Renault Megane RS 2.0T 250 (M) vs Opel Astra OPC 2.0 Turbo (M)
08 May 2013|20,028 views
Big, muscular-looking cars with big engines to match underneath their hoods have been the outdated definition of kings of the roads. And that is only because mankind has found better ways of having fun on the road.
One of it, no doubt, is by fitting smaller cars with engines that are capable of big outputs. Turbocharging seems to have a certain way around it - to give the car more soul than it deserves.
Befitting to the title of hot hatch, the Astra OPC came looking all skimmed and ready - with the wide body kits and gratifying power figures that for a moment, makes you wonder if it was an Opel. Yes, it is from the German marque alright.
But has it got the goods to go against the highly acclaimed Renault Megane RS?
Both hot hatches have looks and power to turn daily commutes into smokes of frenziness
Exterior
If the RS is a Megane hatch after rounds of hardcore, intensive gym trainings, the OPC looks like it's born with flexing muscles. A dose of steroids has seen the stylish GTC coupe take on a more menacing stance, credits to the gaping air inlet and swelled wheel arches.
One of it, no doubt, is by fitting smaller cars with engines that are capable of big outputs. Turbocharging seems to have a certain way around it - to give the car more soul than it deserves.
Befitting to the title of hot hatch, the Astra OPC came looking all skimmed and ready - with the wide body kits and gratifying power figures that for a moment, makes you wonder if it was an Opel. Yes, it is from the German marque alright.
But has it got the goods to go against the highly acclaimed Renault Megane RS?
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Exterior
If the RS is a Megane hatch after rounds of hardcore, intensive gym trainings, the OPC looks like it's born with flexing muscles. A dose of steroids has seen the stylish GTC coupe take on a more menacing stance, credits to the gaping air inlet and swelled wheel arches.
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Shod with optional 20-inch alloys, the OPC is also blessed with a sporting stance that equals, if not better, the RS. The crisp lines and sleek side profile make it feel younger among the twin.
But by no means does the RS look outdated in any sense. Even by hot hatch standards the RS has no lack of sporting flourishes - blackout rims, widened body kit, contrasting wing mirrors - the RS has it all. These, not leaving out the iconic centre tailpipe which hints at its street racer motive.
And if you ask us, to pick one based on looks alone is as good as choosing between Anne Hathaway and Kate Hudson. It isn't going to be easy.
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Interior
Being the newer of the lot, the OPC's interior carries more glittery. The twin-roundel driver display is clearly more sporty-looking. And to make things more special, the white hue turns red when the 'all-hell-break-loose' OPC mode is selected.
Both hot hatches inherit interior layouts and parts from their more 'inert' siblings
The RS has less of the visual drama found in the OPC. The interior, perhaps, best hints at its age. The cabin, however, is still a special place to be in - with sporty yellow found on steering and seat stitchings, as well as on seat belts to remind you that this is not your usual dish.
The car's settings and information can also be a tad puzzling to work. But when done right, the system provides race-derived vitals such as a centrifugal force meter and lap timer.
Being the newer of the lot, the OPC's interior carries more glittery. The twin-roundel driver display is clearly more sporty-looking. And to make things more special, the white hue turns red when the 'all-hell-break-loose' OPC mode is selected.
 |  |
The RS has less of the visual drama found in the OPC. The interior, perhaps, best hints at its age. The cabin, however, is still a special place to be in - with sporty yellow found on steering and seat stitchings, as well as on seat belts to remind you that this is not your usual dish.
The car's settings and information can also be a tad puzzling to work. But when done right, the system provides race-derived vitals such as a centrifugal force meter and lap timer.
If one of your ideas of a hot hatch involves fitting passengers at ease at the rump, the OPC will be a more suitable choice. Else, it is the RS which will make for a more lovely drive with its more engaging position.
The OPC, on the other hand, will allow for more adjustments. While the Recaro sports seats are fixed in the RS, the OPC’s are packed with intricate controls to alter lumber and side seat supports. Put simply, the OPC has a more luxurious iteration of what a sports seat can be.
Recaro in the RS (left) is snug and fitting, and looks all set for some track action, while the OPC's thick bolstered seats (right) give a more luxurious feel
The OPC, on the other hand, will allow for more adjustments. While the Recaro sports seats are fixed in the RS, the OPC’s are packed with intricate controls to alter lumber and side seat supports. Put simply, the OPC has a more luxurious iteration of what a sports seat can be.
