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Question of the Day: Which is the most hair-raising South African mountain pass you've driven?
You're right it is definitely pricey, but consider the fact that a Polo GTi retails for slightly more than what I got the OPC for
It was fairly simple to wangle the price though. I went to my local dealership and asked them for their best price, got in contact with a few dealerships around the country and played them off against each other, finally settling for one (in the colour I wanted, which seemed to be scarce).
While I think the above helped to get it that low, I also think the sticker price on the car at any dealership is a contributing factor. At the R240k mark it scared off many potential customers so they are being forced to sell them at reduced prices and are making the effort to move stock even if the profits made are low.
I find the GTI also over priced TBH, and would def pick the opc over it. With the car industry struggling as it is, i can see its prob pretty easy to negotiate a price, 30k off is a large negotiation though, and opel/gm have gotta realise that the listed price here is insane. Even the astra OPC is Waaaay over priced!! Perhaps i should go argue with the ford guys to get me an ST.....
Adeptus Mechanicus
Expert Member
The Astra OPC has increased in price to a point where it has become a silly buy. If memory serves they retailed @ R256 000 when they were first released and now all you can find is the OPC+ pack model (with 19" mags being the only obvious difference) which retails @ around R300 000.
The Focus ST is about the best value for money you'll find these days. I'm not anti-Ford, but they're not my favourite cars and the Focus ST is fast becoming as common as the GTi's so I wasn't so keen on one of those.
car sites are blocked, but i think its around 320k now for the OPC, which is a joke....I have been seeing more ST's on the road, but i cant see better bang for buck, especially if i can get a similar deal to you....
have u driven both? how does it comapre to the corse opc? I am not a family person so space is not an issue, i am also worried about the alarming rate the fords seem to devalue..
I like the OPC but i settled for VW Polo as the resale value is far better. I got bugger all for my corsa as a trade in.
I reckon Opel has priced themselves out of the market. You can't expect people to pay that sort of money for an opel badge, even the opel fans.
Popularity in a car isn't always a bad thing. As common as the GTI is, i would still buy one if i could. Popularity is a sure bet in the resale world. Let's face it who keeps a car these days? It's not worth it.
I reckon Opel has priced themselves out of the market. You can't expect people to pay that sort of money for an opel badge, even the opel fans.
Popularity in a car isn't always a bad thing. As common as the GTI is, i would still buy one if i could. Popularity is a sure bet in the resale world. Let's face it who keeps a car these days? It's not worth it.
Adeptus Mechanicus
Expert Member
Ouch R320k! That's rough...still not as rough as a new Golf R32 though
Not being a family man (yet) I also don't have any worries about space. The 3-door setup is just fine for me and the back seats are comfortable and fairly roomy just in case. The Ford on the other hand comes in a 5-door variant, if need be.
Just in terms of sticker price versus performance, so lets just assume you could get no discount, the Ford is about 25kw stronger but only around R10k (last time i looked) more than what the Corsa is advertised for. Feature wise they are also very similar in terms of safety (airbags, ESP, ABS) and creature comforts (aircon, cruise control, interior).
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Iwojima the Focus ST doesn't have cruise control, crazy though...
That being said I've driven the Corsa OPC and it's a very good car I just can't imagine the price is around the same as a Focus ST. I'm sure it's quite a bit more economical though.
Yeah it sucks that the Focus ST is becoming more popular, because I've been wanting one for a while now but financially only planning on buying one at the end of this year. GTI just way too popular.
That being said I've driven the Corsa OPC and it's a very good car I just can't imagine the price is around the same as a Focus ST. I'm sure it's quite a bit more economical though.
Yeah it sucks that the Focus ST is becoming more popular, because I've been wanting one for a while now but financially only planning on buying one at the end of this year. GTI just way too popular.
cruise control does not bother me, dont use it, never will... The ST does guzzle, but who cares when the engine sounds that good....
I have not driven the corsa opc yet, the sales guy was such a chop when i went there that i walked out, but would be interesting to try it out and compare.... I used to want the ST in orange, but it seems rash now, perhaps the blue or red..... the resale value still bothers me though...
Adeptus Mechanicus
Expert Member
Seriously? I was told that the newer spec one's had it. Had an argument with a mate about it and was comparing features and after I bragged about cruise control he said that his 2008 ST also had it. The liar!
Adeptus Mechanicus
Expert Member
My Corsa OPC review:
Performance/Handling:
This thing is quick. Power is delivered evenly and there is only a slight hint of torque steer. The car grips corners like crazy thanks to the stiff suspension and wide tyres. I haven't tested the claimed 0-100km/h speed yet, but it certainly feels like mid-7 seconds.
