Opel Astra H OPC

The production version of the Opel Astra H was introduced in 2004. The sports version of OPC was released in the autumn of the following year.

Review

The production version of the Opel Astra H was introduced in 2004. The sports version of OPC was released in the autumn of the following year. How is it different from the civil Astra? First of all, the power unit and some stylistic changes. Wide wheel arches, massive bumpers and the tailpipe tip, placed in the center – these are the distinctive features of a compact ODP. Standardly offered 18-inch wheels, but for an additional fee you could install 19-inch. The interior was enriched with Recaro sports chairs.

In October 2005, the Opel Astra OPC visited the Nürburgring, which was steered by a real German racer Manuel Reiter. The result? The record in the class is 8 minutes 35.93 seconds. In 2008, GM released a limited edition version of the OPC Nurburgring Edition. A characteristic feature of this modification: suspension with variable characteristics IDS Plus 2, 19-inch wheels, body painted in white varnish, and racing chessboard in the entire length of the car from the hood to the rear door. A total of 835 copies of this version were produced.

A year later, another limited edition Opel Astra OPC Race Camp appeared in the Opel salons. Black roof, discs, mirrors, overlay on the "grill" and white body color have become characteristic differences from the usual ORS. Production of the sporty modification ended in 2010, along with the stoppage of the civilian version assembly line.

Engine

Gasoline: 2.0 R4 Ecotec Turbo (240 hp).

Fans of fast hatchbacks, as a rule, decide on the purchase of Honda Civic Type-R, Renault Megane RS or Volkswagen Golf GTI. The Astra ODP is not as popular as its competitors, although it doesn’t really deserve it. This is indirectly confirmed by the dynamic characteristics – 6.9 seconds to 100 km / h (6.4 – stated by the manufacturer). All the competitors mentioned above are inferior to Opel in the sprint. The maximum speed of the sports version is 244 km / h.

In urban traffic, the hatch is content with 13-14 l / 100 km, but it is worth a little carried away and the consumption immediately becomes more. On the road, OPC consumes an average of 10-11 l / 100 km. Given the maximum power, this is not a bad result.

The 2-liter turbocharged Ecotec is a fairly reliable design that usually doesn’t cause any serious problems during operation. But it was not completely without flaws.

Before buying, you should carefully inspect the engine for oil leaks, which are observed quite often. In the run instances there are cases of damage to the gasket under the head of the block and malfunction of the turbocharger. It is necessary to examine well and exhaust collector, in which holes are often formed. Rarely, but there are even cases of “rupture” of the head of the block.

Technical features

The car was offered only in the back - a 3-door hatchback. As befits a typical hot hatch, the thrust from the engine is transmitted to the front wheels through a 6-speed manual transmission. To improve driving performance, the manufacturer installed an EDC system - an improved traction control system that has nothing to do with the usual mechanical self-locking differential.

On the front axle are Macpherson struts, and behind - a twisting beam. Unfortunately, the latter solution did not work well in the steep and narrow corners, but most competitors do not know how to do this.

As for safety, the civilian version in the crash tests EuroNCAP earned 5 stars.

Typical problems and malfunctions

The front-wheel drive in a powerful car does not work efficiently enough. From this combination suffer not only dynamic characteristics, but also faster wear tires and drive shafts. To these types of problems owners Astra ORS are not used to.

Another common ailment is the short lifespan of the clutch. During the test drive, you should check whether it slips? In addition, there is premature wear of gearbox bearings. Steering also has its weaknesses, so monitoring serviceability is mandatory.

As in civil Astra, the air conditioning compressor can fail. Owners note periodic problems with the voltage regulator. In addition, the CIM module, as well as the tire pressure monitoring system and xenon often fail. Not characterized by durability and exhaust system, which is quickly covered with rust.

Engine

• The 2-liter turbocharged Ecotec is a fairly reliable design that usually doesn’t cause any serious problems during operation.
• Before buying, you should carefully inspect the engine for oil leaks, which are observed quite often.
• In the run instances there are cases of damage to the gasket under the head of the block and malfunction of the turbocharger.
• It is necessary to examine well and exhaust collector, in which holes are often formed.

Typical problems and malfunctions

• To these types of problems owners Astra ORS are not used to.
• During the test drive, you should check whether it slips?
• In addition, there is premature wear of gearbox bearings.
• Owners note periodic problems with the voltage regulator.
• In addition, the CIM module, as well as the tire pressure monitoring system and xenon often fail.
• Not characterized by durability and exhaust system, which is quickly covered with rust.

What do you often look for when choosing a used sports car? First of all, its dynamic characteristics. No matter how strong the engine is, the main thing is how fast it is. Comparing the speed of different hot hatch, it turns out that the Opel Astra III OPC is one of the fastest cars in its class.

In addition to its excellent performance, the ORS also has a dynamic design. Astra H with a set of sports overlays ORS looks really impressive. Despite the shortcomings, a special praise is given to an engine that consumes fuel within reasonable limits. Attracts and the price – from about 400 000 to 600 000 rubles.

Deficiencies? Unfortunately, sporting capabilities are strongly constrained by rear suspension and front-wheel drive, which is typical for most C-segment cars. You should not expect a high level of functionality. Only two people will be comfortably accommodated on board, the rest (back) will not be too comfortable due to the heavily sloping roof.

• The production version of the Opel Astra H was introduced in 2004.
• Engine: The 2-liter turbocharged Ecotec is a fairly reliable design that usually doesn’t cause major problems during operation.
• Technical features: The car was offered only in the back - a 3-door hatchback.
• Typical problems and malfunctions: To these types of problems owners of Astra ORS are no stranger.

Shows, bargaining and re-registration take time: buyers look, promise to think and disappear. Fair price after inspection closes the auction on the spot. If money is needed urgently, the purchase takes away waiting and repeat displays.

Leave a request with the car data. We will discuss the preliminary assessment and inspection. After checking the status and documents, we agree on the final price and terms of the transaction.