OPEL Astra Caravan OPC 2002-2004 Photos, engines & full specs

Opel tried and offered a sporty version of its Astra Caravan (station wagon) in 2002, introducing a turbocharged gasoline engine under the car's hood.

Most families need a station wagon to carry them in and around towns. They are also using the same vehicle for long travels. A compact vehicle could do that very well, but usually with limited trunk space. If there is more than one kid involved in the process, then a regular hatchback is not enough. Opel thought an OPC version for a station wagon could do a better job and built it in 2002.

The most potent Astra station wagon featured a redesigned front fascia. While it retained the same headlights, it sported a new wrapped-around front bumper with a wider lower air-dam and two fog lights in squared clusters. A pair of aerodynamically profiled door mirrors adorned the car's sides. At the back, the carmaker installed a roof spoiler on top of the liftgate.

Inside, the carmaker installed an enhanced instrument cluster with white dials. The changed interior went further, with an OPC badge on the center console and sport bucket seats and side bolstering good enough to provide decent support during high-speed cornering. At the back, the carmaker installed the same bench as on the regular Astra Caravan (station wagon) but with different upholstery. Its flat-folding rear bench expanded the trunk size from 460 liters (15.2 cu-ft) to 1,500 liters (13.7 cu-ft).

Under the hood, OPC (Opel Performance Center) installed a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine, which provided 200 hp. The carmaker paired it with a five-speed manual and provided decent performances for its segment.