Switching traction control off is pretty scary and not recommended for sharp corners. It does help when you're giving those Golf GTi's a scare though (have managed to give them all a hiding so far except one which may have been modded and/or one of the new spec...supposedly 160kw versions)
The brakes are very sharp thanks to having discs on the both front and back. They easily bleed off speed but take a bit of getting used to if you want to avoid putting yourself through the windscreen.
Comfort:
The Recaro seats are super comfortable and work just fine for long distances (tested this on my maiden voyage down the coast). They tent to "hug" your body so if you're a bit of a fatty you might struggle.
Because the suspension is purposely so rigid and the tyre profile is low you tend to feel every bump in the road which would be fine on any first world road but here in SA some roads are so shoddy it becomes off putting.
Beware of replacing the 18" tyres though. Their odd sizing makes them very pricey. I destroyed the wall of one my front driver's side tyres courtesy of a huge pothole and had to fork out R2800 to replace it!
Sound:
It sounds aggressive without being overbearing like a hot-hatch should sound. You immediately know you're not in a standard Corsa when you turn the key and the engine comes to life.
Look:
Not much to say here since you've all seen the pictures. All I can add is that when you drive down the road people take notice! Car nuts (especially Opel fans) stop me at shopping centers to ask about it. Other OPC owners (rare as they are) always smile and give a thumbs up as you go by
Price:
Pretty much covered that in my last posts. If you can get the car for what I paid for it, it is an awesome deal.
Interior:
The interior is of good quality and looks great in my car which has blue trim and stitching everywhere (which is only available if you go for the Arden blue version...the other versions all have silver trim).
My only bugbear would be the center console which is made from a shiny piano black surface that tends show dust very easily and *might* scratch if you're not careful when cleaning. Other than that the entire car is full of OPC logos and metallic trim from the steering wheel to the gear knob and even on the mats.
Safety:
Traction control works very well in corners and ABS does its job nicely for hard breaking. The car also has a full compliment of airbags incl. side, front, passenger, roof sill (or whatever its called), etc.
Features:
Cruise control is good for long distant travels and seems to keep fuel consumption down nicely. Aircon works well.
The sound system is very average despite having 6 speakers distributed throughout the car. Since it is factory fitted I imagine replacing it would be a pain in the arse.
The onboard computer has all the usual bells and whistles including temperature, fuel consumption, average speed, etc. Haven't had much occasion to test other things like fog lights and headlamp adjustment.
Another nice little feature is your key is able to store personalized settings such speed warning thresholds, central locking behaviour, etc. So if your SO has her own key she can have everything set up to her preferences.
Performance/Handling:
This thing is quick. Power is delivered evenly and there is only a slight hint of torque steer. The car grips corners like crazy thanks to the stiff suspension and wide tyres. I haven't tested the claimed 0-100km/h speed yet, but it certainly feels like mid-7 seconds.
Switching traction control off is pretty scary and not recommended for sharp corners. It does help when you're giving those Golf GTi's a scare though (have managed to give them all a hiding so far except one which may have been modded and/or one of the new spec...supposedly 160kw versions)
The brakes are very sharp thanks to having discs on the both front and back. They easily bleed off speed but take a bit of getting used to if you want to avoid putting yourself through the windscreen.
Comfort:
The Recaro seats are super comfortable and work just fine for long distances (tested this on my maiden voyage down the coast). They tent to "hug" your body so if you're a bit of a fatty you might struggle.
Because the suspension is purposely so rigid and the tyre profile is low you tend to feel every bump in the road which would be fine on any first world road but here in SA some roads are so shoddy it becomes off putting.
Beware of replacing the 18" tyres though. Their odd sizing makes them very pricey. I destroyed the wall of one my front driver's side tyres courtesy of a huge pothole and had to fork out R2800 to replace it!
Sound:
It sounds aggressive without being overbearing like a hot-hatch should sound. You immediately know you're not in a standard Corsa when you turn the key and the engine comes to life.
Look:
Not much to say here since you've all seen the pictures. All I can add is that when you drive down the road people take notice! Car nuts (especially Opel fans) stop me at shopping centers to ask about it. Other OPC owners (rare as they are) always smile and give a thumbs up as you go by
Price:
Pretty much covered that in my last posts. If you can get the car for what I paid for it, it is an awesome deal.
Interior:
The interior is of good quality and looks great in my car which has blue trim and stitching everywhere (which is only available if you go for the Arden blue version...the other versions all have silver trim).
