New Opel Astra GTC

2012 Opel Astra GTC

The GTC is always a fan favorite for the Astra fan and the all new Opel Astra GTC is no exception for the enthusiast who want a three-door hatchback that competes against the likes of the Volkswagen Scirocco and the Renault Megane Coupe.

The new Opel Astra GTC has no relation to the current generation Opel Astra and Opel Astra Sports Tourer because this new model comes with an unique design that stays true to the 2010 GTC Paris concept. According to Mark Adams, Vice President of Opel/Vauxhall design, the Opel Astra GTC wants to be the ultimate expression of Opel's design philosophy but they didn't want emotion to slip past against functionality. With this, the new GTC features a dramatic styling that makes it more aggressive enough to feel what it means to be a three-door hatchback.

From the equally dramatic exterior, the same Astra interior comes into play. Customers who are with the Opel Astra GTC Edition may get features like Active-safety front seat head restraints, CD 400 CD/MP3 CD player with stereo radio, Digital Audio Broadcast stereo receiver, and USB connection with iPod control. For the Astra GTC Innovation, the flagship variant, they may get most of the features from the Sport variant but with added extras such as Sports front seats and Multi-function trip computer.

Most variants come with a standard 6-speed manual transmission, which is great for the the enthusiasts who love to drive cars with three pedals on it. Anyway, the GTC offers a choice of engines such as the 1.4i 16v VVT Turbo, 1.6i 16v Turbo, 1.7CDTi 16v, and 2.0CDTi 16v engine. Most variants, except the 1.6i 16v Turbo, come with the idling stop system that allows the engine to shut off automatically when stopped at the red light, making it essential to reduce emissions.

It comes with 9 exterior colors; Schneeweiß, Sunny Melon, Powerrot, Graphitschwarz, Argonsilber, Karbongrau, Silbersee, Fresh Mint, and Mineralweiß.

My comment:
This new Astra GTC looks great enough to enjoy some Saturday night in downtown London. With such dramatic styling cues, impressive performance, and stunning interior, this maybe a good alternative to the Volkswagen Scirocco and the Renault Megane Coupe.