Opel Corsa OPC: Big Performance, Small Package

Motoring Channel Staff - 8/Jan/2007

Rüsselsheim, Germany — When the term 'Opel Corsa' is seen, some of our Australian readers may begin to tune out, thinking it is simply another weird Euro model with a bulbous design, a glass roof and sliding rear seats.

But the Opel 'Corsa' is the European designation for the the Holden 'Barina'. At least it used to be. The European Barina/Corsa was replaced by the current 'Barina' that is sold in Australia, which is now a Daewoo model rebadged as a Holden.

And while the new Barina is a cheaper Korean vehicle, allowing GM Holden to compete with Kia and Hyundai, it doesn't have half the flair of the European Corsa.

Now let's rub some salt into the wound: Opel, GM's German subsidiary (since 1929 according to some), has unleashed the new fourth generation Opel Corsa OPC. If it is to be launched in Australia it would be called the Barina SRi Turbo, or possibly the HSV Barina VXR, which would pair nicely with the HSV Astra VXR.

It is a hatch of hot proportions and after its official debut at the 2007 Geneva Motor Show in early March its rivals will include the Peugeot 206 GTI, the Renault Clio Sport, the Volkswagen Polo GTI and the Mini Cooper S.

Turbo Engine

The Opel Corsa OPC's engine is a 1.6-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder block which can generate up to 141kW of power (192hp). This may make it the most powerful compact hot hatch in its class, and if not the most powerful it will certainly be one of the quickest with a claimed zero to 100km/h sprint time of 7.2 seconds.

According to Opel, the new Corsa has shifted into top gear with the new OPC (called the Vauxhall Corsa VXR in Britain). It says the OPC model is the quintessential expression of the Corsa's dynamic character, with top-level agility and vehicle control promising pure driving fun. 

Thanks to its small-but-powerful 1.6-litre 4-cylinder motor, the tiny 3-door sports hatch has a top speed of 225km/h, yet can still return fuel economy figures of 7.9 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers, which is good compared to larger cars, but not so good for a 1600cc engine.

It's rapid-fire zero to 100km/h run is attained via its peak power, but also a maximum torque output of 230Nm. And it gets better: like many modern turbocharged cars with variable vane technology (on the turbo impeller blades), an overboost function is activated when the throttle is fully opened, and at this stage Opel reckons that peak torque is temporarily increased to "over" 260Nm, which is perfect for overtaking lorries, whatever they are [trucks or semi-trailers - Ed].

The car's 141 kilowatts of power hits the front axle after being routed through the six-speed manual transmission, which is standard equipment on the new car. Opel cites the mid-gear roll on test (accelerating from 80 to 120km/h in fifth gear) for the Corsa OPC as taking 6.7 seconds, which is remarkably quick for such a small engine.

Sports Bodykit

This is now the top-of-the-line Corsa (or Barina, as the Holden faithful will remember), and it looks the part. Based on the fourth generation Corsa, the OPC model gets a roof spoiler, as well as powerful front and rear aprons with distinctive gill-like air intakes and outlets according to Opel, all of which make the OPC a real eye-catcher. 

Other exterior touches include the darkly contrasting rear diffuser (lower apron) with an integrated, centrally located triangular exhaust outlet. There's also specially designed exterior mirrors, and together with the already sporty headlights the overall picture is easy on the eyes.

Performance Chassis

As well as the 141kW turbo motor that improves straight line performance, the Corsa OPC's chassis has been boosted to improve its cornering and decelerating performance. Opel talks about "extensive modifications" that were keyed into the chassis after what it claims were intensive test drives on the Nürburgring Nordschleife. It's engineers were able to achieve what Opel says is a balance of agile handling and pronounced vehicle control.

The major modifications to the Opel Corsa OPC's chassis include a stronger rear axle profile and adjusted torsion beam rear axle weld-in angle to keep the rear end from skittering about. New suspension tuning is also part of the OPC kit, which comprises stiffer spring and dampener tuning, a larger front stabiliser and lowering of the chassis by 10mm. 

As well as the tweaked springs and dampers, the compact European sports hatch also gets large 17-inch alloy rims shod with 215/45 R17 tyres (18-inch rims with 225 profile tyres are optional) and is fitted with a serious braking package. The front discs are internally ventilated, measuring a whopping 308mm at the front and 264mm at the rear, which suggest that this car may well be able to record class-leading lap times at the race track. Opel hasn't said how many pistons theblue painted brake calipers have, but insist they will endow the tuned Corsa with powerful deceleration.

Electronic stability control (ESP) is standard and has been tuned to the car's sporty character, according to the German automaker, and that it can also be deactivated when you want to be a hooligan.

Modern Interior

Inside the Corsa OPC, the performance theme continues. Opel explains that in addition to the typical OPC door sills, chrome-ringed instruments with red needles and blue-ringed air vents, there's also a flat-bottomed leather sports steering wheel. The center console eschews the usual 'sports aluminium' treatment and goes for a black piano lacquer finish, which seems to work well. Three aluminium pedals are there for gas, brake and clutch, and like all good sports cars the small car gets newly developed Recaro sports seats with integrated head restraints. Opel says the race-car-like seats protect both the driver and front passenger with integrated side airbags − which is (allegedly) a world first for this type of bucket seat.

And that's the new Opel Corsa OPC. It's highly likely that the car will never see the light of Australian day, but it's nice to think about. The new car will be launched at the 2007 Geneva Motor Show in March, and shortly after its debut in Geneva it will go on sale in Europe. The new Corsa OPC model also expands the OPC program to five model lines, Opel is quick mention. The other Opel models include:

Vectra OPC - 206kW (280hp)
Zafira OPC - 177kW (240hp)
Astra OPC - 177kW (240hp)
Meriva OPC - 132kW (180hp)

"The OPC models embody pure sportiness, infusing the brand with emotion and passion. That is why the OPC version fits brilliantly to the new Corsa, which is positioned as a young car offering plenty of fun," mused Alain Visser, who is the executive director of marketing for Opel in Europe.

Related articles:
- Opel Vectra OPC (2006)
- Opel GT (2007)
- Holden Astra SRi Turbo (Road Test)
- Holden Barina (Road Test)