Sports coupé for the family
The new Vauxhall Astra GTC lays down the gauntlet to VW’s Scirocco and Renault’s Mégane Coupé with a heady mix of dynamic excellence, dramatic design features and competitive pricing.
The car looks like a class act with its low, wide stance and simple, yet rakish lines. In fact the only elements the GTC shares with its siblings are the door handles and the roof aerial – even the wheelbase and tracks are different.
But don’t be fooled: the GTC’s looks conceal a cabin that’s roomy and comfortable enough to accommodate four adults and their luggage. Storage volume inside has been improved by fifty percent over the current model. So while the GTC will appeal to car enthusiasts, its relative practicality should attract attention from fleet buyers and drivers with families too.
The Astra GTC can be ordered with a choice of four engines – one diesel and three petrol. All engines have six-speed transmission and Start/Stop as standard, maximising economy. With 138 bhp, the 1.4-litre turbo petrol engine, on test here, achieves up to 47.9 mpg, yet it still delivers an acceptable, if not blisteringly quick, performance of 0-62 mph in 9.9 seconds and a top speed of 125 mph.
Standard equipment is generous no matter which GTC model you choose. Even in entry-level Sport trim, the GTC comes equipped with 18-inch alloy wheels, DAB stereo and USB functionality. In addition, a range of new colours and materials, bespoke to the GTC, sets the car apart from other Astras.
As with all cars in Vauxhall’s line-up, the GTC comes with a 100,000 mile lifetime warranty, available to first owners. This is supported by twelve months’ Vauxhall Assistance breakdown cover and six years’ body panel anti-perforation warranty.
FACT AND FIGURES
Max speed: 125 mph
0-62 mph: 9.9 seconds
Combined mpg: 47.9
Max. power (bhp): 138 at 4900-6000 rpm
Max. torque (lb/ft): 147 at 1850-4900 rpm
CO2: 139 g/km
Price: £19,080 On the road
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