The concept of the hot hatch has rarely caught on in the U.S., where small cars are usually saddled with wimpy engines. There are a few exceptions to that rule, of course, such as the Ford Fiesta ST and the Volkswagen GTI. In Europe it’s a different story, of couse, and that’s where GM just introduced a hot hatch that could provide a potent crosstown rival for the feisty Fiesta: the Opel Corsa OPC.
The Corsa is available with a huge array of engine and transmission choices, but we find it easy to pick our favorite: the 204-hp, 1.6-liter turbo mated to a six-speed manual. With 207 lb-ft of torque, it flings the Corsa OPC from 0 to 62 mph in just 6.8 seconds and reaches 143 mph.
To set it apart from its lesser siblings, the Corsa OPC come with a full aero kit, a lowered suspension, 214/45 R17 tires, and an ESP system that can be switched off entirely. An optional Performance package turns up the heat even more, with 18-inch wheels, even larger brakes, and a Drexler multi-disc limited-slip differential. This package mirrors the previous Corsa’s Nürburgring Edition, a car that deeply impressed us on the track.
The Corsa OPC’s performance puts it neck-and-neck with the Polo GTI and the Fiesta ST, and we believe it would be a great addition to GM’s lineup anywhere, including the U.S. But since the standard Corsa is not federalized for the U.S. market, there’s no chance we’ll see this spicy offering on GM’s menu in the States. That may be good news for Ford, but it’s not so good for us.
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