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Vauxhall Astra GTC vs rivals

The Vauxhall Astra has got sexy at last. But is sleek new GTC the best three-door hatch?

Vauxhall Astra GTC vs rivals

Photos: Pete Gibson November 2011

The humble three-door family hatch has undergone a major transformation. Not long ago, these cars were essentially simpler, cheaper versions of their five-door stablemates. Not any more: the latest breed represents something far more desirable.

Now three-door hatches are billed as sporty coupes with a practical edge, and have sleek styling and powerful engines. The old Vauxhall Astra was one of the first to embrace this approach, and the new GTC takes it even further.

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

 

The five-door Astra is a smart design, but the new three-door puts a sporty slant on Vauxhall’s family hatch. Only the door handles and roof aerial have survived the transition, so it promises a unique look to go with its sharper dynamics. 

Here we test the 2.0 CDTI model, which is expected to account for most UK sales. But buyers after a hatch-based coupe are spoiled for choice, and the Vauxhall faces stiff competition from a pair of established rivals. 

The Volkswagen Scirocco is the current class leader, and in 2.0 TDI guise it’s easy to see why. Adaptive suspension, striking looks and an appealing badge make it the car to beat.

The Renault Megane Coupe is the other big contender. As with the Astra, it looks much racier than its five-door cousin, and the 2.0 dCi diesel GT version promises strong performance at an attractive price. So, is the family coupe class about to get a new champion?

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

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10 Comments

CURSE YOU JOURNALISTS!

Never trust a word a journalist says - motoring or otherwise. Journalists are biased by their nature and they never speak the truth, but rather what they want the truth to be.

People, be independant enough to make your own decisions; I know what my decision is - Astra.

By Abdurrahman1 on 16 November, 2011, 10:05pm

Dam right!!

1st Astra
2nd Megane
3rd Scirocco

All three are great cars but you can't rate the Scirocco higher than the Megane or Astra GTC.

Untill Ford realise that they need a new Capri/Puma, these 3 will clean up!

By no_1fordfan on 17 November, 2011, 8:41am

Astra is weak, its design philosophy is questionable and doesn't make much sense, thing is you guys have no idea what youre on about, same goes for the insignia, the car is only visually appealing to the common idiot of todays society who has no sense on style or car design philosophy. Aside from the exterior, the astra interior has no class or substance, again stemming from questionable design! Let's look at what's real, rather than your

By chan_singh833 on 18 November, 2011, 10:08am

...Personal preferences lol

By chan_singh833 on 18 November, 2011, 10:08am

chan_singh833

Yeah right you'd wish. Whereas the scirroggo looks like a raped frog and its interior like a lego designed older golf...Up yours pal.

Oh and I don't own a fucking astra but stuff like this...

By giorikas81 on 19 November, 2011, 8:03am

SJP

well said giorikas81

By astramanzz on 19 November, 2011, 8:12am

For me the Astra is the best looking. In the flesh with the 20 inch alloys it's truly stunning. The interior is disappointing but feels a lot better screwed together than the Renault's and unless you opt for the expensive two-tone leather in the Scirocco it's not as drab as the VW. Really looking forward to test driving the GTC and may even buy one.

Oh and one other thing, on the model I had a sit and a play with you can open the boot by pressing the bottom of the Vauxhall badge. I can only assume that either this wasn't working on the test model or Autoexpress didn't figure it out.

By RodHull on 19 November, 2011, 11:41am

Hovis or Warburtons today Mrs?

Great to see AutoExpress make the German bread van (with fancy alloys) the group winner... Again!

But then again we should have known.

What a load of buttered Baps!

By LegioIXHispana on 20 November, 2011, 12:29am

Hovis or Warburtons today Mrs?

Spot on.

That's one impressive VX Astra.

By dan_gers on 24 November, 2011, 10:59am

Hysterical !!! I'm wettiing myself, lol. You guys provide a lot of entertainment sometimes.......such vehemently expressed mere opinions. chan_ its cool you dont like the Astra/Vauxhall, but matey your negative response to the car does not make it a bad one. You'd be argued into the ground by the thousands who will line up to buy one. Now, I might go and read what's been said about the three.....

By barina47 on 25 November, 2011, 6:14am

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Full Car Reviews

VW Scirocco front tracking

1st VW Scirocco

Scirocco coupe mixes style and quality with great drive
Vauxhall Astra GTC front tracking

2nd Vauxhall Astra GTC

Does the three-door Astra GTC deliver on the promise of its racy looks?
Renault Megane Coupe front tracking

3rd Renault Megane Coupe

Head-turning three-door is versatile as well as fun to drive
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Facts and Figures

Verdict

Looking to buy a coupe? Then practicality and value usually take a distant second place to head-turning style. If a car has a stunning design, you can overlook the fact that it’s more cramped and expensive than a humble hatchback alternative.

So the good news is that the Astra GTC manages to combine eye-catching style with everyday versatility. Its sleek concept-inspired looks hide a cabin that’s spacious and upmarket. It also delivers a refined and grown-up drive and low running costs.

These talents allow it to easily finish ahead of the Renault. The Megane is neatly styled, fast, fun to drive and well equipped, but it’s let down by its firm ride and less robust build quality. High CO2 emissions further weaken its case.

So, what about the Scirocco? It certainly isn’t as practical as the Vauxhall, and trails on ultimate performance, too. Yet the VW is better to drive, cheaper to run and a stronger long-term investment. 
More importantly, its styling is even more distinctive, despite the fact that the car has been in showrooms here for more than three years. As a result, it takes a deserved victory here.

1. Volkswagen Scirocco
The Scirocco is a familiar face, but its appeal remains undimmed. Helping to set it apart are eye-catching looks and an upmarket cabin, while the sharp chassis makes it great fun to drive. BlueMotion trim gives penny-pinching running costs.

2. Vauxhall astra GTC
If this test was decided on looks alone, the GTC might have taken the win. But it’s much more than just a pretty face – it’s also roomy, well built and refined. The only things holding it back are its higher running costs and lack of driver involvement.

3. Renault Megane
There’s no shame in a third place finish for the Megane. With its sleek looks, agile chassis and an equipment tally to rival an executive car, it’s a strong choice. However, it’s let down by its firm ride and high running costs.
 
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