Opel Astra OPC Review: A Stylish Hot Hatch with Impressive Performance

The UAE and Middle East region have traditionally preferred compact sedans over hatchbacks, with hot-hatch sales rarely exceeding double digits. For a long time, the VW Golf GTi was the only hot-hatch available, occasionally rivaled by Honda's Civic Type R and VW's own cousin, the Seat Leon FR.

Recently, however, the market for hot hatches has been growing steadily, with notable entries such as Renaultsport's Clio RS, Ford's Focus ST, and the stylish VW Scirocco, which is often referred to as a coupe but is, in fact, a two-door hatch.

Now, with Opel's return to the local market after a decade, the Astra OPC is poised to compete with established segment leaders. But does it have what it takes?

Style

The Opel Astra OPC is undeniably a good-looking car. While the canary yellow of our test vehicle may not be my personal choice, the overall proportions are impressive. It boasts a more aggressive appearance compared to the standard Astra GTC, thanks to new bumpers with larger air intakes and flared arches, particularly at the rear.

The character lines along the sides of the car add a nice touch, creating a wide ‘L’ shape just above the new side skirts, while another line curves from the tail light around the door handle back towards the rear wheel arch. The neat rear spoiler is a subtle yet fitting addition to this well-proportioned hatch.

Although the car sits lower on its 19-inch wheels, I was disappointed that globally, the Astra is offered with 20-inch wheels, which really enhance the sporty look by filling the flared arches. Nevertheless, the 19s are still appealing, and the Astra's stance certainly attracts attention on the road.

Interior Space and Comfort

Upon opening the door, you encounter a unique dilemma. The Astra features two long doors that provide ample space to enter the rear seats. While the wide doors are beneficial, they can be cumbersome in tight parking situations.

Inside, you’ll find some of the best sports seats in this segment, offering both comfort and support during hard cornering.

Despite being a two-door hatchback, the Astra is surprisingly accommodating. Entering the rear seats isn't the most appealing task, but once seated, there's sufficient room for short trips with up to five passengers. The only downside is that the shallow rear windows can make the cabin feel claustrophobic, especially with the high-back sports seats in front. However, the front cabin feels roomy and well-equipped with various storage options.

Interior Finishing and Technology

The materials used in the Astra's cabin are decent but not premium. The center console features a cheap-looking piece of piano black plastic, although the overall cabin quality is acceptable. However, the numerous buttons could be overwhelming, requiring some time to get accustomed to.

Unfortunately, the technology falls short. With the younger generation's preference for modern gadgets, the Astra's archaic dashboard features are disappointing. Rather than a touch screen, a small dot matrix screen is all that's provided. While it does include reverse sensors, a speed limiter, and cruise control, these features feel inadequate for a vehicle priced from AED 116k, which is comparable to a base Golf GTi.

Drive Performance

Drive Technology and Road Noise

Starting the car reveals a 2-litre turbo engine with a loud, bassy idle that settles down once warmed up. The sports seats drop low, and the manually adjustable steering wheel allows for a comfortable driving position.

The Astra offers a smooth ride, absorbing bumps well. However, the engine’s constant presence creates a noticeable boom within the cabin, which can be unpleasant. While wind noise is well suppressed, road noise from the powertrain makes the cabin somewhat loud.

Brakes

The standard Brembo brakes on the OPC model perform exceptionally well. Despite weighing around 1.5 tonnes, they efficiently bring the car to a halt even during challenging downhill sections, without any noticeable brake fade.

Fuel Consumption

The Astra is easy to maneuver in the city, despite the sizable blind spots created by the small rear windows. The engine start/stop feature adds convenience, shutting down the engine at lights. While fuel savings may not be a priority in this region, the Astra is relatively frugal when driven moderately, though consumption increases significantly under heavy acceleration.

Transmission

The Astra OPC features a traditional 6-speed manual transmission, which enhances the driving experience. Although some may prefer the convenience of an automatic, the manual transmission allows for greater control. The light clutch and gear shift action make it easy to drive.

Power and Acceleration

The engine is the Astra's standout feature. With a power output of 280 horsepower and 400Nm of torque, it outperforms its rivals. However, there is noticeable turbo lag below 2000rpm, with a real surge occurring around 2500rpm. Once on boost, the Astra accelerates impressively, hitting 100km/h in around 6 seconds. While the acceleration feels somewhat subdued, speeds can climb rapidly, even exceeding 200km/h, although the engine lacks an engaging soundtrack.

Having Said That...

Once you overcome the initial turbo lag, the Astra's torque is addictive, providing ample power on twisting mountain roads. You can often find several gears with enough pull to maintain momentum, reducing the need for frequent gear shifts.

However, the gearshift mechanism leaves something to be desired, with long clutch travel and imprecise shifts, particularly into fifth and sixth gear. The steering offers good feedback, but torque steer can be felt under hard acceleration.

Suspension

The Astra includes a ‘Sport’ and an ‘OPC’ button to enhance the driving experience. The ‘Sport’ setting improves body control while maintaining comfort, while the ‘OPC’ mode firms up the suspension, making it more suitable for smooth tracks rather than uneven roads.

Handling

The limited-slip differential between the front wheels allows for impressive cornering capabilities. Despite its weight, the Astra handles corners exceptionally well, providing a thrilling driving experience on both tight and sweeping roads.

Verdict

In conclusion, while the Astra OPC excels in performance and style, it falls short in terms of gadgetry and interior materials. It may serve as a more affordable alternative to the VW Scirocco, but with competitors like the Ford Focus ST offering similar driving enjoyment at a lower price, the Astra's value proposition is challenged.

If you're looking for a beautiful, engaging, and fast hot hatch that holds its own against sports cars, the Astra OPC is worth considering. Just ensure you request the 20-inch alloys for that complete look.