• Britain's Astra now available with Panoramic windscreen

Astra Sport Hatch is now available with a Panoramic windscreen in the UK, and to celebrate this innovative new arrival Vauxhall has come up with a stunning special edition that shows off the stylish design and driving excitement for which the manufacturer has become renowned.

And it’s not just the roof that’s clearly cool – for the first 500 customers, the newcomer is being offered as a strictly limited edition at an even cooler price.

The 1.8-litre only GTC costs £5 less than the standard Astra Sport Hatch 1.8 SRi on which it’s based, yet comes with equipped with numerous options. As well as the striking Panoramic windscreen, the special model, of which only 500 will be built, features 18-inch five-spoke alloy wheels and unique GTC badges, while equipment highlights include air conditioning, sports seats, ESP^Plus, a trip computer and front fog lights.

But it’s the Panoramic windscreen that’s bound to be the talk of your neighbourhood. Described as "strikingly good looking", the heat-absorbing glass cuts right back across the roof leaving a clear, uninterrupted view out of the car. An electric blind can be slid forward should you crave some more shade.

The feature gives an unusual yet stimulating driving experience, and a feeling of freedom from behind the wheel – one that Auto Express summed up as follows: "Words and photos cannot do it justice – it’s as if someone has removed a blindfold you never even knew was there!"

GTC launch models will be available in three colours – Flame Red, Black Sapphire and Star Silver. All GTCs will be powered by Astra Sport Hatch’s 1.8-litre 125PS powerplant.

After the initial run of GTC models, the Panoramic roof will be available as an option across the Astra Sport Hatch range, but only in the UK and throughout Europe on the Opel version.