GENEVA MOTOR SHOW: Opel Corsa OPC

Opel has revealed a turbocharged 152kW version of its Corsa hatchback and it's likely to eventually wear a Holden badge in Australian showrooms.

General Motors' direct rival for pint-size hot hatches like Ford's Fiesta ST and the Renault Clio RS will make its global public premiere at the Geneva motor show on March 3.

Opel says the three-door Corsa OPC's 1.6-litre turbo-four was designed to improve driveability, with peak torque generated between 1900 and 5800rpm, plus an additional 35Nm (280Nm) available for short periods under full acceleration via an overboost function.

The German car-maker, whose British sister brand Vauxhall will release the car in the UK as the Corsa VXR, says its hottest Corsa will sprint to 100km/h in 6.8 seconds, on its way to a 230km/h top speed.

Matched exclusively with a six-speed manual transmission driving the front wheels, the newest OPC is claimed to consume 7.5L/100km.

Naturally, it comes with a range of chassis enhancements to complement the additional power, including a 10mm lower ride height, a new Koni-developed Frequency Selective Damping system, larger 308mm front brake discs and multi-spoke 17-inch alloy wheels with 245/45 R17 Michelin tyres.

European buyers will also have the option of a Performance Package comprising larger wheels, Brembo brakes and a mechanical limited-slip differential.

Cosmetically, the OPC's sports body kit features de rigueur front and rear bumpers, side skirts and roof-mounted rear wing, plus a subtle bonnet scoop.

The more aggressive exterior wrap a similarly more focussed cabin featuring Recaro sports front seats, a flat-bottom steering wheel and OPC instruments.

GM will relaunch the discontinued Opel Astra GTC, Astra VXR and Insignia VXR as Holden models in Australia in coming months, along with the new Cascada convertible.

Holden has said up to a third of its future model range will come from Opel in Europe and the Corsa light-car line-up – including the OPC model badged as a VXR – is eventually expected to join the range.