Vauxhall Astra GTC coupe
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- Driver-focused chassis lay-out derived from Insignia VXR and fine-tuned in the UK
- World debut at next month’s Goodwood Festival of Speed, reflecting UK market’s dominance
The new Vauxhall Astra GTC coupe, which will lay down the gauntlet to VW’s Scirocco and Renault’s Megane
Coupe with a heady mix of dynamic excellence, dramatic design features and competitive pricing.
Closely based on last year’s GTC Paris concept, the production Astra GTC enters the UK market – the
biggest in Europe for this model - priced nearly £1,100 less than the basic VW Scirocco. But 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 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 make 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 (1st-3rd July),
reflecting the importance of the UK market to this model. The Opel version of the new coupe, which is likely
to arrive in Australia in 2012, is scheduled for a debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show (Germany) in September.
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High-tech front and rear suspension
Right from the start of the Astra GTC’s development the target was to deliver a focused and
driver-orientated feel to the car, and one that worked well on UK roads. As a result, significant changes
were made to the front suspension, including the adoption of Vauxhall’s HiPerStrut (High Performance
Strut) used on the Insignia VXR. Much proving work was also done on British roads by engineers from
Europe and VEC (Vauxhall Engineering Centre) to hone the car’s damper and steering performance,
recognising the unique nature of the UK road network.
The HiPerStrut uses the existing attachment points from the regular Astra, and has a reduced kingpin
inclination and a shorter spindle length. This reduces levels of torque-steer, improves grip – and
therefore cornering power – while also enhancing steering precision and feedback.
At the rear, the GTC continues to use the compound crank with a Watt’s link that has been employed with
such success on the Astra Hatch and Sports Tourer. This unique and innovative combination is far more
compact and light weight than a multi-link set up, while providing excellent control and stability, as well
as excellent noise insulation.
Compared with the Astra Hatch, the GTC’s ride height has been lowered by 15 mm, while the wheelbase has
grown by 10 mm, from 2,685 mm to 2,695 mm. Both tracks are wider, too, at 1,584 mm (+ 40 mm) front and
1,588 mm (+ 30mm) rear. This allows the option of larger rims (up to 20-inch), as well as improving
stability.
Enhancing the GTC’s chassis still further is the option of Vauxhall’s FlexRide adaptive damping. FlexRide
automatically adapts to prevailing road surfaces and driving styles, providing drivers with fully optimised
handling, even in the event of an emergency situation. In addition, FlexRide offers a choice of three
settings – Standard, Tour or Sport - which will change the car’s character on demand at the push of a
button.
Sleek and handsome lines frame spacious and practical cabin
Since the Astra GTC shares no body panels with either the Astra Hatch or Sports Tourer, it has a unique
appearance in the range, and one which has largely stayed faithful to last year’s stunning GTC Paris
concept.
“We wanted the Astra GTC to be the ultimate expression of Vauxhall’s design language, and to embody
our passion for the motor car,” said Mark Adams, Vice President of Vauxhall/Opel design. “But we
didn’t want emotion to get in the way of functionality: the Astra GTC still needed to be clever, affordable
and practical.”
In profile, Mark and his team provided tension in the GTC’s shape by minimising the lines running along
the body. Vauxhall’s signature blade, a crisp line that sweeps up from the rocker at the front of the door,
is now similar to the Insignia’s, but runs the opposite way to other Astras. A second line strikes through
the door handle, stretching to the rear, while a third line follows the roof’s profile, guiding the eye to
the sharply integrated spoiler.
At the front of the car, a centreline crease is complemented by slim, ‘eagle-eye’-style headlamps
featuring wing-shaped daytime running light graphics. A chrome emblem bar running across the dramatic
trapezoidal grille – mounted lower than on other Astras – completes the picture from the front.
The GTC’s rear treatment is equally dramatic. Its powerful shoulder section gives the car imposing
proportions and a purposeful road presence. The line from the C-pillar wraps around the tail and the rear
spoiler, which integrates with the roofline. LEDs – optional across the GTC range – highlight the
stretched ‘wing’ motif made by the tail lamps.
Four engine line-up, with high output unit for VXR to follow in 2012
The Astra GTC can be ordered with a choice of four engines – one diesel and three petrols.
With 121 kW (165 hp 165 PS), 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 380 Nm of torque
(including overboost function) the 2.0 CDTi engine provides excellent mid-range acceleration for the GTC,
combined with a 0-100 km/h time of 8.9 seconds and a top speed of 210 km/h.
That torque also allows the GTC a relaxed cruising gait, meaning a combined mpg of 4.9 litres of diesel
per 100 km and C02 emissions of just 129 g/km. It also gives drivers a range potential in excess of 1,100
kilometres.
Start/Stop and a six-speed gearbox are also standard on both versions of the 1.4-litre Turbo petrol
engine. With either 88 kW (120 PS) or 103 kW (140 PS), the 1.4T achieves a combined 5.9 litres of fuel per
100 km and 139 g/km of C02 emissions, yet each still delivers crisp performance with maximum torque of 200
Nm delivered between 1,850-4,200 rpm.
The most powerful engine in the range is the 1.6-litre Turbo, which produces 180 PS.
In 2012, a high output VXR model (maybe named "OPC" in the Opel version) is set to wow hot-hatch
enthusiasts – more news on that later in the year (about Frankfurt Motor Show time).
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Practicality and technology enhance GTC’s appeal for all drivers
Don’t be fooled by the GTC’s swooping lines and sporting looks: unlike many of its competitors,
functionality has not been compromised. Not only can the GTC accommodate four adults in comfort, but its
luggage compartment provides between 370 and 1,235 litres – over 200 litres more than some of the
competition.
In line with the current Astra, storage volume in the cabin has also been improved by 50 per cent over
the current model, with items like the standard electronic park brake liberating space around the centre
console in every GTC.
Standard equipment is generous no matter which GTC model customers choose. Even in entry-level Sport
trim, the GTC comes equipped with 18-inch alloy wheels, DAB stereo and USB functionality. Move up to the
top-spec SRi, and buyers get as standard tinted glass, onboard computer, leather-trimmed steering wheel
and fog lamps. The latest generation Bi-Xenon Advanced Forward Lighting (AFL), which offers nine separate
light beams, is optional across the range.
A range of new colours and materials, bespoke to the GTC, set the car apart from others in the Astra
range. Morello Red, a new premium leather trim, is also available as an option and brings with it six-way
adjustable front seats.
Australian availability
Stay tuned to Next Car for confirmation, in due course, of an Australian release of the Opel Astra
coupe. It is anticipated during 2012.
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