More News on AJ OPC

[Wraith]

Due here 2013...

http://www.carsales.com.au/news/2011/small-passenger/opel-prepares-its-hot-hatch-challenger-26913

[Milesy]

How great does that look with the more pronounced front and rear wheel arch flares. It certainly looks tougher than the regular GTC so can't wait for it to arrive here. My cheque book is armed and ready!

[poita]

How great does that look with the more pronounced front and rear wheel arch flares. It certainly looks tougher than the regular GTC so can't wait for it to arrive here. My cheque book is armed and ready!

I wish, the bank will be buying mine for me!

[Vectracious]

I hope they bring some sort of performance variant of the Astra in a 5 door

[Milesy]

I would expect the best you'll get in the 5 door range is a 1.6 turbo SRi. Like previous models the OPC will be 3 door only.

[gmonkey]

I would expect the best you'll get in the 5 door range is a 1.6 turbo SRi. Like previous models the OPC will be 3 door only.


that was only in AUS... OPC variants were available in wagon and 5dr in europe

[Vectracious]

I would expect the best you'll get in the 5 door range is a 1.6 turbo SRi. Like previous models the OPC will be 3 door only.

It's a shame if they do - from everything we're reading in the motoring press it seems that they want to take the fight to VW - and VW have Golf GTI's and Golf R's as 5 door hatches.

[Vectracious]

that was only in AUS... OPC variants were available in wagon and 5dr in europe

Had a look on the german opel website, and you can' seem to configure a 5 door or wagon Astra in anything more than a 1.6 Turbo (132kw) :(

It really is a shame they don't do anything more in the 5 door - I can't live with a 3 door - too impractical.

[gmonkey]

i meant the H series... but yeh no mention of OPC variants yet

[Vectracious]

i meant the H series... but yeh no mention of OPC variants yet

Yeah I knew you meant the H series, they used to OPC variants on a lot of models (even on the Meriva!!!) but not anymore.

If they did an OPC Astra wagon I wouldn't even think twice about getting one.

[gmonkey]

If they did an OPC Astra wagon I wouldn't even think twice about getting one.

+1, always wanted a Performance wagon!

[Vectracious]

+1, always wanted a Performance wagon!

I had one for a bit as you know, so good especially with kids.

Sent from the MAGI.

[Milesy]

There was no 5 door version of the Astra OPC in the AH series and if I recall that was also the case with the older TS series as well. So if you want 5 doors the 1.6t SRi is where you're headed.

I know people say 3 doors are impractical but I have a toddler and have no issues with having a car seat in it and it is easy to get him in and out. Also Rory has had 2 car seats in his nurb so practicality is no issue IMO.

[aussie_in_london]

You will find OPC/VXR in GTC only

but don't be 2 surprised if you find a GSi at the top of the 5 door hatch line up as that was one of the plans also a GSi down from the OPC in the GTC.

[Vectracious]

I know people say 3 doors are impractical but I have a toddler and have no issues with having a car seat in it and it is easy to get him in and out. Also Rory has had 2 car seats in his nurb so practicality is no issue IMO.

I've also known people with 2 door cars and they tried for a bit with them with kids and promptly got rid of them. Maybe you can be bothered bending at right angles or reaching over seats to get them in their car seat, but I definitely can't. Can I ask out of interest what your other car is?

Rory may have also had 2 seats in the Nurb - but last I checked, the Nurb isn't the day to day family car - the Veccy is.

[gmonkey]

there was wagon 5dr version of both G and H

[guy 27]

there was wagon 5dr version of both G and H

The G only ever came in a 3door or vert with the turbo motor. ;)

[BEK-46P]

Roided-up wheel arches FTW!!!!

[BEK-46P]

How great does that look with the more pronounced front and rear wheel arch flares. It certainly looks tougher than the regular GTC so can't wait for it to arrive here. My cheque book is armed and ready!

Roided-up wheel arches FTW!!

[Milesy]

I've also known people with 2 door cars and they tried for a bit with them with kids and promptly got rid of them. Maybe you can be bothered bending at right angles or reaching over seats to get them in their car seat, but I definitely can't. Can I ask out of interest what your other car is?

Rory may have also had 2 seats in the Nurb - but last I checked, the Nurb isn't the day to day family car - the Veccy is.

