Opel Vectra & Meriva OPC

OPC = Opel Performance Centre. This is where the engineers at Opel get to let loose their carnal motoring instincts. They seem to be able to produce no holds barred versions of the more sedate offerings of their range of cars. I got my hands on the Meriva First followed by the Vectra.

A bit of a history lesson first. "Souped-up" versions of family cars started with the VW Golf GTi. It was the one car that kicked off a whole series of imitators that gave us such memorable cars as the Ford Escort XR3 and XR3i. Then there was the Peugeot 205 GTi's - the 1.6 and the 1.9. (The 1.9 by the way wore the best looking alloys ever, marginally beating the 5 interlinking circle alloys Alfa put on their 156). Fiat had Abarth versions and all the other manufacturers produced a hot hatch version of their own. It all went swimmingly until the mid nineties when they were seen as a bit brash and un-cool. The GTi was dropping in desirability and a bit of a hiatus ensued. Not any more. The much, much better VW GTi is back, and the new Focus ST is as potent, and as desirable, as an XR3i ever was. Opel's contribution is 4 OPC's.

The Meriva was the first car I tested for EM and I have a soft spot for it. It's amazingly flexible, practical and spacious. It has a high seating position and is in the simple-to-drive category. 2 adults and 2 kids' needs are more than catered for. With a sprinkling of OPC magic the car is utterly transformed. I.6l of VRT beating 180 turbocharged BHP under the bonnet is the reason for the transformation. Train track roadholding, coupled with serious power under the right foot gives you a car that feels it has had an adrenalin injection. The ability to overtake is awesome, just look in the mirror, indicate, press the pedal and the manoeuvre is over in what feels like an instant. The sensation is akin to what you'd experience in a bigger engined, more expectedly sporty, car. The brilliance of OPC is that it's available in a normal car and you'd be hard pressed to find a label more suited to the Meriva than normal.

The Vectra OPC on the other hand is in a different league altogether. A glorious 2.8l V6 255 bhp engine with a turbo thrown in is some machine. It needs respect and vigilance otherwise the ease with which it picks up speed could catch you off guard and lead you into penalty point territory. (The cruise control on Opel model is simplicity itself and so easy to use it may be the OPC's PP saving grace. 2 small buttons on the indicator stalk does it all. I didn't even realise it was there until I looked over the manual.) Driving powerful cars is a joy. Anyone I know who ever gets the chance to drive a powerful/sporty motor never gets out and says they can't wait to go back to their 1.4 engine. There is something deep in our psyche that power and speed appeals to. Controlled it is a joy, uncontrolled and in the wrong hands the problems are much less savoury.

The trim and levels of comfort on both models are tasteful and appreciated with leather and leather trimmed upholstery. Both came in xx blue which is distinctive if a bit too much so. Hard riding is expected but not too off putting. All the bells and whistles are present and you won't be looking through any brochure for options as they are all there.

Two problems and one is a no-no for me. The Meriva in OPC guise is expensive, €28,400, and for the money there are other cars that come into the frame with wider appeal. It's a pity because the Meriva is a fine car and deserves more success. The Vectra has an Achilles heel. It's the internal sound of the exhaust. This is usually a pre-requisite that's desirable for performance car buyers but its loud drone is extremely irritating and on a long journey drove me mad. The twin exhausts externally sound fine, but inside it's overbearing.

All in all OPC stands for spectacular performance and both cars are wolves in sheep's clothing, albeit in a shade of "Arden" blue. You won't be disappointed with either cars but there are considerations to take into account before you buy.

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