Opel recently invited automotive journalists to take the 207-horsepower car through a unique challenge after giving them a chance to test the new Corsa OPC extensively on the Basque streets in northern Spain. The 20.832-km challenge with 73 curves and nearly 300 meters of height difference took place on a training racetrack at the Nordschleife in Nürburgring that runs through Eifel Forest. Trainees are walked through each stage of this ‘Grüne Hölle’ by experienced instructors.

For two days, journalists from all over Europe tested Opel’s sportiest and fastest subcompact under professional conditions. The car features a turbocharged gas engine, an OPC performance package including 330 mm, four-piston Brembo braking discs and a mechanical differential lock. The journalists’ verdict was unanimous: “You’re not going to find a better sports car for around €25,000.” According to OPC head Volker Strycek, the Corsa OPC put in a great performance, even against some cars that are many times more expensive and produced by premium brands. Winner of the Nürburgring 24-hour race in 2003, Strycek has led the OPC department since 1998.