Vauxhall has given five-door versions of the Astra a new look, and added a potent new diesel to the GTC range.

Available to order now, with first deliveries in September, the refreshed design of the Astra hatchbach and Sports Tourer – both of which are built at Vauxhall’s Ellesmere Port plant in Cheshire – gives the cars a more bold and aggressive appearance.

Both body styles get a new grille, with repositioned logo-bar in the upper section and a re-styled lower section too. New front indicator lamps and a new design of fog lamp (where fitted) complete the front-end revisions.

The rear of both models has also been refreshed, with new rear-panel styling complemented by a chrome lower moulding. Pricing remains unchanged from the previous model.

Also available to order from today is the Astra GTC 2.0 CDTi BiTurbo, which will become the most powerful non-VXR model in the range, producing 195bhp and 295lb-ft of torque.

And while the extra power and torque give it a healthy lift in performance with 0-60mph achieved in 7.8 seconds and a top speed of 139mph, the BiTurbo still sets a combined 53.3mpg and CO2 emissions of 139g/km. All BiTurbos receive Vauxhall’s stop/start system as standard.


Uniquely in this class, the GTC uses a sequential turbocharging system, with the smaller turbo accelerating quickly at lower speeds to eliminate ‘lag’, providing 258lb-ft of torque from 1500rpm. In the mid-range, both turbochargers work together providing maximum torque of 295lb-ft between 1750-2500rpm.

The Astra GTC BiTurbo enters the range at £23,925 – a premium of £995 over the GTC 2.0 CDTi 165bhp model – but in addition to extra power and torque, receives: bespoke 18-inch alloy wheels, electronic climate control, 6mm lower ride-height, a new body-kit and ‘Track’ interior trim, with a flat-bottomed leather steering wheel.

All Astra customers can now order the Driver Assistance Pack, which for £750 includes features like Forward Collision Alert, Lane Departure Warning, Traffic Sign Recognition and Following Distance Indicator.

Other new options for the hatchback and Sports Tourer only include a Rear View Camera Pack, Winter Pack (heated steering wheel and seats for £345) and LED daytime running lights (£145). Three new colours – Sculpture Bronze, Phantom Grey and Deep Sky – have also been introduced, while the Astra’s standard DAB radio has been upgraded to a DMB (Digital Media Broadcast) system across the range.
 

More articles on: