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Driven: 154kW Corsa OPC 'Ring edition

Astra sedan, Meriva turbo, facelifted Corsa and OPC Nurburging Edition... 2013 signals a new era for Opel South Africa, and the automaker has come out swinging with four models.

PORT ELIZABETH, South Africa - Opel begins a new era in South Africa and to kickstart its local resurgence the automaker has launched four models in South Africa. The automaker told Wheels24 how it intends to revitalise the brand and what fans expect in the future but more on that later...

Gallery: Corsa OPC Nurburging Edition

The star of its model line-up in September 2013 is the limited edition Corsa OPC Nurburgring edition and Wheels24’s SERGIO DAVIDS got to grips with the 154kW OPC 'Ring edition.

LIMITED EDITION

Based on the standard Corsa OPC, the Nurburgring edition has received numerous upgrades and enhancements to improve acceleration, handling and braking. This swan-song Corsa OPC (that is until the automaker decides to bring out a new one), arrives in SA with lower ride height, tuned spring and damper units by Bilstein and a lightweight front braking system from Brembo.

The new model also sports exclusive styling updates.

Opel is only bringing 65 units of its 'Ring edition OPCs to SA and to date 40 have already been sold, so you’d better act fast if you like to own one of the 25 models still available. The Corsa OPC Nurburgring edition retails for R343 200.

DESIGN

It features a front lip spoiler, a new rear roof-mounted spoiler, dual exhaust pipes and black 18” alloys with Brembo disc brakes. I’m glad the automaker ditched the triangular-shaped exhaust of the standard Corsa OPC in favour of great-looking rounded tips.

ENGINE

The 1.6 turbo engine produces 154kW (up from 141kW) and 250Nm, which can be increased to 280Nm with the ‘overboost’ function (up from 230Nm - 266Nm). The increase in output results in a 0-100km/h time of 6.8 seconds to a top speed of 230km/h.

Fuel consumption is rated at 7.6-litres/100km (I averaged 13 litres/100km) with emissions of 178g/km.

RIDE AND HANDLING

It’s eye-wateringly good fun. With its light-weight proportions and 154kW on tap the 'Ring Corsa is certainly quick on the straights. The magic of this latest OPC is delivered though cornering - chuck it through a sharp bend and the little OPC digs in, tightens its line and won't understeer.

The performance and chassis is honed to track perfection. As for ride quality on normal roads, I think my bones are still rattling post-test drive! Since it’s suspension is tuned for circuit racing, the ride is extremely harsh on the road, varying between a few hard bounces to downright jarring on poor surfaces.

Inside

Inside the 'Ring edition, you're treated to leather-wrapped Recaro sports seats, rain-sensing wipers, auto aircon and an upgraded audio system with USB and Bluetooth. I loved the seats, the controls were simplistic and although lacking in space, it’s a no-frills hot hatch.

The Corsa OPC takes on the likes of Ford's Fiesta ST and Peugoet's 208 GTI, though considering its price-range it's right up there with rivals such as the Ford Focus ST and the new Golf GTI.

The Corsa OPC is an unabashed track-tuned hooligan and is a vehicle for a true petrol head and not a shrinking violet. It’s car for those unburdened by adult tedium, responsibilities (read – children) and brittle bones...

PRICE
Opel Corsa Nürburgring Edition - R343 200

The model is sold with a five-year or 120 000km warranty and three-year or 60 000km service plan. Servivce intervals are 15 000 km.

OPEL RESURGENCE

Below you can find out more about Opel’s latest products and plans for SA:

Wheels24 speaks to: Opel SA
Opel Corsa facelift
Opel Astra Sedan
Opel Meriva 1.4 Turbo Enjoy



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