My only bugbear would be the center console which is made from a shiny piano black surface that tends show dust very easily and *might* scratch if you're not careful when cleaning. Other than that the entire car is full of OPC logos and metallic trim from the steering wheel to the gear knob and even on the mats.
Safety:
Traction control works very well in corners and ABS does its job nicely for hard breaking. The car also has a full compliment of airbags incl. side, front, passenger, roof sill (or whatever its called), etc.
Features:
Cruise control is good for long distant travels and seems to keep fuel consumption down nicely. Aircon works well.
The sound system is very average despite having 6 speakers distributed throughout the car. Since it is factory fitted I imagine replacing it would be a pain in the arse.
The onboard computer has all the usual bells and whistles including temperature, fuel consumption, average speed, etc. Haven't had much occasion to test other things like fog lights and headlamp adjustment.
Another nice little feature is your key is able to store personalized settings such speed warning thresholds, central locking behaviour, etc. So if your SO has her own key she can have everything set up to her preferences.
EvoBunny
Well-Known Member
Obviously you don't own one
My average fuel consumption during the week is about 9.5L/100km and this includes driving in traffic, I drove to the coast not so long ago, with 4 people in the car and luggage I got 8.2L/100km average, that gave me about 670 km on the tank... so sure they ARE guzzlers (note the sarcasm).
Anybody think about 0 - 160 and 0 - 200 times?
Sure the Corsa OPC is fast in the 1st two gears, but what about 3rd - 6th?
I posted this somewhere before, but let's just compare it a bit...
0-160 km/h
Focus ST - 15.7
Corsa OPC - 17.3
Astra OPC - 14.7
Golf GTI - 16.1
Megane R26 - 16.0
Megane RS - 16.9
0-200 km/h
Focus ST - 27.6
Corsa OPC - 35.1
Astra OPC - 29.1
Golf GTI - 33.1
Then one gets the guy who complains about the resale value and the Focus ST becoming more common, I think it's great that it's becoming more common, it's proving that it's a good car, that there is interest in the market in the car as well as this will ultimately help them keep their value better in the end because of the higher demand.
adamr
Executive Member
i disagree ... the values of the ST have dropped a lot in comparison to the GTi and it has a lot to do with the badge ... driven an ST and was amazed at the refinement and solid build of the car ... but unfortunately South Africans ... stick to brands ... i know more people wanting GTis than ST's ... higher demand equals higher resale ... and they have never driven either ...
Another prime example is the 350Z, absolutely nothing wrong with the car good looking and yet pathetic resale ... its weird ...
alisiaoh
Senior Member
i've been in love with the new Corsa OPC since i saw pics for it doing th rounds on the internet in 2006. The day i qualify as a lawyer im buying one!!!
My first car was a Corsa (im still driving an corsa btw-allbeit the previous shape)and i dont think i will ever buy anything else - they are very reliable and very light on petrol!!!
My first car was a Corsa (im still driving an corsa btw-allbeit the previous shape)and i dont think i will ever buy anything else - they are very reliable and very light on petrol!!!
Dude I like Opels as much as any Opel fan but let me tell you those things are NOT light on Petrol! There are plenty of other cars that fair far better. In terms or reliability, can't disagree the engines are very strong although when they give you trouble it's sometimes a mission to figure out WTF is wrong.
alisiaoh
Senior Member
Dude! i drive a 1.4 Corsa and i get anywhere from 505km - 518km per tank in JHB. On the open road i get up to 540km per tank. In my books that is light!!!
Ah Corsa lite? That is quite heavy, I usually get 600km with mine, around same as you with the aircon switched on, but that's only around 12km/1l of petrol, not really spectacular but not terrible.
alisiaoh
Senior Member
Nope a Corsa 1.4 comfort a/c - not a lite!!
Thestealth
Expert Member
Audi RS4 FTW!!!
I know it's not relevant, but I just had to get that in there
I know it's not relevant, but I just had to get that in there
Obviously you don't own one
My average fuel consumption during the week is about 9.5L/100km and this includes driving in traffic, I drove to the coast not so long ago, with 4 people in the car and luggage I got 8.2L/100km average, that gave me about 670 km on the tank... so sure they ARE guzzlers (note the sarcasm).
then u must be driving very conservatively, both ppl i know who drive them get around 12L/100km town driving.....i drove one around for a few days and averaged a little higher (but i was DRIVING it...)
I absolutely love the car, but the resale value really puts me off, not the fact that its common etc.... i cannot compare it the the corsa since i have not driven it...and there is more to say about a car than straight line performance...
Do u have the facelift or not? There seems to be very little difference and an argument that the facelift has cruise control????