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The Drive
If you are a hardcore hot hatch enthusiast, the previous sections wouldn't tempt you any better than this. In the paper chase for power, the OPC looks almighty with 280bhp and 400Nm of torque - 30 more horses and 60 more nut wrenching torque than the French hatch.
Both hatches sport 2.0-litre force-fed powerplants, but the RS' (left) 250bhp and 340Nm of torque falls short of the OPC's (right) 280bhp and 400Nm
But all is not lost, as the RS bites back into the game by having a lighter kerb weight (a substantial 163kg less). As such, both hatches are equally as quick off the line.
When thrown the gauntlet, the RS is decidingly fast in response, happily revving to cloud nine - before a blip sets in and barks at you to upshift. The OPC is no slowcoach either. Whilst at it, its lungs and intestines will create an ensemble of force-fed symphony, which will leave you wanting more.
When it comes to the drive, the RS feels livelier on its feet and more agile through corners. While the OPC's steering is weighty and precise, the RS' emotes with better feedback.
Both cars come with six-speed manual gearboxes. The German's is easy to work with, albeit with a slightly longer throw which is less involving.
On the other hand, the RS' stick shift is more engaging, providing wrist snap cog changes. The meaty clutch, however, will not hesitate to bite back and stall should you take it any less seriously, commanding more respect than that in the OPC.
If you are a hardcore hot hatch enthusiast, the previous sections wouldn't tempt you any better than this. In the paper chase for power, the OPC looks almighty with 280bhp and 400Nm of torque - 30 more horses and 60 more nut wrenching torque than the French hatch.
 |  |
But all is not lost, as the RS bites back into the game by having a lighter kerb weight (a substantial 163kg less). As such, both hatches are equally as quick off the line.
When thrown the gauntlet, the RS is decidingly fast in response, happily revving to cloud nine - before a blip sets in and barks at you to upshift. The OPC is no slowcoach either. Whilst at it, its lungs and intestines will create an ensemble of force-fed symphony, which will leave you wanting more.
When it comes to the drive, the RS feels livelier on its feet and more agile through corners. While the OPC's steering is weighty and precise, the RS' emotes with better feedback.
Both cars come with six-speed manual gearboxes. The German's is easy to work with, albeit with a slightly longer throw which is less involving.
On the other hand, the RS' stick shift is more engaging, providing wrist snap cog changes. The meaty clutch, however, will not hesitate to bite back and stall should you take it any less seriously, commanding more respect than that in the OPC.
But when worked with the right mind and physique, the experience is truely enriching - something which the OPC will find hard to match up to.
With taut setups, both cars score in terms of body control. The OPC comes with three preset driving modes which will alter the suspension and throttle response, whereas the RS offers no such option.
Surprisingly, despite having larger rims and lower profile tyres, the OPC does not feel more punishing than the RS at any point of our test drive.
Both six-speeders are good to work with, but it is the RS' short throw stick (right) that provides the best connection and entertainment
Conclusion
The Astra OPC is a competent all rounder, giving its best to thrill without asking much from its driver. The aural soundtrack is also one of the most tantalising we have heard of late.
On the other side of the scale, the Megane RS stays grounded to its sporting intents. With razor sharp handling, there is little doubt that it remains as one of the most rewarding hot hatches to drive in the market.
More importantly, it is the RS' no-compromise attitude that garners our respect - and vote.
With taut setups, both cars score in terms of body control. The OPC comes with three preset driving modes which will alter the suspension and throttle response, whereas the RS offers no such option.
Surprisingly, despite having larger rims and lower profile tyres, the OPC does not feel more punishing than the RS at any point of our test drive.
Conclusion
The Astra OPC is a competent all rounder, giving its best to thrill without asking much from its driver. The aural soundtrack is also one of the most tantalising we have heard of late.
On the other side of the scale, the Megane RS stays grounded to its sporting intents. With razor sharp handling, there is little doubt that it remains as one of the most rewarding hot hatches to drive in the market.
More importantly, it is the RS' no-compromise attitude that garners our respect - and vote.
Big, muscular-looking cars with big engines to match underneath their hoods have been the outdated definition of kings of the roads. And that is only because mankind has found better ways of having fun on the road.