My other car is an SSV Redline Sportwagon and this is our main family car. Surely you would struggle to use an Astra (even a 5 door) as your main family car. It's just too small!

[gmonkey]

The G only ever came in a 3door or vert with the turbo motor. ;)

incorrect O/S aswell got a wagon

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/54/Opel_astra_CRVN_opc.jpg/800px-Opel_astra_CRVN_opc.jpg

[2002_XC]

My two cents, a three door is crap for kids. Getting the kids in and out of the nurb is painful, not to mention having the kids climb over the seats to get out. It was easier getting the kids in the 5 door barina than in the 3 door. Next car will NOT be a 3 door

[Vectracious]

My other car is an SSV Redline Sportwagon and this is our main family car. Surely you would struggle to use an Astra (even a 5 door) as your main family car. It's just too small!

The obsession Australians have with getting a "big" car as soon as kids come into the picture is subject matter for another thread. Families in Europe get along fine with hatchbacks - dunno why we go nuts and start buying SUV's/wagons etc *

* disclaimer: yes we do have a CRV - we got it before we had kids. Now our toddler is 2.5 and the second one has just arrived - I can confidently say a Golf hatch for me and Golf wagon for her is enough. For the 1% of times we need to have a big car like the CRV we could just rent a Commo wagon for a week or whatever - the savings in running costs driving around an economical 4 cylinder the rest of the time can justify spending 500 bucks on renting a bigger car when you need it.

[Vectracious]

incorrect O/S aswell got a wagon

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/54/Opel_astra_CRVN_opc.jpg/800px-Opel_astra_CRVN_opc.jpg

yum - so would love that.

[Milesy]

The obsession Australians have with getting a "big" car as soon as kids come into the picture is subject matter for another thread. Families in Europe get along fine with hatchbacks - dunno why we go nuts and start buying SUV's/wagons etc *

* disclaimer: yes we do have a CRV - we got it before we had kids. Now our toddler is 2.5 and the second one has just arrived - I can confidently say a Golf hatch for me and Golf wagon for her is enough. For the 1% of times we need to have a big car like the CRV we could just rent a Commo wagon for a week or whatever - the savings in running costs driving around an economical 4 cylinder the rest of the time can justify spending 500 bucks on renting a bigger car when you need it.

Each to their own I guess but when my first came along I made the big change from an SSV sedan to an SSV Redline wagon, so I have always driven big cars regardless of kids. To me when it comes to the car I drive I will not compromise for anything/anyone. I guess it's lucky my wife can drive a manual otherwise she'd be walking ;-)

[Vectracious]

fair enough. Having gone from an old commo -> Veccy -> WRX -> Passat and using Dad's various commo's over the years - I just prefer smaller/mid size cars in terms of driving experience.

Hence why a turbo 5 door Astra would be perfect for me - I know that I can get a GTI in 5 door and its a great handler etc etc - but its ...... a Golf *yawn*

[Milesy]

I like the idea of an OPC wagon because the new Astra wagon is a pretty good looking chariot so maybe they can wave the OPC wand over that! I guess time will tell

[Wraith]

incorrect O/S aswell got a wagon

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/54/Opel_astra_CRVN_opc.jpg/800px-Opel_astra_CRVN_opc.jpg

That looks tuff and the Z20LET equipped Zafira was/is a real sleeper LOL :D

[Wraith]

I like the idea of an OPC wagon because the new Astra wagon is a pretty good looking chariot so maybe they can wave the OPC wand over that! I guess time will tell

I hope they wave the OPC wand over the new AJ vert as well...although wishful thinking is more likely the case :(

[Nurb608]

My two cents, a three door is crap for kids. Getting the kids in and out of the nurb is painful, not to mention having the kids climb over the seats to get out. It was easier getting the kids in the 5 door barina than in the 3 door. Next car will NOT be a 3 door

Why, are you buying it? :p

[dglewis80]

Bang!

[Wraith]

Why, are you buying it? :p

2nd/weekender car :)

[kabel]

I hope they wave the OPC wand over the new AJ vert as well...although wishful thinking is more likely the case :(
Story in the latest Wheels mag re this subject.

[rjastra]

http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/images/front_picture_library_UK/dir_944/car_photo_472162_25.jpg
http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/images/front_picture_library_UK/dir_944/car_photo_472156_25.jpg
http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/images/front_picture_library_UK/dir_944/car_photo_472165_25.jpg

[gman]

looks like the Renault RS250

[JohnBu]

which is no a bad thing..

