Astra GTC Sharpens Up

The Vauxhall Astra GTC takes part in a three-way test alongside the Seat Leon SC and Kia Pro_cee’d GT in Auto Express. “The Astra GTC took the stylish lines of the five-door model and turned them up a notch,” says the mag. “Every body panel is different: the sculpted lines and high-set rear end clearly distinguish this car from the standard family hatchback. “Climb aboard and you’ll find the GTC shares a cabin with its five-door cousin – just like the Leon. That’s no bad thing, though: it means you get a high-quality, well-built and smartlooking layout. It’s easy enough to get comfortable in the front,” and boot space “is on a par with the Leon”. The 180bhp, 1.6-litre turbo petrol engine is “as quiet and refined as its rivals’ here”, and is “as powerful” as the Leon. The gearbox is “more positive than the Kia’s”. “On the road, the Vauxhall has plenty of grip and a neutral handling balance,” and the GTC’s claimed 39.2mpg is “slightly ahead” of the Kia’s 38.2mpg. “Sharp looks mean the Astra GTC still stands out from the hatchback crowd, while cabin quality is on a par with the Kia’s,” concludes Auto Express. (Link: Auto Express, 29 August)