There’s a detectable split in loyalty between people who buy mid-range performance vehicles much the same way there is a split between those who buy luxury sedans.
In all likelihood, those people who are well-oiled and passionate about cars are either dedicated Mercedes-Benz, BMW or even Audi fans. In much the same way you have dedicated fans of Opel and those who pledge their undying loyalty to Volkswagen.
With the release of the GTi last year, VW for the first time in a long time upped the ante with a credible performance vehicle. Of course, Opel would never turn down a fight and so the Astra GTC 2,0litre turbo hit our shores recently and the range-topping 177kW OPC has just been launched.
Opels, which are normally characterised by hefty amounts of torque-steer, thankfully solved the problem on the GTC. But let the revs go past 5Â 000rpm and your grip on the steering wheel will automatically tighten as the steering gets away from you ever so slightly.
Models in the range include a 1,8litre petrol engine producing 103kW, an extremely lively 1,9litre diesel producing 110kW and the range-topping 2,0litre turbo pushing out 147kW. My test unit was the mighty 2,0litre turbo.
The GTC is an attractive vehicle, though I’m not sure I like the oversized headlights all that much. However, from the in-your-face front to the sloping rear and the racy five-spoke 18-inch alloys, the GTC certainly looks the part of a boiling hot hatch.
Despite being a three-door car, it has a surprising amount of space for rear passengers, so it was a bit of a squeeze, but I did manage to get five adults into the car.
The upholstery, fit and finishings are neat and of a decent enough standard — and it’s nice to note that the gear knob is big enough to grip comfortably when making rapid gear changes.
Standard features include six airbags, active head restraints at the front, air-con, electric windows, frontloading CD player, cruise control and a host of optional extras that include xenon headlights and a multi-function steering wheel. I had an opportunity to drive the GTC at Wesbank Raceway, thanks to the Dynamic Driving team, and I have to say it lived up to its lofty lineage and proved to be a truly exhilarating vehicle.
The acceleration and roadholding are exceptional and the six-speed transmission made many of us look like professional drivers. Changing up or down in a hurry was child’s play.
In a car as powerful as this your brakes are of utmost importance. The ABS with brake assist, electronic brake distribution and cornering brake control do a great job at high speeds, instilling confidence in the driver.
All in all, the GTC exceeds expectations and is as dynamically capable as any of its rivals — and the competitive pricing will no doubt make it an even more attractive option.
Fact file
Model: Opel Astra GTC
Price: R230 920
Engine: 2,0-litre turbo-charged
Tech: 147kW, 262Nm
Top speed: 230kph, 0 to 100kph in 8,2s
Tank: 52 litres
Services: 15 000km