Opel/Vauxhall Astra L GSe

The first-ever Opel/Vauxhall Astra GSe range signals the birth of a new electrified performance sub-brand. GSe stands for Grand Sport electric and although they're not the successors to the defunct OPC/VXR hot hatches speedo boys are hoping for, the dynamics are worth unorthodox for electrified cars like these.

2023 Vauxhall Astra GSe

With prices starting at around 45,510 Euros plus additional costs, the first-ever Astra GSe is the first of the new GSe range of electrified vehicles that delivers sporty performance and ecology that shows you can never have too much science because if you enjoyed its electrified performance, science works.

2023 Opel Astra GSe

2023 Opel Astra Sports Tourer GSe

Before talking through the science abuse stuff the GSe delivers, let's observe the difference between this and the normal Astras. To differentiate the GSe from the normal Astra, which is now based on today's Peugeot 308, the GSe range features a unique lower grille insert, lightweight 18-inch two-tone diamond cut alloy wheels, and on the inside, jet black Alcantara front seats, not to mention the GSe badge slapped on the back. Unique GSe features aside, the electrified performance variants offer the same conveniences as the normal Astra L range, in hatchback and Sports Tourer variants.

The Astra GSe range is basically a rehash of the plug-in hybrid variants of the current Peugeot 308, meaning you can expect the same turbocharged 1.6L petrol engine connected to an 81kW electric motor. It produces a system power output of 225PS of power, has a 0-100kph of 7.5 seconds, and a top speed of 235kph. Mated to an electrified 8-speed AT, it has 1.1L/100km combined fuel economy based on WLTP standards.

Because dynamics are the main focus of the GSe, it features a unique sport-tuned suspension setup that drops 10mm of height, Koni FSD dampers, and a special ESP setting with a higher activation threshold. With such setups made exclusively for the GSe, driving one of these feels mild and tangy in every way. Although not as wild as a hot hatch, it feels easier to drive as such.

Although they're not the successors to the defunct OPC/VXR hot hatches speedo boys are hoping for, the dynamics are worth unorthodox for electrified cars like these. What a way to kick off the GSe brand in a big way.

Photo: Opel/Vauxhall

Opel/Vauxhall Astra L Sports Tourer

The all-new Astra may be more of a Germanized version of the new Peugeot 308 with a squarish front face that looks abstract and pixelated but it's shaping up to be a proper European hatchback for the masses. With the arrival of the Sports Tourer variant, you can get the same treatment as expected in the hatchback equivalent but with the bigger boot for your everyday needs.

2022 Opel Astra Sports Tourer

2022 Vauxhall Astra Sports Tourer

With prices starting at 27,750 Euros or 25,515 Pounds plus additional costs, the Sports Tourer variant of the all-new Opel/Vauxhall Astra L delivers the same stuff from its hatchback equivalent but with the added boot space for your bare necessities.

Like its hatchback equivalent, the Astra L Sports Tourer dons the Vizor front face first seen in the second-generation Mokka crossover, giving the new model some cyberpunk looks, which is rather impressive but its squarish looks made the new Astra feel as abstract as a fancy abstract painting you saw in the art gallery. Inside, the all-new Astra comes with a footlong-sized monitor with two screens on it, one for the speedo and the other one for the touch-screen sat-nav with smartphone connectivity on it.

Although roomier than the previous model, the Sports Tourer has 608 liters of boot space with the rear seats present and up to 1634 liters with the rear seats folded down, similar to its Peugeot 308 SW equivalent.

The Sports Tourer carries the same powertrain choices as its hatchback equivalent ranging from a 1.2L turbo petrol, 1.5 diesel, and the range-topping 1.6L turbo-hybrid powerplant similar to the one used on the new Peugeot 308 SW. The latter produces a high-performance 180PS of power output, 360Nm of torque output, and because it's mated to an 8-speed automatic, it does 0-100kph in 7.7 seconds and flat-out in 225kph.

The all-new Astra Sports Tourer is armed with numerous advanced driver assistance systems courtesy of its Intelli-Drive 2.0, adaptive cruise control, Intelli-Vision, and many others.

As expected, the all-new Astra Sports Tourer offers the same stuff as its hatchback equivalent but with the added boot space for your everyday needs.

