Reader's Ride | This Opel Astra OPC would teach most new hot hatches a straight-line lesson

• Only a limited number of Astra G OPC models were available in South Africa.
• Tiaan's OPC nicknamed 'Penny', currently makes 245kW and 524Nm with a host of upgrades.
• The Astra G OPC's Z20LET engine produces 147kW and 250Nm in factory trim.
• For more motoring stories, go to Wheels24.

Its been almost a decade since the last time an OPC offering graced South African roads. The 206kW Astra J launched in 2012 remains the last hurrah for local petrolheads seeking a fast Opel and one that held a finger to the lips of the GTI in particular.

Before that, in the early to mid-2000s, the German brand had an abundance of OPC models doing the rounds. Everything from the Corsa, Meriva and Zafira SUVs once had the famous three letters slapped on its backside.

Since the days of the Monza CD 16-valve, Kadett 200tS and Superboss, Opel's boy racer following in SA has always been healthy. The introduction of the OPC nameplate in 2002 signalled a new era in performance, with the Astra G sedan becoming the inaugural model to grace this newfound power.