Opel Astra OPC unveiled

Astra OPC range probably won't get here until early 2103.

Which is why a squat Astra coupe in part-camo cover spotted on a curvy backroad near Frankfurt in September rang big bells - and here's the reason why. Opel has today unveiled that car as the hottest Astra ever to find traction on public roads with a 206kW/400Nm turbocharged, direct-injection 2.0-litre four under the bonnet.

The Astra gets the OPC (Opel Performance Centre) badge that signifies it's spicier than diced cayenne peppers and makes it a sister of the equally hot 239kW Insignia all-wheel drive turbo V6.

The hatchback is based on the Opel Astra GTC that turned heads at this year's Frankfurt motor show. OPC is equivalent to BMW's ``M'' division, Audi's ``quattro' and Mercedes' ``AMG''.

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The best news - Opel's OPC models are headed for Australia. Timing is everything and new Opel Australia managing director Bill Mott indicates that the company's more volume-oriented models will come first.

Given that timing that puts the Corsa, Astra and Insignia in showrooms in the second half of next year, the OPC range probably won't get here until early 2103. ``We're serious about OPC for Australia,'' he says.

``Astra is a key volume pillar for Opel's introduction to Australia and adding the OPC version will give the model a boost. But t's early days and we still have to work on pricing. ``At the moment, we have to work on launching with volume models.''

Mott says Opel is now at ``full speed'' in Australia and is signing up dealers. OPC adds go with whoa and wow factors that in the Astra's case, adds a body kit with bulging fenders, new nose and tail and a cabin with sports seats, a leather-bound steering wheel and a new instrument design. How do they get all that torque to the ground through the front wheels?

On top of the suspension from the Astra GTC - HiPerStrut front suspension with adjustable dampers and the two-mode adjustable FlexRide that controls steering and throttle feel - it adds a limited-slip differential.

Opel claims this gives the OPC better stability and handling. The package under the Astra was tested on the Nurburgring track under the supervision of the Opel brand ambassador Joachim Winkelhock. C

Current OPC models are the 141kW Corsa (or 154 kW Corsa Nurburgring Edition) and the 239kW Insignia OPC, available as a sedan or wagon.