Top Gear magazine takes a drive of the Astra GTC BiTurbo

Top Gear magazine takes a first drive of the Astra GTC BiTurbo. “It’s the first major refresh of the new Astra range, including the rather delectable new Astra GTC,” writes Vijay Pattni. “That huge panoramic windscreen, for starters. Jump in, look up and it kind of takes you by surprise just how much sky there is on offer. Most airy. The rear has been given a once over, and there’s a new front end too, including redesigned fog lights and grille, inspired by aeroplane wings.” It says the BiTurbo badge signifies “something special under the curves: a modified version of the 2.0-litre diesel engine from the Insignia.” It explains that two turbochargers “fit onto the four-pot, together with a specially built twin-intercooler to allow the entire system to be shoehorned into the Astra’s engine bay. “On paper, this engine boasts some impressive stats. It packs 195bhp, but also 295lb ft of torque from as little as 1,250rpm – as many as the VXR. It’ll hit 0-62mph in 7.8 seconds, but also return 57.7mpg and emit just 129g/km of CO2.” It says a performance-orientated diesel is something the world is becoming accustomed to. “It’s the most powerful diesel Astra ever built – a VXR diesel, if you will. “All Astra BiTurbo variants sport a 6mm drop in ride height, but the handling remains the same: confident, grippy and accurate, albeit a little detached. Still, it’s comfortably £1,500 cheaper and more powerful than an equivalent Golf GTD, if such nuances matter. It’s a decent car, the BiTurbo.” (Source: Top Gear, 31 August)