Full review and test drive: Opel Astra 'H' OPC (AKA Holden/Vauxhall/Saturn and probably more)

This week we test drive and walk around the Astra H OPC. It's very enjoyable.
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[@ciaran_socal]

Lovely down to earth review, as always John. Your style is unique and a joy to listen to. 😊
As for the owner. It depends on a lot of things.
As you pointed out, he will not get so much fun for so little anywhere else. The piano finish, carbon fiber accents, the Recaro partial leather seats and the new head unit are all amazing, as is the performance given the fuel economy observed. This is affordable sports performance for very little sacrifice. That engine bay is a delight to behold as well.
As for Clarkson, I’m’ sorry, but he’s an idiot and not a reference point for us mere mortals. He drives high performance cars that he doesn’t have to buy and he throws them around a closed circuit with wanton abandon. Sure, he can find the limits to a front wheel drive car, something that he has never liked, but for the average owner, it’s a very compelling proposition, that costs a fraction of the price of his preferred steeds.
So, if the owner is itching for something new, he might have to double the budget, or worse. If he has that kind of money, that’s fine, and he should sell it to a loving owner who appreciates how lucky they are. If he’s strapped for cash, this is as good as it gets for that budget and he should keep it until circumstances change.
That said, I’m not a fan of the exterior styling. I just don’t think that it works very well. The period Megane is better IMHO, and so is the VW Golf, or an Audi A3. The Focus RS, however, is even worse styling, so regardless of its other qualities, I wouldn’t swap this OPC Astra for that.
If the owner does sell it, he should make sure the new owner is going to love it to death, which is what it deserves.

[@lukefrancis8802]

My old car haha good to see it still going

[@finc1945]

Brilliant little rocket of a car, very nice example

[@TedTuned]

That car was blessed where it ended up, the current owner is as good as they get.

[@valkyrie1576]

Go on John treat yourself you know you want it 😂

[@JohnsGarageIreland]

I did and all. It's sold but I'm on the hunt now

[@edwardjconnally2065]

The Owner should Hold onto the OPC Astra. I'd hate to see the Car getting Passed around and Wrecked after all the Work done ......

[@peakseamus]

You'd imagine folk would pay north of €7k for that.