South Africa has a fondness for hotted Opels, stretching from the old Super Boss to modern OPCs.

Earlier this year, Opel’s release of the Corsa OPC gave those without endless cash reserves a glimmer of hope. There’s no denying the look is spot on with all the flares, angles and monster wheels to suit even the hardiest boy racer. The interior too is dressed up for performance with supportive Recaro buckets and the like. The ride tends toward the harsh side but is not unbearable on the open road.

On track the handling comes into its own and the OPC chisels into the more expensive performance car lap times. Comparing the rest of the PCOTY herd’s zero to 100km/h sprint shows that the baby OPC makes up in the corners. The front end turns sharply and feedback to the controls is good.

A downside on track is the accelerator action. Corner entry understeer is started by the power running on, while an overly sensitive pedal means wheel spin and exiting understeer can be a problem if you are heavy-footed. Brakes are exceptional in the feel and stopping department and the six-speed box is slick.

Program your driving style correctly and the OPC will deliver brilliantly. It ticks all the boxes, even a touch of practicality, but you’ll battle to pull off a suit and tie in it.

Opel Corsa OPC
Price: R238 000
kW/Nm: 141/230
0-100km/h (g): 8.8 secs
Top speed (c): 225km/h
Hot Lap (g): 2m13.8

» On to the next contender: Subaru Impreza STi

Which Aston are you? Aston Martin stirs the emotions. Our overview will help you find a model that fits your mood.

Texting twits? Think you're capable of using a cellphone while driving? Watch this video and think again.

My van can The Materia is not what it seems to be and is deceptive in many ways, Philip Devine discovers.