First look: Hot Euro 'Barina' surfaces

OPEL'S new Corsa OPC is the latest European pocket-rocket contender against the leading Renault Clio Sport 197 and Mini R56 Cooper S.

Derived from the all-new fourth-generation Corsa, the light car that Holden rejected for the Daewoo Kalos-based TK Barina, features a 141kW/260Nm 1.6-litre twin-cam turbocharged four-cylinder engine.

From a standstill, it will hit 100km/h in 7.2 seconds, reach 225km/h, and yet still achieve 7.9L/100km.

Torque is delivered to the front wheels via a six-speed manual gearbox, while the platform – shared with the latest Fiat Punto – has been tuned at Germany’s notorious Nurburgring racetrack.

Opel's designers have added a bodykit with a roof-mounted spoiler, a contrasting rear diffuser with a centrally sited triangular exhaust pipe, new mirrors, 17-inch alloy wheels, Recaro sports seats and your usual smattering of aluminium trim inserts inside.

However, do not expect it to be sold here, unless Holden Special Vehicles can do something with it.