Photo: Opel/Vauxhall

Opel/Vauxhall Astra L

It's the beginning of the new era for the Opel/Vauxhall Astra as this latest generation is the first all-new Astra under the Stellantis arm and it no longer bears the bits and bobs from The General since they migrated to Peugeot. We know that moving to its French masters is a difficult thing to do for the new Astra but it's for its own good. Let's investigate.

2022 Opel Astra

2022 Vauxhall Astra

Priced at 22,456 Euros (23,805 Pounds) plus additional costs, the all-new Astra L departed itself from being a foundation for the now-defunct Chevrolet Cruze during its GM years to a German equivalent to the third-generation Peugeot 308, which is a good thing for this new model because it's now expressing the joys of being fully European inside and out, thanks to its French connection. Anyway, no time to express optimism over the new car's French connection. Let's begin with the design.

Starting with the design, the Astra L dons the Vizor front face first seen in the second-generation Mokka crossover, giving the new model some cyberpunk looks, which is rather impressive but its squarish looks made the new Astra feel as abstract as a fancy abstract painting you saw in the art gallery.

2022 Opel Astra interior

2022 Vauxhall Astra interior

While the new exterior is less stylish compared to its Peugeot 308 equivalent, the minimalist-themed interior holds a different story. Like the new Mokka, the all-new Astra comes with a footlong-sized monitor with two screens on it, one for the speedo and the other one for the touch-screen sat-nav with smartphone connectivity on it. Of course, there are buttons on it but adjusting the air-conditioning can be a real challenge for the driver. On the plus side, at least the steering wheel is positioned at the dashboard, unlike the 308 where the steering wheel is positioned below.

In terms of comfort, the new Astra is surprisingly bigger compared to its Cruze-derived predecessor. Not only that, it's slightly roomier than the new 308 it was based on, which is more of a win-win for this new model. 

2022 Opel Astra

2022 Vauxhall Astra

Because it now dons on the same platform used by the Peugeot 308, the all-new Astra almost fully behaves like a proper European car. Moderate but easy to live with. This is how this new model rolls on a typical European setting like Berlin or London. Although it's not as enjoyable as proper European hatchbacks, probably because of the rear torsion bar setting used on it rather than multilink or independent, it feels so good to drive on a daily basis. It's all about enjoying life through good driving and this new Astra appeals rather well.

Under the bonnet, the new Astra offers a choice of all-new powertrains such as the 1.2L turbo petrol, 1.5 diesel, and the range-topping 1.6L turbo-hybrid powerplant similar to the one used on the new Peugeot 308. 

The latter produces a high-performance 180PS of power output, 360Nm of torque output, and because it's mated to an 8-speed automatic, it does 0-100kph in 7.6 seconds and flat-out in 225kph. With the electric mode engaged, it's good for 73km.

With safety the new normal, the all-new Astra is armed with numerous advanced driver assistance systems courtesy of its Intelli-Drive 2.0, adaptive cruise control, Intelli-Vision, and many others.

The all-new Astra may be more of a Germanized version of the new Peugeot 308 with a squarish front face that looks abstract and pixelated but it's shaping up to be a proper European hatchback for the masses. Migrating to its French masters is a hard thing to do but as it turns out, it feels good for the new Astra and looks like it's on a roll.

Photo: Opel/Vauxhall

Opel/Vauxhall Astra K Sports Tourer

Last year, GM Europe had introduced the all-new Opel/Vauxhall Astra K, a new generation of the hatchback that was once used as Top Gear's Reasonably Priced Car and it was a major improvement to its predecessor in terms of technology, driving dynamics, and user friendliness. For those who want to have the same feel of the hatchback but with some added space, look no further with the Sports Tourer variant.

2016 Opel Astra Sports Tourer

2016 Vauxhall Astra Sports Tourer

The new Sports Tourer variant for the all-new Astra K offers the same technology, driving dynamics, and user friendliness as the hatchback version, now with an additional 26 millimeters of headroom and 28 millimeters more legroom at the back. As for the spacing, it can now accommodate up to 1,630 liters of luggage space courtesy of its optional foldable rear seats, which is more than enough to fill in some haul from your estate sale list. Sounds practical but why would you want to?

Like the hatchback version, the Sports Tourer comes with the same choice of engines such as the new 1.0T SIDI, 1.4L, 1.4L SIDI Turbo, 1.6 SIDI Turbo, and a 1.6L CDTi (with an available Bi-Turbo) engine. They can be fitted, depending on the engine type, with either a 5-speed or a 6-speed manual but there are some gearboxes made specifically for some engine choices, like the 1.0L model which can be fitted exclusively with a 5-speed EasyTronic gearbox while a 6-speed automatic gearbox can be fitted on either a 1.4 EDIT ecoFLEX or a 1.6 CDTi ecoFLEX engine.

