wheels. Regardless of weight, you can maneuver the car easily. The differential works effectively, allowing for turns you wouldn’t expect. You’ll start to wonder how the tires endure such driving! The electronic differential found in Volkswagen vehicles works well, but the one in the Opel Astra OPC is significantly better. The driving experience was exhilarating on winding roads and enjoyable on wide-open stretches.

Conclusion

So, what’s the verdict? The Astra OPC lacks entertainment features, and aside from the excellent seats, the cabin isn’t of high quality. It has a sleek design, and we can say it’s the more affordable model compared to the VW Scirocco, but with competitors like the Ford Focus ST and a price difference of 20,000 dirhams, the pricing seems odd.

However, if you're looking for a beautiful, fast, and enjoyable hatchback, you should take a look at it. But try convincing the dealer to give you the 20-inch wheels to complete its stunning exterior look.