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Vauxhall Astra GTC

We drive a prototype of Vauxhall's three-door performance hatch on UK roads ahead of its on sale date in November

Vauxhall Astra GTC

By Dan Strong

July 2011

Is this the car that could put Vauxhall back on the road to glory? The Luton firm says the new GTC won’t just be the best looking car in its class, but the most exciting to drive too - and it’s so confident of those claims that it invited Auto Express to get behind the wheel of a prototype version of the newcomer, which goes on sale in November.

Even under the black and white disguise worn by our test car there’s no doubt that the Astra’s proportions and its swept back, LED-equipped headlamps help it stand out from the crowd. Entry-level models offer 18-inch wheels, while our test car wore wheel arch-busting 19-inch rims. Drivers after more road presence can plump for massive 20-inch boots – a unique offering in this class.

Video: watch CarBuyer's video review of the Astra GTC

 

Inside, our prototypes were still “a work in progress” according to the firm’s engineers. But while the cabin is spacious and neatly trimmed, there’s not much to write home about in terms of visual flair. We’ve got our fingers crossed that there are improvements to the look of the dash in particular before the car is launched.

The GTC offers drivers four engine choices, including 120bhp and 140bhp 1.4-litre petrol units, plus a 180bhp 1.6-litre turbo and a 165bhp 2.0-litre diesel. Two trims are on offer, including an entry-level Sport and a range-topping SRi. A VXR version is under development too.

Prices start at £18,495 for the basic car, and top out at £22,430 for the most expensive diesel - that makes the entry-level version around £1,000 cheaper than a comparable Volkswagen Scirocco, and £200 more expensive than the more powerful, 130bhp Renault Megane Coupe.

Back on the test track, our 1.6-litre turbocharged SRi certainly sounded good once the ignition had been flicked on. The car has a different exhaust system to the five-door Astra hatch and its engine note is deeper and more purposeful.

With the throttle flat to the floor, the impressive 180bhp 1.6-litre engine feels responsive and smooth. It has enough power to propel the car from 0-62 mph in around 8 seconds and on to a top speed of 132mph. Brakes feel strong, and the gearshift is slick. Visibility through the tall screen is impressive too, a key component of any good driver’s car!

Under the skin the GTC is fitted with the same front suspension developed for the 325bhp Insignia VXR, while at the rear it gets an upgraded version of the Astra hatchback’s multi-link suspension. Vauxhall’s computer-controlled damping system, FlexRide, is also fitted. It helps provide even greater stability and grip, as well as three driving modes, including standard, tour and sport.

A lot of work has been done tuning the arrangement to suit UK roads, and it shows. As we tackled a series of tests, the steering proved accurate, and the car felt remarkably well balanced – particularly through fast and open bends. The test tracks we tried were too smooth to judge the quality of the ride, however, there was plenty of opportunity to make the most of the driver-focused handling.

Steering is accurate, and the car a lively performer. Best of all is the way that the car will break traction at the rear when driven really hard through a bend. On the test track, there was very little in the way of tyre scrubbing, speed sapping understeer.

You can be confident that the GTC will deliver on Vauxhall’s promise of being exciting to drive - and that the finished car will be stunning to look at. And it needs to be. Vauxhall is tasked with selling some 40 percent of all Astra GTC’s built - a tough target that if met will provide a huge boost to the cash hungry firm.

For an alternative review of the latest Vauxhall Astra visit our sister site carbuyer.co.uk

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12 Comments

Wrong

Comment: The astra family does not have multi link suspension. It employes a simpler cheaper less efficient torsion beam with watts linkage. However one may put it it is not independent multi link rear suspension

By giorikas81 on 21 July, 2011, 10:06am

Hmmmm....OK

It doesn't look as "special' as the prototype.
Guess VX let the accountants get their hands on the car.
Interiors are definately one of their week points.

By toycollector on 21 July, 2011, 12:02pm

Naturally!

"Back on the test track, our 1.6-litre turbocharged SRi certainly sounded good once the ignition had been flicked on" ............ presumably it didn't make much sound at all until you did that?

Car could be good if they have sorted the handling but as always it has lost something in the tranmsformation from the concept. Doesn't look exotic enough to compete with Scirroco or Giulietta. Its a good job that Focus has been taking the ugly pills.

By ukmike2000 on 21 July, 2011, 12:46pm

What?

Looking at the video of the concept - either the driver was sitting on damp newspaper OR they have found a new way to print the instruction manual onto the seats to save paper.

By ukmike2000 on 21 July, 2011, 12:50pm

watts wrong with rear suspension?

giorikas81 while I agree with you that the article incorrectly states the suspension type, I don't with your perceived slating of it. The new astra set-up gives you most of an independent set-ups benefits without the drawbacks, don't just take my word for it, see the article from auto express sister mag, Evo (http://www.evo.co.uk/carreviews/evocarreviews/238591/vauxhall_astra_16_turbo.html) and them guys know what their talking about!

As for looks, of course its toned down from the concept, as that will most likely be the template for the top of the range VXR model (just as the insignia concept was a few years ago).

By biggerO1 on 21 July, 2011, 3:00pm

Why the sad face?

I don't know why some of the comments above are so glum, I think it looks very nice and the car is obviously content too judging by the huge grin it is wearing XD

By sgtgrash on 21 July, 2011, 3:48pm

20inch wheels why

why would anyone want 19 or 20inch wheels,maybe okay if you don't live in Britain and don't have to endure its pot hole riddled roads.

By nickbsmooth on 21 July, 2011, 4:24pm

Why?

Why? It has not got Stop-Start, Why? It has no other eco-style devices to save the owner a little bit more on fuel. Why do so many of these manufacturers not include Stop-Start as standard on all their cars? Why? If they are under so much pressure -obviously not enough- to make their products more eco-friendly, why not do what BMW 'ARE' doing. They could fit more and still keep it's decent looks, and performance. Come on, manufacturers, get a grip.

By bob809 on 22 July, 2011, 8:02pm

look to the bumper

look to the bumper its from mazda.may be the parts are cheaper who knows..also internal trims look more cheap.whats going on by uk cars in these days.

By perperek on 23 July, 2011, 12:49am

Why I believe it has....

2.0 CDTI does have start-stop, its just not on the petrol ones.

By biggerO1 on 23 July, 2011, 2:09pm

german designed Astra

Not as good as British designed Ford Fiest or Focus ... german built GM engines not as good as Ford's Welsh built Zetec gems....

By liverpool on 15 September, 2011, 9:46pm

GM employ 45K in germany

6 K only in the UK...... Come on GM get real

By liverpool on 15 September, 2011, 9:51pm

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FIRST OPINION

    Vauxhall says it’s had to meet two unique challenges while developing the new three-door GTC. First, British drivers are among the hardest to please and two, our roads are among the worst in Europe… Fortunately, a new suspension system has ensured this car is great fun to drive, while its smooth styling ensure it’s just as good to look at. Though pricey – the entry level car costs £19,000 – this is Vauxhall’s best performance hatchback to date.

 

AT A GLANCE

    Price: £21,380 (as tested)
    Engine: 1.6-litre 4cyl turbo, 180bhp
    Transmission: Front-wheel drive, six-speed manual
    Top speed: 132mph
    0-60mph: 8 seconds (est)
    Combined economy: 40mpg
    CO2: 170g/km (approx
    Equipment: Bluetooth connectivity, climate control, cruise control, rear parking sensors, part leather seats, 19 inch alloy wheels 
    On sale: Now
     
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