2023-06-18 15:00:00
What are collectibles?
These are cars of particular interest, therefore deserving of preservation. Not necessarily old, they nevertheless exist in defined quantities, either because the manufacturer has decided so, or because their production is stopped. Then, they take advantage of features that make them especially desirable: an engine, a chassis, a design, or a concept. Finally, they are likely to see their rating increase. An additional argument to collect them before everyone else!
Why is the Opel Astra J OPC collectible?
After her, the deluge! A veritable technological firework, the Astra J OPC is Opel’s ultimate sports compact, and thanks to its high power, it makes an impression. Devoid of any form of electrification, it retains, in the face of today’s cars, a certain form of technical simplicity, a guarantee of reliability over time. Above all, it embodies this era when almost every manufacturer offered an average super-sports car capable of challenging many monsters more expensive than them! Pleasure had not yet given way to ecological puritanism…
We don’t know yet, but at the end of 2009, when the generation J Astra was released, the 4th, it is not known that it will be the last to receive an OPC badge. GM, owner of Opel, intends to use the platform used in the new compact blitz in many other models, has taken care of the design. Thus, in addition to a hull that is more rigid than ever, it completes its torsion axle rear axle with a Watt parallelogram, in order to improve control.
This bodes well for the OPC sports version, which is long overdue. It only arrives in 2012, only equipped with the so-called GTC coupe body. And despite the critical financial situation of both Opel and GM, we didn’t skimp on the technology.
For the first time, the Astra OPC gets a limited slip differential, but that’s not all. It is also entitled to a front axle with decoupled pivots called Hyperstruts as well as controlled damping. It’s simple, in the category, there is no better! Everything has, moreover, been developed on the Nürburgring. This is not a guarantee of guaranteed dynamic success, but it is then very good for communication.
Under the hood, the Opel recovers the 2.0 l direct injection all-alloy turbo from the Insignia, pushed to 280 hp, again a very extensive cavalry at the time (a Renault Mégane RS and a VW Scirocco R s stick to 265 hp), especially since the torque peaks at around 400 Nm! The box, exclusively manual, has six reports.
Braking, signed Brembo, is not to be outdone with 355 mm discs at the front made of cast iron (friction track) and aluminum (bowl), clamped with lightened 4-piston calipers. Everything is installed in 19-inch rims, or even 20 as an option, in which case they will be forged and also lightened (1.86 kg). Not too much, because the weight still reaches 1,550 kg in running order…
Billed at €33,990 (+ €1,300 in CO2 penalty), i.e. €38,650 today according to INSEE, the Opel benefits from extensive equipment: Recaro leather/alcantara seats, bi-xenon headlamps, auto air conditioning, GPS, sound system , Bluetooth, driving modes, cruise control… As an option, there is the panoramic roof, driving aids, leather or even the heated steering wheel. What to compose a downright luxurious car!
We also guess, from reading this equipment, that the Astra OPC is not a pure sports car. Moreover, at Opel, we find the Renault Mégane RS too radical. It will be an error of judgement, the clientele of sporty compacts will move towards ever more extreme cars. Unfortunately, Opel’s finances going from bad to worse, the Astra OPC will not have a Nürburgring evolution, unlike the Corsa OPC. It will be satisfied with a slight restyling for 2013 (grille now painted, improved smartphone connectivity). Its replacement, which appeared in 2015, coded K, will not be available in OPC, any more than the L of 2021, a Peugeot 308 in Rüsselsheim clothes…
How much does it cost ?
The Astra J OPC starts at €15,000, displaying around 150,000 km. At 17,000 €, we fall under 100,000 km, at 20,000 €, we buy a car with 70,000 km, the most expensive, at 25,000 €, sticking to 40,000 km.
Which version to choose?
There’s only one, it’s simple… Opt for a neat car, with full monitoring: the best way to maintain a good resale value.
Les versions collector
These are above all the examples in perfect original condition, with low mileage, equipped with a maximum of options, such as the panoramic windscreen and, why not, an original colour.
What to monitor?
The first Astra J OPCs experienced gearbox problems, Opel having organized a recall on this subject. Normally, all the cars have been rectified, but some have slipped through the cracks. We will also monitor the condition of the xenon headlights, which are sensitive to humidity and expensive to replace.
Equipped with a distribution chain, the engine is robust and easy to maintain and seems to support large preparations, even if these are not to be recommended.
No major problem in the cabin, but pay attention to the condition of the running gear, as always on this type of car. Especially since brakes can be expensive to replace. In the long term, when the many silent blocks of the front axle are worn, also plan a big ticket.
However, overall, this Astra enjoys respectable reliability.
On the road
With its coupe-type body, well planted on its large wheels and radicalized just enough, the Astra OPC has something to seduce. Inside, the design is, again, pleasant and the finish is suitable. The seat guarantees excellent support and the driving position calls for no negative criticism. When starting, the engine emits a very nice little sound, but quickly, we find the box a little catchy. Fortunately, past 2000 rpm, the engine sends heavy, distilling ballistic times! He doesn’t much like the red zone, but he cares about the somewhat long tiering as if he were worthy: the performance is impressive.
The chassis? On dry and smooth ground, it is up to the task. If the front axle is a little lazy on corner entry, the remarkable traction helps to get out of it very early, and the big grip makes the car very effective, if not playful, in support. Braking? Again, efficiency is high. A rigorous Opel, finally! At least, as long as the coating is smooth. Because on the bumps, like its predecessors, it tends to bounce, to the point of not holding its trajectory, even (and especially!) with the shock absorbers set to the hardest.
Better then to leave them flexible, and adapt to the noticeable torque effects in the steering wheel, which then lacks precision. Damage. In compensation, the suspension is comfortable, and the Astra, safe and silent, is devastating at high speed on the autobahn. The average consumption is about 9.5 l/100 km, less when driving very quietly, and much more when attacking, turbo requires…
L’alternative youngtimer
Opel Kadett GSI 16v (1988 – 1991)
Marked by a very aerodynamic bodywork, the latest generation Kadett (afterwards, it will be the Astra) appeared in 1984. Very quickly available in GSI version, it could not however compete with the tenors of the category, its 1.8 l sticking to 115 hp. But, quickly, a 2.0 l of 130 hp arrives, in 8 valves then in 16 valves from 1988. And there, watch your eyes, this block develops 156 hp, which is a lot at the time, knowing that the weight does not exceed one ton.
The car is given for 215 km / h and passes the 100 km / h in 7.7 s: a terror! Including for the driver, because the front axle has a hard time passing power to the ground. Clearly, this Kadett is a rocket, but in a straight line only. Not serious, because we have a lot of fun behind the wheel. From €10,000 in perfect condition.
Opel Astra J OPC (2012) technical specifications
- Engine: 4-cylinder in line, 1998 cc
- Fuel supply: direct injection, turbo
- Suspension: McPherson struts, coil springs, electronic dampers, anti-roll bar (AV); torsion axle, coil springs, electronic dampers, anti-roll bar (rear)
- Transmission: 6-speed manual, front-wheel drive
- Power: 280 hp at 5,500 rpm
- Torque: 400 Nm at 2,450 rpm
- Poids : 1 550 kg
- Maximum speed: 250 km/h (manufacturer data)
- 0 to 100 km/h: 6.0 s (manufacturer data)
> To find Opel Astra J OPC advertisements, go to the website of The Central.
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