One of it, no doubt, is by fitting smaller cars with engines that are capable of big outputs. Turbocharging seems to have a certain way around it - to give the car more soul than it deserves.
Befitting to the title of hot hatch, the Astra OPC came looking all skimmed and ready - with the wide body kits and gratifying power figures that for a moment, makes you wonder if it was an Opel. Yes, it is from the German marque alright.
But has it got the goods to go against the highly acclaimed Renault Megane RS?
Exterior
If the RS is a Megane hatch after rounds of hardcore, intensive gym trainings, the OPC looks like it's born with flexing muscles. A dose of steroids has seen the stylish GTC coupe take on a more menacing stance, credits to the gaping air inlet and swelled wheel arches.
One of it, no doubt, is by fitting smaller cars with engines that are capable of big outputs. Turbocharging seems to have a certain way around it - to give the car more soul than it deserves.
Befitting to the title of hot hatch, the Astra OPC came looking all skimmed and ready - with the wide body kits and gratifying power figures that for a moment, makes you wonder if it was an Opel. Yes, it is from the German marque alright.
But has it got the goods to go against the highly acclaimed Renault Megane RS?
Exterior
If the RS is a Megane hatch after rounds of hardcore, intensive gym trainings, the OPC looks like it's born with flexing muscles. A dose of steroids has seen the stylish GTC coupe take on a more menacing stance, credits to the gaping air inlet and swelled wheel arches.
Shod with optional 20-inch alloys, the OPC is also blessed with a sporting stance that equals, if not better, the RS. The crisp lines and sleek side profile make it feel younger among the twin.
But by no means does the RS look outdated in any sense. Even by hot hatch standards the RS has no lack of sporting flourishes - blackout rims, widened body kit, contrasting wing mirrors - the RS has it all. These, not leaving out the iconic centre tailpipe which hints at its street racer motive.
And if you ask us, to pick one based on looks alone is as good as choosing between Anne Hathaway and Kate Hudson. It isn't going to be easy.
But by no means does the RS look outdated in any sense. Even by hot hatch standards the RS has no lack of sporting flourishes - blackout rims, widened body kit, contrasting wing mirrors - the RS has it all. These, not leaving out the iconic centre tailpipe which hints at its street racer motive.
And if you ask us, to pick one based on looks alone is as good as choosing between Anne Hathaway and Kate Hudson. It isn't going to be easy.
Interior
Being the newer of the lot, the OPC's interior carries more glittery. The twin-roundel driver display is clearly more sporty-looking. And to make things more special, the white hue turns red when the 'all-hell-break-loose' OPC mode is selected.
The RS has less of the visual drama found in the OPC. The interior, perhaps, best hints at its age. The cabin, however, is still a special place to be in - with sporty yellow found on steering and seat stitchings, as well as on seat belts to remind you that this is not your usual dish.
The car's settings and information can also be a tad puzzling to work. But when done right, the system provides race-derived vitals such as a centrifugal force meter and lap timer.
Being the newer of the lot, the OPC's interior carries more glittery. The twin-roundel driver display is clearly more sporty-looking. And to make things more special, the white hue turns red when the 'all-hell-break-loose' OPC mode is selected.
The RS has less of the visual drama found in the OPC. The interior, perhaps, best hints at its age. The cabin, however, is still a special place to be in - with sporty yellow found on steering and seat stitchings, as well as on seat belts to remind you that this is not your usual dish.
The car's settings and information can also be a tad puzzling to work. But when done right, the system provides race-derived vitals such as a centrifugal force meter and lap timer.
If one of your ideas of a hot hatch involves fitting passengers at ease at the rump, the OPC will be a more suitable choice. Else, it is the RS which will make for a more lovely drive with its more engaging position.
The OPC, on the other hand, will allow for more adjustments. While the Recaro sports seats are fixed in the RS, the OPC’s are packed with intricate controls to alter lumber and side seat supports. Put simply, the OPC has a more luxurious iteration of what a sports seat can be.
The OPC, on the other hand, will allow for more adjustments. While the Recaro sports seats are fixed in the RS, the OPC’s are packed with intricate controls to alter lumber and side seat supports. Put simply, the OPC has a more luxurious iteration of what a sports seat can be.
