First look: Opel reveals hot Astra

HOLDEN’S European affiliate Opel will unveil the Astra OPC in Geneva, the production version of its GTC-based High Performance Concept study revealed at the Paris show last year.

Based on the AH Astra three-door and expected in Australia next year, the OPC derives its name from the Opel Performance Centre and features a 176kW/320Nm 2.0-litre turbo engine which drives the front wheels via a six-speed manual transmission.

Claimed performance is 0-100km/h in less than seven seconds, with a top speed of more than 240km/h.

The car has 18-inch alloy wheels and 225/45 series rubber fitted standard, with 19-inch wheels (235/35 tyres) in the design of the Paris show car set down as an option.

Disc brake diameters measure 321/278mm front/rear, Opel’s IDSPLus chassis (Interactive Driving System) with electronic CDC (Continuous Damping Control) is available and a wider, lower front air intake aims to impart a more aggressive look than did the GTC.

Unimaginative sporting cues such as Recaro seats, chrome-ringed dials and leather details are used inside, along with OPC branding.