2013 Opel Insignia OPC Launch Review
2013 OPEL INSIGNIA OPC REVIEW
What’s hot: Big power, big torque, nice style.
What’s not: Soft dynamics, automatic gearbox not up to the task.
X-Factor: Inexpensive, comparatively, for a hi-po Euro performance saloon.
Vehicle Style: Luxury performance sedan
Price: $59,990
Power/Torque: 239kW/435Nm
Fuel Economy claimed: 10.9 l/100km
OVERVIEW
Since the Volkswagen Passat R36 departed VW’s local line-up, there’s been a distinct lack of high performance options in the mid-size sedan market.
For affordable thumping performance you’ve got to go up a size to Ford’s enticing $56,235 G6E Turbo or the $61,990 Holden Calais V V8.
Cue then to the all-wheel-drive Opel Insignia OPC. With 239kW from its 2.8 litre turbocharged V6, the Insignia OPC is Opel’s most powerful production car ever - and it can be yours for a shade under $60,000.
With a unique bodykit and a more purposeful stance than the more prosaic Insignia variants, the Insignia OPC looks terrific. It’s also comfortable, thanks to a pair of brilliant Recaro seats and loads of luxury equipment.
And it’s certainly fast. Although, that said, it isn’t a balls-out turbo AWD executive express; Opel’s OPC Insignia is more luxo-cruiser than raw hammer.
THE INTERIOR
Inside the OPC, black abounds: black leather trimming the seats, steering wheel and gearshifter, and a black headliner to boot.
Quality feel however is inconsistent, with a soft-touch upper dash and hard scratchy plastics on the lower dash and centre console.
There’s also a button-heavy centre stack that’s hard to interpret at a glance.
Happily, the Recaro-badged front seats look dramatic, are form-fitting and offer great support, while the flat-bottomed OPC steering wheel also feels great.