The Drive
If you are a hardcore hot hatch enthusiast, the previous sections wouldn't tempt you any better than this. In the paper chase for power, the OPC looks almighty with 280bhp and 400Nm of torque - 30 more horses and 60 more nut wrenching torque than the French hatch.
But all is not lost, as the RS bites back into the game by having a lighter kerb weight (a substantial 163kg less). As such, both hatches are equally as quick off the line.
When thrown the gauntlet, the RS is decidingly fast in response, happily revving to cloud nine - before a blip sets in and barks at you to upshift. The OPC is no slowcoach either. Whilst at it, its lungs and intestines will create an ensemble of force-fed symphony, which will leave you wanting more.
When it comes to the drive, the RS feels livelier on its feet and more agile through corners. While the OPC's steering is weighty and precise, the RS' emotes with better feedback.
Both cars come with six-speed manual gearboxes. The German's is easy to work with, albeit with a slightly longer throw which is less involving.
On the other hand, the RS' stick shift is more engaging, providing wrist snap cog changes. The meaty clutch, however, will not hesitate to bite back and stall should you take it any less seriously, commanding more respect than that in the OPC.
If you are a hardcore hot hatch enthusiast, the previous sections wouldn't tempt you any better than this. In the paper chase for power, the OPC looks almighty with 280bhp and 400Nm of torque - 30 more horses and 60 more nut wrenching torque than the French hatch.
But all is not lost, as the RS bites back into the game by having a lighter kerb weight (a substantial 163kg less). As such, both hatches are equally as quick off the line.
When thrown the gauntlet, the RS is decidingly fast in response, happily revving to cloud nine - before a blip sets in and barks at you to upshift. The OPC is no slowcoach either. Whilst at it, its lungs and intestines will create an ensemble of force-fed symphony, which will leave you wanting more.
When it comes to the drive, the RS feels livelier on its feet and more agile through corners. While the OPC's steering is weighty and precise, the RS' emotes with better feedback.
Both cars come with six-speed manual gearboxes. The German's is easy to work with, albeit with a slightly longer throw which is less involving.
On the other hand, the RS' stick shift is more engaging, providing wrist snap cog changes. The meaty clutch, however, will not hesitate to bite back and stall should you take it any less seriously, commanding more respect than that in the OPC.
But when worked with the right mind and physique, the experience is truely enriching - something which the OPC will find hard to match up to.
With taut setups, both cars score in terms of body control. The OPC comes with three preset driving modes which will alter the suspension and throttle response, whereas the RS offers no such option.
Surprisingly, despite having larger rims and lower profile tyres, the OPC does not feel more punishing than the RS at any point of our test drive.
Conclusion
The Astra OPC is a competent all rounder, giving its best to thrill without asking much from its driver. The aural soundtrack is also one of the most tantalising we have heard of late.
On the other side of the scale, the Megane RS stays grounded to its sporting intents. With razor sharp handling, there is little doubt that it remains as one of the most rewarding hot hatches to drive in the market.
More importantly, it is the RS' no-compromise attitude that garners our respect - and vote.
With taut setups, both cars score in terms of body control. The OPC comes with three preset driving modes which will alter the suspension and throttle response, whereas the RS offers no such option.
Surprisingly, despite having larger rims and lower profile tyres, the OPC does not feel more punishing than the RS at any point of our test drive.
Conclusion
The Astra OPC is a competent all rounder, giving its best to thrill without asking much from its driver. The aural soundtrack is also one of the most tantalising we have heard of late.
On the other side of the scale, the Megane RS stays grounded to its sporting intents. With razor sharp handling, there is little doubt that it remains as one of the most rewarding hot hatches to drive in the market.
More importantly, it is the RS' no-compromise attitude that garners our respect - and vote.
Photos by Low Fai Ming
Car Information
Renault Megane RS 2.0T 250 (M)
CAT B|Petrol|11.9km/L
Horsepower
186kW (250 bhp)
Torque
340 Nm
Acceleration
6.1sec (0-100km /hr)
This model is no longer being sold by local distributor
All Used Renault Megane RSOpel Astra OPC 2.0 Turbo (M)
CAT B|Petrol|12.3km/L
Horsepower
209kW (280 bhp)
Torque
400 Nm
Acceleration
6sec (0-100km /hr)
This model is no longer being sold by local distributor
All Used Opel Astra OPC
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