Because it uses the same new platform as the new Chevrolet Cruze had, a base Sports Tourer weighs 130kg lighter than the old model, resulting to a better handling, better comfort, better fuel consumption, and above all, cost-effective as well. Even with an added room in the back, the Sports Tourer behaves just like the hatchback. Not only it feels good to drive but it's surprisingly comfortable as well.

The Sports Tourer also comes with an array of safety tech such as the front camera system, advanced park assist which allows this car to park by itself, and the IntelliLux LED Matrix headlights which adjusts automatically depending on time and driving conditions.

Should you buy one? The new Sports Tourer starts at 18,260 Euros (16,585 Pounds) and it's a thousand more than the hatchback equivalent but considering this car's been through extensive testing, the new Sports Tourer is a smart buy for first timers who are looking for something practical enough to get through one estate sale after another, if they got some room in the boot to fill in their shopping cart full of stuff.

Photo: General Motors

Opel/Vauxhall Astra K

The car that was once used as Top Gear's Reasonably Priced Car for three seasons has been renewed for a brand new generation and for the latest generation, the new Opel/Vauxhall Astra K wants to live out in its own rules just as how its predecessor fared well of being a reasonably priced car used by celebs round the track.

2016 Opel Astra

2016 Vauxhall Astra

Well, there they are and judging from its looks, it looks rather identical to its reasonably priced predecessor but no matter which side you're looking at, this is still the reasonably priced car you would hope for if you're not in the mood for something boring nor exciting. Who knows, it could becoming the ideal car to start if you got a driving license for the first time since it only costs 17,260 Euros (15,295 Pounds) plus the added extras and the insurance needed before setting off on your maiden drive through town.

2016 Opel Astra

2016 Vauxhall Astra

So, what choices do you get under the bonnet? Well, the new Astra K is offered with a new 1.0T SIDI, 1.4L, 1.4L SIDI Turbo, 1.6 SIDI Turbo, and a 1.6L CDTi (with an available Bi-Turbo) engine. Most of the engines are new so let's introduce those who aren't familiar with them. The new 1.0T SIDI has 105PS of power and 170Nm of torque with CO2 emissions ranging from 102 to 96g/km. This engine is mated exclusively with a brand new 5-speed semi-automatic EasyTronic 3.0 gearbox. That gearbox sounds new and the way it behaves feels somewhat similar to Suzuki's Auto Gear Shift gearbox used on their smaller cars, if I dare say. Anyway, also new is the 1.4 engine, which in turbo guise, can get up to 150PS of power, and 245Nm of torque, so it's a great mid-range choice for those who wanted something of a well-balanced performer. And then, there's the 1.6 CDTi engine where, in most economical versions, it promises better CO2 emissions of less than 95g/Km. Although diesel versions have lesser power ratings than petrol versions, it has better torque to keep things afloat.

Underneath the Astra is a newly developed platform that will be used on the next Chevrolet Cruze, resulting to a much smaller size and lighter bodywork and when combined with the most clever suspension setup available to most European cars, not only it feels good to drive but it's surprisingly comfortable. I might have a feeling that when this new model compare this to the previous model round the Top Gear track, chances are that the new Astra will lap faster than the old one. The same way that the Kia cee-apostrophe-d did when it was renewed years ago.

For safety, the new Astra's front camera system, includes traffic sign recognition, following distance indicator, forward collision alert and an active lane-keep assist indicator. It even comes with an advanced park assist which allows this car to park by itself. Sounds witchcraft to us but flattering if you engage this nifty gadget at your expense. What's even more clever in the new Astra is the new IntelliLux LED Matrix headlights which adjusts automatically depending on time and driving conditions.

2016 Opel Astra interior

2016 Vauxhall Astra interior

So, with the new Astra getting more of a reasonably priced car as the hopefuls hoped for, the interior is well poised, well balanced, comfortable, and more high tech. It even comes with climate control, ergonomic sports seats, AirWellness, and the new IntelliLink infotainment system compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The spacing's not so bad either but you can expect more cargo space in the Sport Tourer later on.

