Skip advert
Advertisement

Vauxhall Astra GTC 1.6 200 Limited Edition review

We get our hands on an the Astra GTC fitted with a new 197bhp 1.6-litre turbo petrol

Overall Auto Express rating

3.0

How we review cars
Find your Vauxhall Astra
Compare deals from trusted partners on this car and previous models.
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car

Despite its good looks and practicality, the GTC never really delivered the kind of sporty drive promised by its sleek design. The petrol engine in this new Vauxhall Astra GTC 1.6 200 Limited Edition was supposed to breathe life into the driving experience but its sluggish responses and anemic exhaust note mean it’s the weakest part of the package. We just hope this unit can deliver a bit more excitement when VXR get their hands on it later next year.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Vauxhall is in the middle of a powertrain revolution, with 13 new engines due to join the range over the next two years, and the Astra GTC is the latest model to feel the benefit of a powerful new motor under the bonnet thanks to this Vauxhall Astra GTC 1.6 200 Limited Edition.

The introduction of the new ‘Whisper’ diesels have done wonders for the Meriva and the Zafira Tourer MPVs and the brand is hoping this new 197bhp 1.6-litre turbo can do the same thing for sportier petrols cars like the GTC and Cascada.

On paper it certainly seems impressive enough. Producing a considerable 39bhp more than the more expensive 1.4-litre TSI in the VW Scirocco and recording a hot hatch-like 0-60mph time of 7.3 seconds before hitting its 143mph maximum.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

Qashqai

2018 Nissan

Qashqai

52,849 milesManualDiesel1.5L

Cash £10,900
View Qashqai
5008

2022 Peugeot

5008

46,225 milesManualDiesel1.5L

Cash £18,506
View 5008
Puma

2023 Ford

Puma

67,042 milesManualPetrol1.0L

Cash £12,506
View Puma
EQC

2023 Mercedes

EQC

21,307 milesAutomaticElectric

Cash £26,000
View EQC

In reality though, this new GTC simply never feels as fast as the figures suggest. Press the accelerator expecting an instant response and instead the revs climb only gradually, and you have to really coax it into providing decent acceleration.

It feels like the Astra is simply too heavy to feel as agile or sporty as you would like from a sporty model. On the plus side, that does make it feel very stable and the wide stance and a sophisticated front suspension system from the Insignia VXR mean there is plenty of reassuring grip when the road starts to twist. However the steering gives no real sense of a connection with the front wheels, and you rarely feel encouraged to drive it very fast.

Of course this might not be a priority for all buyers, but refinement definitely will be, and this new GTC falls short in this regard too. The latest Vauxhall diesels are smooth and hushed but this turbo petrol has a surprisingly gruff exhaust note that becomes an intrusive drone if you hold onto the gears too long.

The ride is comfortable though and with spacious back seats and a decent boot the GTC does claw back some credit as a comfortable cruiser. The limited edition model we drove came on stylish 20-inch alloy wheels – but it rode over the few bumps we could find with impressive ease.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Nissan Qashqai

Nissan Qashqai

RRP £27,415Avg. savings £5,568 off RRP*Used from £12,295
Dacia Spring

Dacia Spring

RRP £14,995Avg. savings £1,676 off RRP*
Omoda 5

Omoda 5

RRP £25,915Avg. savings £2,116 off RRP*Used from £18,900
Volkswagen Golf

Volkswagen Golf

RRP £24,625Avg. savings £2,261 off RRP*Used from £13,211
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Kia PV5 Passenger MPV undercuts the VW ID.Buzz by a huge £25k
Kia PV5 Passenger - show front

New Kia PV5 Passenger MPV undercuts the VW ID.Buzz by a huge £25k

New entry into the electric people carrier market undercuts the VW ID. Buzz by a significant margin
News
29 Apr 2025
Car Deal of the Day: BMW’s ultimate luxury SUV at an unusually low price
BMW X7 - front

Car Deal of the Day: BMW’s ultimate luxury SUV at an unusually low price

German firm’s flagship SUV could never be called cheap but it is exceptional value at £735 a month – making it our Deal of the Day for Sunday 27 April
News
27 Apr 2025
New 2025 Kia PV5 van starts from a tempting £22,645
Kia PV5 Cargo on display at Commercial Vehicle Show - front 3/4

New 2025 Kia PV5 van starts from a tempting £22,645

All-new entry into the van market promises competitive pricing and comes with a range of up to 247 miles
News
30 Apr 2025