Order books open for new Astra GTC

Order books for the new Astra GTC, which  throws down the gauntlet to VW’s Scirocco and Renault’s Megane Coupe, open today as Vauxhall plans the first deliveries to UK customers later in the year.

The new model offers a heady mix of dynamic excellence, dramatic design features and competitive pricing. Closely based on last year’s stunning GTC Paris concept, the production Astra GTC enters the UK market priced from just £18,495, nearly £1,100 less than the basic VW Scirocco. Even in entry-level trim, the Astra GTC adopts the sophisticated front suspension from the Insignia VXR, featuring Vauxhall’s HiPerStrut (High Performance Strut), combined with the clever Watt’s link rear axle for unmatched stability and handling precision.

The third body style to come off the new Astra’s Delta platform (following the Hatch and last year’s Sports Tourer), the only elements the GTC shares with its siblings are door handles and the roof aerial – even the wheelbase and tracks are different. Brit, Mark Adams, Vauxhall’s Vice President of Design, has aimed to create a car that looks like it’s been plucked from the class above, with its low, wide stance and simple, yet rakish lines.

But don’t be fooled: the GTC’s ‘straight-from-concept’ looks shroud a cabin that’s roomy and comfortable enough to accommodate four adults and their luggage. So while the GTC will appeal to UK car enthusiasts, its practicality will ensure that it accounts for around 20 per cent of all Astra sales when it arrives in UK showrooms towards the end of this year.

“The GTC is a high-profile addition to the Astra range and one that’s sure to appeal to anyone who loves cars and driving,” said Duncan Aldred, Vauxhall’s Managing Director. “Better still, its chassis has been fine-tuned by Vauxhall Engineering Centre in the UK, reflecting the importance of our Millbrook-based operation, and also the fact that the UK will be the dominant market for GTC when it arrives in showrooms later this year.”

The GTC will receive its world premiere at next month’s Goodwood Festival of Speed (July 1-3), reflecting the importance of the UK market to this model.

Compared with the Astra Hatch, the GTC’s ride height has been lowered by 15mm, while the wheelbase has grown by 10mm, from 2685mm to 2695mm. Both tracks are wider, too, at 1584mm (+ 40mm) front and 1588mm (+ 30mm) rear. This allows the option of larger rims (up to 20-inch), as well as improving stability.

The Astra GTC can be ordered with a choice of four engines – one diesel and three petrols.

With 165PS, the 2.0 CDTi is an upgraded version of the diesel that’s fitted to some models in the Insignia and Astra ranges. All engines have a diesel particulate filter, six-speed transmission and Start/Stop as standard, maximising economy and performance. Delivering 380Nm of torque (including overboost function) the 2.0 CDTi engine provides excellent mid-range acceleration for the GTC, combined with a 0-62mph time of 8.9 seconds and a top speed of 130mph.

That torque also allows the GTC a relaxed cruising gait, meaning a combined mpg of 57.6mpg and C0₂ emissions of just 129g/km. It also gives drivers a range potential in excess of 700 miles.

Vauxhall Astra car leasing deals 

Vauxhall Astra new and nearly new car deals 

Vauxhall Astra road test reports 

Start/Stop and a six-speed gearbox are also standard on both versions of the 1.4-litre Turbo petrol engine. With either 120PS or 140PS, the 1.4T achieves a combined 47.9mpg and 139g/km of C02 emissions, yet each still delivers crisp performance with maximum torque of 200Nm delivered between 1850-4200rpm.

The most powerful engine in the range is the 1.6-litre Turbo, which produces 180PS and allows the GTC to hit a top speed of 132mph.

In 2012, a high output VXR model is set to wow British hot-hatch enthusiasts – more news on that later in the year.

The GTC range starts at £18,495 for the 120PS Sport 1.4 Turbo and extends to £22,430 for the 165PS SRi 2.0 CDTi.

Author: Faye Sunderland, June 7th, 2011
Filed under: Vauxhall | No Comments »