Even my wife knows about the RS250 as I point it out to her everytime we see one, which isn't, well, very often.

[Vectracious]

looks like the Renault RS250

+1

Thought the same when I saw those pics. It's a good lookimg car that means.

Sent from the MAGI.

[poita]

will look good in my driveway!

[ChrisMaz]

Now as an option...

Panoramic Windscreen!

http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s720x720/320620_298664546811466_118844698126786_1267362_574 861234_n.jpg

[hazrd]

Now as an option...

Panoramic Windscreen!


that'd $hit me to no end. imagine driving down the road while the sun sets. looks pretty cool though

[JohnBu]

that'd $hit me to no end. imagine driving down the road while the sun sets. looks pretty cool though

I'd say air cond will be on constantly, you'll be an ant with a magnifying glass beamed on you in the middle of the day in summer.

But of course you'd want the option ! :p


Sent from my iPhone 4S using Tapatalk

[hazrd]

being hot isnt the problem, its the bright ass light screaming into your eyes :lol:
unless it came with some giant sun visor!!

[JohnBu]

http://tapatalk.com/mu/3aa3afb1-971e-bea2.jpg


Sent from my iPhone 4S using Tapatalk

[Wraith]

http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/images/front_picture_library_UK/dir_944/car_photo_472162_25.jpg
http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/images/front_picture_library_UK/dir_944/car_photo_472156_25.jpg
http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/images/front_picture_library_UK/dir_944/car_photo_472165_25.jpg

Looks Awesome :)

And those wheels look almost exactly the same as the Mazda BL model MPS3's wheels... :skep:

[Wraith]

Interesting on the extended windscreen, I wonder if it would be prob or not ??

It certainly isn't on panoramic style roofs their using ATM on alot of car types, but seeing this one isn't tinted and devoid of any type of internal cover/screen ?? maybe the hot sun could cause probs...

[GreyRex]

There's a 'blind' which folds back into the roof, and runs along rails where the headlining is. For normal day driving you'd be able to put it all the way forward to have a windscreen basically like a normal car

http://media.opel.com/content/media/intl/en/opel/news.detail.html/content/Pages/news/intl/en/2011/OPEL/10_20_opel-astra_panoramic-windscreen

In the event of very powerful sun rays, a roller blind can be lowered inside the cabin which sits under the panoramic glass. This helps create a pleasant atmosphere. The device which is continuously variable can be easily adjusted and then may be attached with a turning handle. The solar protection comes complete with an integrated sun visor which even in its opened state disappears behind the rear roof component.


You can see the rails here:

http://mediaassets.gmeuropearchive.info/viewcatalogue.php?catid=178217&lng=EN

[ChrisMaz]

Looks Awesome :)

And those wheels look almost exactly the same as the Mazda BL model MPS3's wheels... :skep:

They are purely for testing purposes I'd say, since they are 20" Insignia OPC rims :)

[Calibrated]

I bet all the guys at O'Briens must be dreading the day they have to replace one!

[JohnBu]

They will love it, more $$$ for them. 2 person job for sure.

I wonder if insurance companies will replace them for free as part of their free windscreen replacement policy.. or will they dodge it somehow by saying it's actually part of the car.. would cost them a small fortune to replace.

[gmonkey]

it was an option in the astra h's in UK the panoramic roof... came on the artic editions standard. cool but nothing that fantastic.. id rather a double sunroof like the megane (previous model) had

[Wraith]

There's a 'blind' which folds back into the roof, and runs along rails where the headlining is. For normal day driving you'd be able to put it all the way forward to have a windscreen basically like a normal car

http://media.opel.com/content/media/intl/en/opel/news.detail.html/content/Pages/news/intl/en/2011/OPEL/10_20_opel-astra_panoramic-windscreen

In the event of very powerful sun rays, a roller blind can be lowered inside the cabin which sits under the panoramic glass. This helps create a pleasant atmosphere. The device which is continuously variable can be easily adjusted and then may be attached with a turning handle. The solar protection comes complete with an integrated sun visor which even in its opened state disappears behind the rear roof component.


You can see the rails here:

http://mediaassets.gmeuropearchive.info/viewcatalogue.php?catid=178217&lng=EN

Problem solved :)

Pretty much the same set up for panoramic tops :)