In conclusion, the new Astra is a major improvement to its predecessor in terms of technology, driving dynamics, and user friendliness. Despite its added improvements, the new Astra retains its reasonably priced character, making it very accessible to anyone who wanted to buy a reasonably priced car to drive anywhere. Truth be told, we are getting jealous why Top Gear never featured it in the show and we want to see how it performs on the TV show in the near future.

Photo: General Motors

Forza Motorsport 5: Be a Star...in a Reasonably Priced Car!

After eight months of void, looks like everyone's wish came true as the latest Top Gear Reasonably Priced Car, the Vauxhall Astra 1.6 Tech Line, has finally arrived and with this, everyone can be a Star In A Reasonably Priced Car any time at the Top Gear Test Track on Forza Motorsport 5!




It's about time this car showed up on Forza Motorsport 5. Everyone in the world begged to have the latest reasonably priced car to be here because of Forza Motorsport's longtime partnership with BBC Top Gear. Breaking Bad's Aaron Paul's been there, even Sherlock's Benedict Cumberbatch, especially that Loki dude from Thor named Tom Hiddleston. Those celebs, new and returning alike, really know how to take on the Vauxhall Astra round the Top Gear track to find out how fast are they and now, it's our turn to be the star in this reasonably priced car and see how we stack up with the celebs' lap times.



Before that, let's have a little experiment, shall we? Just how fast is the current Reasonably Priced Car against the former? Well, let's get this thing straight first. The former Reasonably Priced Car, the Kia cee-apostrophe-d, has the same 1.6L petrol engine as the current Reasonably Priced Car, the Vauxhall Astra Tech Line, except the cee-apostrophe-d is 9HP more. Torque? Both of them have 114lb-ft. Weight? Well, the cee-apostrophe-d is 320lbs lighter.

So, even though the latest has some disadvantages than the former in terms of power and weight, has the folks from Top Gear did the right thing to replace the cee-apostrophe-d with the Astra? Let's find out...

 

First up, it's the former Reasonably Priced Car, the Kia cee-apostrophe-d. I took it round the Top Gear Track to see how fast I performed at this car...



I posted a 1:46.040 lap time on the Kia cee-apostrophe-d, meaning that I'm between Boris Becker and Andy Garcia. Good try...



...but now it's the turn of the latest Reasonably Priced Car, the Vauxhall Astra 1.6 Tech Line! Let's see how fast can I go with this machine...



The time? 1:45.600! Which means, I'm in the same spot as Jimmy Carr's. Still, I was quicker than Sherlock Holmes or Loki but slower than Breaking Bad's Jesse. He he he...

Better still, despite the power and weight disadvantage, the Vauxhall Astra did well than the Kia cee-apostrophe-d thanks to its superior handling via FlexRide suspension system. Well, I'm glad I clear that up...

Opel Astra J Sedan

Back in 2009, Opel launched the sixth generation Astra which comes with many interesting features such as the FlexRide electronic chassis control system, Opel Eye that detects incoming road signs, AFL+, and so much more. With the hatchback and the Sports Tourer available, what Opel really needs is a sedan version and guess what? They have one!

2013 Opel Astra

Here it is and not only the sedan makes its first appearance all three Astra models get themselves a minor change to keep them fresh during the Astra J's three-year tenure. And since we're not going to cover up the hatchback and the Sports Tourer because this would be somewhat a spacey-wasey, why don't we'll cover up the new kid instead?

2013 Opel Astra Sedan

So, this is the sedan version of the latest Opel Astra J but this is somewhat a familiar face to me because last year, I've checked out it's American cousin, the Buick Verano (which is sold in the People's Republic of China as the Excelle GT) and what General Motors told that this car can kick the likes of the Lexus IS350 in every intangible way. With the arrival of the newcomer, the Acura ILX I've examined a couple of months ago, it seems that Buick tries to state that the Verano is better than the new ILX and I mean hey, they're right.

How about this? The all new Astra Sedan from Opel? Oh wait, before explaining this, I think that Opel's British cousin, Vauxhall, had no plans to introduce the Astra sedan yet but if they do, this would be a proper bet against the MG6 Magnette sedan. It's like the Astra but only this time, it has a boot to store your golf bags or something else. When you try to compare this one to the Volkswagen Jetta, you'll know that this is getting a bit more interesting. For me, the new Astra Sedan is better looking that the Volkswagen Jetta inside and out. Also, it's taller than the Jetta (1500mm height vs. Jetta's 1450mm), longer than the Jetta (4658mm length vs. Jetta's 4640mm), even more wheelbase than the Jetta (2685mm of wheelbase vs. Jetta's 2650mm), and wider than the Jetta (1814mm of width vs. Jetta's 1780mm). Guess we're getting somewhere...

