AIMS: Opel Astra OPC priced at $42,990

OPEL Australia has used the Australian International Motor Show to announce a sharp starting price of $42,990 (plus on-roads) for its scorching new Astra OPC three-door hot hatch.

The OPC will vault into position as the halo model in Opel’s newly launched Australian range when it hits showrooms early next year, though order books are now open at Opel’s 17 national dealers.

It will sit $8000 above the comparatively mild GTC Sport, the current Astra flagship.

Europe’s hottest front-drive four-cylinder hatchback features a turbocharged 2.0-litre engine developing 206kW and 400Nm, outstripping the 195kW/360Nm RenaultSport Megane, 184kW/340Nm Ford Focus ST and 155kW/280Nm Volkswagen Golf GTI.

Reflecting its status as the big daddy in the power stakes, the OPC’s starting price is higher than key rivals including the Renault RS265 (from $42,640), Focus ST ($38,290) and Golf GTI (from $38,990).

Opel Australia managing director Bill Mott said enquiry on the OPC had been strong since the brand announced its imminent launch in Australia, and expressed confidence the starting price gave plenty of bang for your bucks.

The OPC can bolt from zero to 100km/h in six seconds – matching the current class leader, the Megane RS265, and is faster by about six-tenths of a second than Volkswagen’s next-generation Golf GTI due in 2013.

While the Opel hatch puts its driving force to the tarmac via the front wheels, a HiPerStrut front chassis design and limited-slip differential are designed to tame torque steer.

Standard features will include 19-inch alloy wheels, FlexRide adaptive chassis system, six airbags, premium Nappa leather front sports bucket seats with front-seat heating, Bluetooth connectivity with voice recognition, seven-inch colour information display, satellite-navigation and iPod connectivity.

Options include a premium forward lighting pack priced at $2000, 20-inch alloy wheels for $1000 and Opel’s premium paint priced at $695.

2013 Opel Astra OPC pricing*

OPC	$42,990

*Plus on-road costs