Opel Astra OPC (2013)

Unfortunately, it tips the scales at 1494kg (some 119kg heavier than the RS and 143kg more than the R), so some of that under-bonnet advantage is negated.

However, the OPC still soars from 0-100km/h in a claimed and rapid 6.0 seconds. There is a little turbo lag, and some torque steer when the hammer goes down, but a slick-shifting six-speed manual gearbox brings out the best of the 2.0-litre turbo four.

The suspension settings, throttle response and steering weighting are able to be adjusted via Sport and extreme OPC switches. The latter is really only appropriate in a controlled environment, like a track day. There’s a nice handling balance between grip and agility, though the ride on optional 20-inch alloys fitted with fat rubber is harsh on anything less than smooth hot mix, but this is par for course with most Euro pocket rockets.

The leather sports seats have plenty of powered adjustment, but the dash is busy with way too many single-purpose controls.

Bristling with a performance portfolio developed at Germany’s fabled Nurburgring race track, Astra OPC should be on any hot hatch buyer’s short list. And, yes, you could live with one every day – with a little compromise.