Do not seek out SPS as a selling point. It was advanced in 2000, but modern electric steering (even on a 2015 Ford Fiesta) is lighter, more reliable, and equally stable at speed. A failing SPS pump is a red flag — walk away or negotiate a large discount.
SPS is an interesting footnote in steering history. It proves Opel was trying to engineer genuine driver engagement before the industry went numb. But it is not a classic great system like Honda’s NSX electric power steering or BMW’s hydraulic M racks. It is simply "very good for a family hatchback of its era."
This review evaluates the system from the perspective of a driver experiencing it today. What is SPS? SPS stands for Speed-sensitive Parameter Steering . Unlike traditional hydraulic power steering (which has a fixed level of assist) or early electronic systems (which were often numb), SPS uses an electro-hydraulic pump. The pump’s pressure is controlled by the car’s ECU based on vehicle speed. In simple terms: lots of assist at parking speeds, minimal assist on the highway. The Driving Experience – The Good 1. Superb Low-Speed Maneuvering At parking lot speeds (<15 km/h or 10 mph), SPS delivers immense power assistance. You can literally twirl the wheel with one finger. This makes parallel parking a breeze, especially in older cars without parking sensors or cameras. It was a standout feature in its day, rivaling modern light electric systems.
While SPS is good, it is not "sporty" in the sense of a BMW E46 or a Honda Integra. The transition between low-speed and high-speed assistance, while smooth, can feel slightly artificial. Some drivers report a "dead zone" just off-center at medium speeds (50-70 km/h) where the steering feels light but not communicative.