Thanks for the review just_me. It would be great if you could compare this with the GTI, I wonder which one would win!

Wasn't there already a review of this sort? Maybe GTI vs. Astra OPC vs. Focus ST (or whatever their turbo version is called, here it's the XR5) and maybe vs. something else as well? I think I've seen it in Car magazine somewhere.

I think I seen a few comparisons between these cars and I think the GTI won them all.

Getting a personal review from just_me would be great, I mean. Though I'd expect the GTI to win as well.

Opel Zafira OPC sets lap record on Nürburgring track
Source: - ONLY REGISTERED AND ACTIVATED USERS CAN SEE ALL LINKS - CLICK HERE TO REGISTER - 23.5.2006

Opel now has two sporty record holders under its belt. With an impressive lap time of eight minutes, 54.38 seconds, the Zafira OPC set a new course record for compact vans on the 20.8 kilometer stretch of the Nürburgring racetrack in Germany. The spectacular lap record was set by Manuel Reuter, the former Opel works driver who also set a new record in the two-liter vehicle category last October in an Astra OPC.

Manuel Reuter, who was also involved in the chassis development and fine-tuning of the sporty OPC models, was satisfied with his efforts: “In every phase, this car shows that it received its fine tuning on the most demanding circuits in the world. The performance of the Zafira OPC is just fantastic.”

And Alain Visser, Executive Director for Sales, Marketing and Aftersales, Adam Opel GmbH, added: “The record-setting drives show what kind of performance the OPC models possess. They are true sports cars, while at the same time offering unrestricted suitability for everyday use. OPC vehicles embody the enthusiasm and passion for technology that form the heart of Opel.”

- Audi TT 1.8 Turbo quattro: 8:49min
- VW Golf GTI 2.0 Turbo: 8:53min
- Opel Zafira OPC 2.0 Turbo: 8:54min
- Mini Cooper S: 8:55min

If this is a factory time, than I won't believe it.

I will wait for Sportauto to test one of these and see what really is capable of.

Well, thing is, I think the factory drivers have had much more time to 'practice' getting used to the car's limits and its behaviour. You might think that's unfair or something, but I don't see a problem.

However, if you're adamant that Sportauto is the only acceptable standard, then when (and if) the times come out, and if they're slower, then be prepared to accept that it could be the driver that is the only variable.