Opel Corsa OPC 1.6 Turbo 192 CV, test drive (Equipment, prices and overall assessment)

After several days spent with the Opel Corsa OPC, today we reach the end of the test with this third part, where we will analyse the equipment, prices and overall assessment of the model. So far we have told you everything about its 1.6 Turbo engine of 192 CV, as well as its behaviour and consumption.

While in the second part of the test we analysed the exterior and interior design and finishes. The Corsa OPC is a model that stands out especially for its eye-catching exterior look, clearly differentiated from the conventional model, and the sporty cut is also found in the interior with details such as the sports seats.

Equipment

We start with the equipment, but before analysing the safety equipment (as is customary) I want to clarify that we will focus on the equipment of the OPC, since it is a differentiated finish compared to the others; therefore, when we talk about standard equipment, we mean what comes as standard on the Corsa OPC.

Now we get down to business, talking about the safety equipment of the Corsa, among which we can highlight front, side and curtain airbags, stability control and traction control, tyre pressure detector, among other elements.

In the Euro NCAP tests the Corsa has obtained five stars, tests carried out in 2006 with a good result in frontal and side impact. Nowadays this is a typical result, but six years ago it was not so common.

Within the standard equipment of the Opel Corsa OPC, we have practically everything: air conditioning, CD MP3 radio with steering-wheel controls and USB/AUX input, Bluetooth for the mobile phone, 17-inch alloy wheels, sports pedals, front fog lights, among other elements.

Among the optional elements is the renewed navigation system that we tested on this unit, standing out especially for its ease of use and the completeness of its functions, since we can control everything from the radio to the phone through the system, and thanks to its touchscreen it is very intuitive (the price of 464 euros is interesting).

Adaptive headlights are also optional, that is, they turn in proportion to the steering wheel’s angle; we will also have to pay for the climate control or the rain sensor. One of the most interesting packs is the OPC Nürburgring Edition, which increases the power to 210 CV, plus a mechanical multi-disc limited-slip differential on the front axle, Bilstein chassis, Brembo brakes and 18-inch wheels (as well as design details), all for 4,163 euros.

Prices (discounts included)

• Opel Corsa from 9,593 euros
• Opel Corsa OPC 19,242 euros
• Opel Corsa OPC Nürburgring Edition 22,530 euros

-Price of the tested unit: 20,932 euros (with navigator, adaptive headlights, 18-inch wheels, among other optional elements)

Overall Assessment

The first thing we liked about the Opel Corsa OPC is its engine in terms of power delivery, smoothness and behaviour. It is a powerful model to enjoy on the road and at the same time has a smooth engine in its operation, quite progressive, and rounding off the package we have the road behaviour as one of the Corsa OPC’s strong points.

The stability when taking corners and the confidence it conveys are outstanding, while also guaranteeing fun behind the wheel. The negative point is fuel consumption on the road, it is true that it has almost 200 CV, but there are similar models that make do with two litres less per 100 km on average (the Seat Ibiza Cupra with 184 CV).

The design is up to the standard the car promises and of the powerful engine under the bonnet; although many interior materials are typical of a city car, elements such as the “RECARO” sports seats add a touch of distinction to this urban sports car.

Finally, the standard equipment is quite complete, although elements such as the climate control should be standard on a car that costs around 20,000 euros (discounts included). But otherwise we have practically everything at an interesting price.

If we have to highlight its most important qualities, they are the behaviour and engine, above all for the final price of the package, where few similar cars can be found at that final price. The cheapest may be the Skoda Fabia RS, which starts at 20,400 euros but with less power (180 CV), as does the Seat Ibiza Cupra (180 CV and 22,300 euros), the model we tested, but in terms of behaviour we stay with the Corsa OPC, while the DSG gearbox of the Ibiza does convince us.

But ultimately, on price it is an interesting alternative for those looking for a high-performance urban car at around 20,000 euros, with a powerful 192 CV engine and a chassis up to the standard of the OPC badge.

Photos | David Taboada