Vauxhall opens order books for new Astra GTC

Vauxhall has revealed the new Astra GTC, which it says will meet the challenge of the Volkswagen 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 priced from £18,495.

But even in entry-level trim, the Astra GTC adopts the front suspension from the Insignia VXR, featuring Vauxhall’s HiPerStrut (High Performance Strut), combined with the 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.

“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.”