The motoring world was not exactly waiting with bated breath for the Vauxhall/Opel Astra’s latest incarnation! Previous models could be described, kindly, as a bit utilitarian. Few of us expected much more than a basic upgrade.
But when the GTC reared its head at the Paris Motor Show in 2010, there were plenty of double-takes. Could the forgettable old Astra really have transformed itself into this sporty, Alfa-Romeo-like coupe?
A couple of years on from the unveiling, what’s the truth about the Astra GTC? Are the changes superficial, or does it put its money where its mouth is? Having driven the car a good bit, here are my thoughts on its key features:
Stepping Inside – First Impressions
When I first saw the Astra GTC, I was really surprised by how good it looks. The sporty, muscular design speaks of an altogether new vehicle to the old Astra. So I was a little disappointed that the revolution didn’t continue inside, based almost entirely on the old model.
That said, the old Astra had actually reached a fairly decent level of quality with the interior, and the GTC follows suit. It’s also been given a slightly sporty, modern makeover. Available in Sri or Sport trims, the materials are high quality and tactile.
The Driving Space
I’m a big fan of the orthopedic driver’s seat, complete with fully adjustable lumbar support. There might be a danger of nodding off to sleep because it’s so comfortable, were it not for the sporty driving position and performance! I also like that the steering wheel has loads of adjustment in it, both vertically and horizontally.
The entertainment system offers everything you’d expect from a modern, premium vehicle: an integrated hands-free phone system with steering wheel controls, iPod connection point, digital radio, and audio controls on the wheel. Plus, the 8-speaker system can produce some impressive sound quality.
Looks Aren’t Everything – The Practical Side
Whilst the GTC has a whole different appeal to the old model, Vauxhall seems to have clung to its practical advantages so as not to lose the old fans! One of the first things that struck me about sitting in the driver’s seat was how good the storage areas were. There’s nothing ingeniously hidden, but everything from the side door compartment to the glove-box is a perfect size.
In fact, the GTC as a whole is a bit of a tardis. I once sat in the back seat for an hour’s drive and felt really comfortable, although I’m 6ft3. I was worried that the low roofline would cause a problem, and what 3-door coupe scores points for legroom? But, partly due to the GTC’s long wheel-base, it is weirdly spacious. I don’t even think 3 people would be too painful!
Probably more impressive still is the 380 liters of boot space. You could bundle enough luggage for a family holiday in the GTC’s cavernous rear, yet it’s so well disguised from the outside! For such a compact, squat-looking coupe to boast spacious rear seats as well as a boot just 100 liters smaller than the Audi A4 is rare indeed.
Performance
So, is the Astra GTC as fun to drive as it looks? The engineers at Vauxhall got pretty busy with the development of this car, and some major changes to the suspension have taken effect.
At the front, their ‘HiperStrut’ suspension results in great traction, and the car feels extremely sure-footed even when your foot is hard on the gas. It also succeeds in banishing torque steer almost entirely. A Watt’s linkage system, which Vauxhall makes frequent use of, has been applied to the GTC’s rear suspension. Essentially, it keeps the axle from shifting around and brings greater stability.
As a result of these improvements to the suspension, the GTC’s rock-solid, muscular appearance is reflected in the way it handles on the road. It gets the better of most corners with phenomenal ease. I love the fact that you can take it into bends at a decent speed and just glide through them. The Vauxhall FlexRide Chassis system offers Normal, Tour, and Sport Modes. These are pretty self-explanatory, and Sport mode, in particular, is a lot of fun in this car.
The GTC comes with petrol and diesel options, including a 1.6 turbo petrol unit giving 180bhp – the most powerful engine in the class. This really does produce an exciting level of performance and will propel you from stationary to 62mph in less than 8 seconds!
But, despite its transformation, the GTC will remain for many a practical family hatchback, and this engine ain’t the cheapest! The most popular option is the 1.4 turbo petrol which gives a respectable 140 horsepower and offers a great balance of economy, price, and performance.
So, needless to say, the GTC’s performance is so far beyond its predecessor that it doesn’t bear comparison. I think it corners more smoothly than many of the top cars in its class and feels very stable at all times. But the handling is perhaps a touch less sensitive than its main rivals, the VW Scirocco and Renault Megane Coupe.
Safety
The GTC is a robust little car given the top 5 star Euro NCAP safety rating. With airbags all around (front, side, and curtain) and a passenger cell constructed of high-strength steel, it is very resilient to serious collisions. The Park Pilot sensors are convenient for squeezing into tight spots, and the bumpers are situated to minimize damage from small prangs.
Final Thoughts
The Vauxhall Astra has come a long way with the GTC. Although it caught lots of people by surprise, it’s actually a natural step in evolving family hatchbacks into desirable, sporty vehicles.
Personally, I think it’s the best-looking car in the class, and by far the most practical. The steering could be a bit more responsive, but with superb cornering, much-improved suspension, and a great selection of engines, the performance is up there with the VW Scirocco and Renault Megane Coupe.
Hats-off to Vauxhall/Opel for this one, and I can’t wait to get my hands on the 280hp Astra VXR that’s on its way!
