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Up close with 3dr Astra

We get exclusive access to GTC Paris, points to sizzling three-door Astra SRi.

Up close with 3dr Astra

Text: Luke Madden / Photos: Pete Gibson

22nd October 2010

We first clapped eyes on the Astra GTC Paris on the stands in the French capital earlier this month. But now, Auto Express has been given exclusive access to Vauxhall’s stunning show car. 

It previews the three-door Astra, due late next year – yet it can barely be called a concept. Vice president of design Mark Adams explained: “As we’ve proved with the Insignia and Meriva, we can bring dramatic cars from concept to production, and the final Astra three-door will be no exception.” Some features will be axed for the showrooms, though. Adams confirmed that the striking red paint is too expensive to offer on road models, while those huge 21-inch wheels will make way for a smaller set.

The cabin is essentially production-ready, and neat touches such as the contrast-stitched leather and Alcantara seats give a sporty feel. However, the writing on the bases – a quote about speed and beauty from Richard Bach’s novel, Jonathan Livingston Seagull – won’t feature on roadgoing models.

Despite the sporty bodykit, Vauxhall sources tell us the Astra GTC doesn’t preview the new VXR performance model, but an SRi warm hatch. The flagship will get an even more aggressive design and, as with past VXRs, will be the most powerful car in its class. That means the direct-injection 2.0-litre turbo will give more than the Ford Focus RS’s 301bhp.

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

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10 Comments

Photoshop again! That is Opel Astra with fake Vauxhall badge :)))

Do we need to play in this stupid game called Vauxhall???
The car on the picture is left hand drive Opel Astra. Look at the Opel badge on the trip computer screen.
Someone did a nice photoshop 'copy and paste' excercise with Vauxhall badge but do we really need to pretend ourselves that Vauxhall design cars?

By miki123 on 25 October, 2010, 10:42pm

Anyway 300bhp+ (more than the Focus RS, I'm guessing maybe 320) in FWD car is mad.

By koupekid on 25 October, 2010, 10:56pm

how can red paint be deemed too expensive?!! i see red cards on the road everyday, does that mean the owners are rich?

By chinsip on 26 October, 2010, 8:57am

300 + bhp isnt a problem in front wheel drive its the torque that poses problems for Vauxhalls. Opel/Vauxhall...its not fake its 'company structure' Vauxhall and Opel are the same just branded differently for different countries. Your comment would suggest that Jaguar is a 'fake ford' ? Red paint can be too expensive, maybe not if your paying for a Ferrari but on a 'budget' ? costs have to be restricted, its bad enough that Astras top the 20k mark now in some guises. Best lookin Astra for a while tho and i love the idea to mix it up with the coulour switch between driver and passenger seats. Wish the rims could make it to production :-D

By Roddy_Sri on 26 October, 2010, 9:18am

Looks Naff! Could be anything! Korean, Japanese etc etc....

To me, this is just another new 'Vauxhall' need I say more!

By JTravolta77 on 26 October, 2010, 10:16am

Over wheel

Christ them wheels are two big for starters ,,its a three door family coupe not a merc.

By jemyd on 26 October, 2010, 11:52am

Looks good!

I was concerned when the somewhat underwhelming 5 door arrived that the 3dr wouldn't be as good to look at as its predecessor but this looks very good indeed!

Anyone fancy doing a compare and contrast with the new vomit-inducing Focus? :)

By NSanderson on 26 October, 2010, 12:18pm

Getting Better and Better

Opel/Vauxhall are getting better each model they release.
Modern styling.
Better quality.
Better engineered.
Now if they could only say that about their Dealers.

By toycollector on 26 October, 2010, 2:21pm

NEW VAUXHALLS ARE BOLD AND STAND OUT FROM THE CROWD.RENAULT HAS TURN ALL CIVILISED

By CARSARETHEBEST on 27 October, 2010, 5:47pm

@Roddy_Sri

Vauxhall does not design cars. It is just a marketing and some people think they buy British so Opel can sell more cars.
All Vauxhalls are rebadged Opels designed in Rüsselsheim.
There are even LHD Opels in Ireland, Malta and Cyprus.

PS. Jaguar is owned by Tata (not Ford)

By miki123 on 28 October, 2010, 1:19am

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Pictures

Up close with 3dr Astra
Up close with 3dr Astra
Up close with 3dr Astra
Up close with 3dr Astra
Up close with 3dr Astra
Up close with 3dr Astra
Up close with 3dr Astra

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