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Vauxhall Astra GTC
Since the Vauxhall 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 the stunning 2010 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, practical and affordable."

In profile, Mark and his team a significant number of whom are fellow Brits created 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, 'eagleeye'style headlamps featuring wingshaped 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. Equally dramatic is the GTC's rear treatment. Its powerful shoulder section gives the car imposing proportions and a purposeful road presence. The line from the Cpillar wraps around the tail and the rear spoiler, which in turn integrates with the roofline. LED rear lighting optional across the GTC range highlights the stretched 'wing' motif created by the tail lamps.

The Vauxhall Astra GTC has a Cd figure of just 0.33.

Standard on both Sport and SRi trims are 18inch alloy wheels, with each getting a unique design. For the first time on a Vauxhall coupe in this class, 20inch rims are available as an option on SRi models, with 19inch wheels a further cost option on both trims.

On the upperspec SRi model, tinted glass is standard, while the latest generation AFL (Adaptive Forward Lighting) is optional across the GTC range.

Interior

Despite the GTC's rakish exterior appearance, unlike many of its competitors, interior accommodation and functionality have not been compromised.

Not only can the GTC accommodate five adults, but its luggage compartment provides between 380 and 1165 litres of volume 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 versus the old Sport Hatch, with items like the electronic park brake liberating space around the console in SRi models.

High quality materials feature in all GTCs, as do chromeedged instruments in deepset binnacles that give drivers clear and well laidout information. Standard on all GTCs are DAB stereo and USB functionality, while SRi drivers get an onboard computer and leatherrimmed steering wheel, among many other standard items.

Two new colours Seashell and Flaming Yellow and a selection of new materials, bespoke to the GTC, set the car apart from others in the Astra range. Morello Red, and a new premium leather trim, is also available as an option and brings with it a sixway adjustable driver's seat.

CHASSIS

The Vauxhall Astra GTC's appeal runs far deeper than its rakish lines. Unlike many threedoor versions of existing compact hatches, the GTC like the Astra Sports Hatch before it will be a standalone model in Vauxhall's range, conceived to resonate with a more driver oriented customer base who value the way a car handles and performs as much as the way it looks.

To do this, engineers from both Vauxhall Engineering Centre at Millbrook and Opel in Rüsselsheim have developed a bespoke platform for the GTC. Key components such as the HiPerStruts used on the front axle have been derived from the 325PS Insignia VXR, while significant upgrades have been made to the GTC's unique Watt's link/compound crank rear end. So while the GTC lineup currently includes a broad range of engines producing from 120 to 180PS, drivers can always be assured of classleading levels of dynamic control.