Finding some clear asphalt, I revved her up, dropped the clutch and she lagged a little before bolting forward like a hungry cheetah. It was a mild kind of lag, not the dangerous or annoying type, but just enough to make you appreciate the surge of power that follows once the turbo?s on full blow. I did feel a little torque steer tug, but it was rather mild and I certainly didn?t have to fight to keep it out of roadside hedges. Its stable sprinting ability gave me more time, then, to enjoy the rorty drone from the tail pipe ? an Opel trait I?ve always enjoyed - and you can even provoke a cheeky backfire by suddenly releasing the loud pedal.

So it?s great in a straight line, but to prove its true dynamic potential, it would have to tackle a few laps around Kyalami. While it delivered a respectable lap time of 2m13.8, it was the subjective experience that really impressed. I was surprised at how direct the front end of this car is ? it turns in so quickly that it caught me by surprise at first. Our car also proved very prone to wheel spin and during hard cornering, this would aggravate the torque steer and put the car slightly off my intended course, but it proved easy enough to correct.

Opel?s electro-hydraulic steering system with variable assistance really works well in this car. The steering feels nice and weighty, and gave me a clear feeling of what was going down at the wheels.

As a hot hatch, the Opel Corsa OPC is a winner and if it steals your heart, you?re not going to worry about how practical or sensible it is. But by the way, interior space is generous for a small hatchback and it has nearly all the bells and whistles you?d expect in a premium car. The ride quality is decent too ? firm, but not uncomfortable and the safety aspect is sorted by a sound structure with five-star EuroNCAP credibility and six airbags. Thanks to its small engine size, it can also be quite frugal if you have enough self discipline to feather-foot it.

In essence, the Corsa OPC is more refined and has a classier and more upmarket feel than all previous fast Opels, including the current Astra OPC. It?s become more sensible without losing the excitement factor.

The price could be a deterrent, although at just under R230K, it doesn?t come at a huge premium over its French rivals and it is considerably cheaper than the Mini.

Looks like small hot hatches have a new Boss.

WE LIKE
Racy looks, racy sounds with power and agility to match
WE DON'T
A bit expensive, slight turbo lag and torque steer.

SAFETY
Airbags: Front, front side and curtain
Safety Equipment: ABS, EBD, SLS, CBC, ESP & ETC.

WE SAY
"I lost my virginity in an Opel Corsa OPC, track virginity that is. What an experience, what an exciting car. Kyalami is renowned for being a ?hairy? track and I?m sure it is when you know how to go fast. Even though the OPC boosted my confidence with its uber dynamics, super brakes and precise steering I was ten seconds off." -Tyrone Bradley
"Great looking package, but not as quick as it looks. Road manners are top-draw stuff with ultra-positive but stable turn-in qualities. However when cruising at higher speeds the hardening at the central-play pick-up point is too hard, resulting in over-correction and unwanted directional movements. However, with time, these quirky behavioural habits should be overcome. Opel has created another future classic." -Mario Lupini

AT A GLANCE
Engine: Slight lag ? hard punch = 8
Chassis: Well sorted = 8
Transmission: Not the smoothest = 6
Brakes: Punchy and enduring = 8
Safety: Five star NCAP = 10
Handling: Surprisingly direct = 8
Specification: Full house hatch = 8
Cabin: Sporty and classy = 7
Styling: On your marks = 8
Fun Factor: Great entertainer = 9

Total: 80

VERDICT
All the excitement of yesterday?s hot Opels in a mature package for today.