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New Astra GTC
Look at it. Just look at it. If there's any better reason for buying Vauxhall's stunning Astra GTC three-door hatch than its sassy styling, I've yet to hear it. Yes, it drives well, is solidly built and is well equipped but do you really care? Just look at it.
If you expected the Astra GTC to be just a re-skin of the existing Astra five-door, close inspection will reveal that the changes go rather deeper. Even in entry-level trim, the GTC adopts the sophisticated front suspension from the Insignia VXR, featuring Vauxhall's HiPerStrut (High Performance Strut), combined with the clever Watt's link rear axle for stability and handling precision. Break out the tape measure and you'll discover that both front and rear tracks are wider than the five-door car by 40 and 30mm respectively and the wheelbase is 10mm longer. The ride height is also 15mm lower, helping the big alloys fill the wheel arches.
On sale from November but available to order now through JDavy Vauxhall, the Astra GTC can be ordered with a choice of four engines - one diesel and three petrols. With 165PS, the 2.0 CDTi is an upgraded version of the diesel that's fitted to some models in the Insignia and Astra ranges. Delivering 380Nm of torque (including overboost function) the 2.0 CDTi engine provides excellent mid-range acceleration for the GTC, combined with a zero to 60 mph time of 8.6 seconds and a top speed of 130mph.
Both Start/Stop and a six-speed gearbox are also standard on both versions of the 1.4-litre Turbo petrol engine. With either 120PS or 140PS, the 1.4T offers crisp performance with maximum torque of 200Nm delivered between 1850-4200rpm. The most powerful engine in the range is the 1.6-litre Turbo, which produces 180PS and allows the GTC to hit a top speed of 132mph. Those looking for a real Porsche-baiter will need to wait for the VXR model that's due to arrive in 2012.
Vauxhall’s Astra GTC isn’t blandly attractive, it's flat-out sassy. The GTC's signature design touch is a prominently arced blade, a crisp line that sweeps up from the rocker at the front of the door, running the opposite way to other Astras. A second line strikes through the door handle, stretching to the rear, while a third line follows the roof's profile, guiding the eye to the sharply integrated spoiler. There's a 370-litre boot which underscores Adams' claims of practicality although the rear seats have typically compromised headroom. The use of an electronic parking brake frees up space on the centre console for additional stowage.
The Vauxhall Astra GTC is less a car, more a public service. Buy one and it'll beautify your neighbourhood. The best part is that beneath the silky suit is a car that's solidly sensible. It's like lifting up a Versace ball gown and finding a pair of Doctor Martens underneath. In short, it offers style and practicality.
The acid test for this car's mettle will be when the VXR model is launched. That will put it head to head with seriously talented rivals like the Volkswagen Scirocco R and the Renaultsport Megane Cup and only then will we discover quite how much good will the GTC's looks buy it. For most of us, we suspect the answer is quite a lot.
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Added: 08 August 2011
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