A hot-hatch should – by definition – be brash, boisterous and brisk. The limited-edition Opel Corsa OPC Nurburgring Edition was exactly that when it arrived in 2013.
It was a car that you could grab by the scruff of its neck and manhandle it. It was adjustable both on and off-throttle and very easy to read, making it a perfect choice for real driving enthusiasts. It might not have been a refined as some of its newer competitors – like the Focus ST and Renault Clio RS – but the Corsa OPC was still a hoot to drive.
While 141kw and 230nm in the regular OPC wasn’t anything to be scoffed at, in the Nurburgring Edition, its 1.6-litre DOHC turbocharged motor had been massaged to produce 154kw and 250nm, with 280nm on tap thanks to an overboost function. This was achieved by tweaks to the engine management system, turbocharger and the addition of a sports exhaust. The increase in output resulted in a 0-100kph time of 6.8 seconds and a top speed of 230kph.
The car was also 20 mm lower than before, with suspension components such as springs specifically designed for the Nurburgring Edition by Bilstein enhancing its handling prowess. To compliment the uprated suspension, Brembo was called in to supply four-pot calipers and high-performance pads up front.
Lastly, OPC fitted a multi-plate mechanical limited-slip differential on the front axle which helped to put the increased power down properly. The performance and chassis was honed to track perfection, but on regular roads, it proved a little too jarring and firm for some.
Ironically, despite being named after the famed track, Opel never did release an official lap time for the OPC Nurburgring at the ‘Ring, however, some estimate it would be around 8:40. While it was available in other colors, the two most popular colors were Grasshopper Green and Henna Orange.
If you still weren’t sure it was a Nurburgring, other differences over the regular OPC included a model-specific front-spoiler lip, new 18” multi-spoke alloy-wheels and dual exhaust tailpipes instead of the usual triangular exit. The final exterior touch were the Nurburgring stickers on the door frames.
As with other OPCs, a pair of hip-hugging Recaros dominated the interior, but in the ‘Ring edition, the upholstery had white stitching on the front and back seats, as well as Nurburgring logos throughout. It also gained some additional kit in the form of adaptive headlights, climate control, and heated front seats to name just some.
Only 65 were brought to South Africa in 2013, and at a price of R343 200, the OPC Nurburgring wasn’t cheap. It however was a brazen track-tuned hooligan that none of its competitors could match for thrills – a car for the true petrol head.
Also worth a look: the Opel Corsa and the Opel Corsa: Germany's Favourite Small Car Goes Electric.
FAQ
Q: What does the Opel Corsa OPC Nurburgring Edition cost in South Africa?
The Opel Corsa OPC Nurburgring Edition originally retailed for around R389,900 when new in 2013, but you can now find decent used examples starting from R180,000 to R280,000 depending on mileage and condition.
Q: Is the Opel Corsa OPC Nurburgring Edition worth buying?
The Corsa OPC Nurburgring Edition is absolutely worth buying if you want a proper old-school hot hatch that prioritises raw driving thrills over modern refinement, especially considering you can snag one for under R300,000 today.
Q: How fast is the Opel Corsa OPC Nurburgring Edition?
The Corsa OPC Nurburgring Edition produces 154kW and 250Nm (280Nm with overboost), rockets from 0-100kph in just 6.8 seconds, and hits a top speed of 230kph.
Q: What makes the Nurburgring Edition different from the regular Corsa OPC?
The Nurburgring Edition packs an extra 13kW and 20Nm over the standard OPC, sits 20mm lower on Bilstein suspension, gets Brembo four-pot front brakes, and features a mechanical limited-slip differential for better traction.
Q: Should I buy an Opel Corsa OPC Nurburgring Edition instead of a newer hot hatch?
If you prefer mechanical feel and old-school hot hatch character over modern refinement and tech, the Nurburgring Edition offers better value than spending R400,000+ on newer alternatives like the Polo GTI or Fiesta ST.
Should You Buy It?
The best old-school hot hatch under R300,000 in South Africa is absolutely the Opel Corsa OPC Nurburgring Edition. This is a proper enthusiast's car that doesn't mess about with fancy electronics or comfort compromises, it just gets on with the business of being brilliantly engaging to drive. Yes, the suspension is firm enough to rattle your fillings loose, and yes, modern rivals are more refined, but that's exactly the point. For R180,000 to R280,000, you're getting 154kW of turbocharged mayhem, a mechanical diff, Brembo brakes, and genuine limited-edition kudos. Just make sure you inspect the turbo and clutch carefully, and budget for maintenance because these aren't exactly known for being cheap to run. If you want a hot hatch that feels like it was built by enthusiasts for enthusiasts, buy one before prices start climbing.
