Let's get the other key figures out first. Sprint to 100km/h is a nice round six seconds, very fast for a large saloon. The performance comes from a specially tweaked version of Opel's 2.8 V6, with 435Nm of torque that offers a dragster-like roll from a standing start. There's AWD, and an adaptive intelligent suspension that provides the right underpinning for any kind of driving situation.
Am I driving hype over the top here? Not really. From the get go this is a highly impressive machine, and the halo it bestows on the nameplate is of serious value.
Visually the extra muscle is understated, with special air intakes the main giveaway from the front. Side views show skirts and an integrated spoiler, and rather massive alloys with very low profile tyres. The stylish OPC exhaust pipe endings and a discreet OPC badge on the boot are for those passed by.
The inside has the standard basic trim and instruments style, already of high quality and only with some small extra detailing to suggest it's a very special car. Some of that is a leather gearshift cover with neat white stitching, and there's blue OPC badging on that shifter. Just in case the Recaro-seated front occupants forget where they are.Even without those, it would be hard to forget. The distinctive rumble from the V6 even at idle is an orchestra of underbonnet power. Conducted with enthusiasm, it can perform a whole symphony of enjoyment in sound alone.
It is a case of instant appreciation, because the result of such enthusiasm also lets you know with an almighty kick in the back that you're going places. Fast.
Fast, yes, but with a lovely fluidity. I remember predecessors of the OPC, Opel's GSI cars, notably the Kadett. Howling and exhilarating performance, but much more brutish than the company's very refined power cars of today. They were a handful, whereas the OPC is a car you can enjoy with a delicate finesse.
The car has adaptive AWD, which lets the powertrain do its own thing as may be necessary for the conditions ... and the level of your enthusiasm. It can be push-buttoned to two levels of dynamics, Sport upping the standard game pleasantly, the OPC button going for all out performance, but without adding discomfort unless you're on bad surfaces.
There's a price to be paid for performance, of course. With a combined fuel consumption of around 10.5L/100km, or less than 30mpg, and CO2 emissions that require the annual forking out of €2,350 for road tax.
Is it worth it? Well, depends on whether your thing is to have an absolutely wonderful piece of motoring machinery in your driveway which can also double as a family car, or you require a level of frugality. If the latter, the previously-reviewed Insignia 1.4 is a good choice.
If the former, be prepared to fork out more than €55,000. Plus in the review car the Leather Pack, which includes folding mirrors, for €2,505 and the 'brilliant' element in the colour for €155.
The nice thing is, you won't be mistaken for a hot Beemer, Audi or Merc owner. Especially when you leave them in the dust. Sometimes it's the small pleasures, isn't it?