Like most Astras, the new sedan version comes with a 1.4L, 1.6L, 1.4L Turbo, 1.6L Turbo. 1.3L CDTi, and 1.7 CDTi engines. Depending on engine types, there's a ecoFLEX variant with a start stop that automatically shuts off the engine when you stopped and the start it on again when you set off. This will solve the whole air malarkey thing but I'm afraid that with all the engine choices, why don't we settle from least to great? For fuel efficiency, best to pick the Astra Sedan ecoFLEX with the 1.7 CDTi engine that has a CO2 emission of 99g/km, which sounds very impressive for an eco-car. For affordability, best to pick the Astra Sedan with the 1.4L engine but in Selection trim which cost you 18,270 Euros. For power, why not recommend the top of the line Astra Sedan 1.6L Turbo which in Edition trim and a 6-speed MT costs you 23,285 Euros. This is a consumer advice for you if you want the all new Astra Sedan, got it?

What I think about the new Astra Sedan is simple, this is a decent midsize sedan that some say that this would be perfect for emerging markets. I mean look at Russia, they have a very high demand for such sedans and this would be a perfect fit.In Germany, this new Astra sedan makes it an elegant and cheaper alternative to sedans from the upper segment but in some countries like those form Eastern and Central Europe, basically Russia and Turkey, notchback sedans have a very high demand. So, do you think this new Astra Sedan is a worthy contender? You'l find that out soon enough.

Available Colors: Schneeweiß, Azurblau, Graphitschwarz, Argonsilber, Champagner, Fresh Mint, Silbersee, Silbergrau, Mahagonibraun, and Powerrot.

PRICE LIST:

Source: http://www.opel.de/content/dam/Opel/Europe/germany/nscwebsite/de/01_Vehicles/01_PassengerCars/preislisten/astra_preisliste_20120615_6.0.pdf

Photo: Adam Opel AG

Vauxhall Astra J VXR

2013 Vauxhall Astra VXR

2013 Vauxhall Astra VXR

*The Opel Astra J OPC is sold in Great Britain as the Vauxhall Astra J VXR

When you compare the all new Vauxhall Astra VXR against the Renault Megane RS 265 and the Volkswagen Golf VI GTi, it really is like Ms. Iceland vs. Ms. Munich Beer Festival vs. Ms. I had all the pies. Both these cars have 2.0L engines and turbocharged but the all new  Vauxhall Astra VXR  is far from equal because it produces 280PS of power. That's 15 more than the Renaultsport Megane 265 and that's 70 more than the Golf VI GTi. Which means, this hot chick's not only obliterate against these two, it demolishes them in the straights.

Not only the new  Vauxhall Astra VXR  is faster, it's also good looking, it's agile, and it makes the best noise as well. And unlike any other hot hatchbacks in the market today, it's not that desperately impractical. First of all, the pricing of the new VXR starts at 34,250 Euros, pricier than the Golf GTi and the Megane RS 265. Also, because of the low roof line, I'm afraid that there's no way we can't fit our garden essentials or a tall angel statues at the back. So then, not quite good to use it as an everyday car but then there was the chaos theory/.

It maybe a compact but it's still a hardcore continental crusher. Putting all that power to its front wheels is all biggie but it sure knows how to dougie. Come on car, teach me how to dougie. Come on! Speaking of which, can it do torque steering? I don't know but best to find out by yourself. If this new Astra VXR's gone as insane as that boss character from that Crash Bandicoot video game, you're out for some serious trouble and this new VXR's no car. It's mad. There are tons of optional features available for the all new  Vauxhall Astra VXR  but I'm afraid that they're not options....they're traps. A traptastic hot hatch indeed....

Opel Astra J OPC

2013 Opel Astra GTC

When you compare the all new Opel Astra OPC against the Renault Megane RS 265 and the Volkswagen Golf VI GTi, it really is like Ms. Iceland vs. Ms. Munich Beer Festival vs. Ms. I had all the pies. Both these cars have 2.0L engines and turbocharged but the all new Opel Astra J OPC is far from equal because it produces 280PS of power. That's 15 more than the Renaultsport Megane 265 and that's 70 more than the Golf VI GTi. Which means, this hot chick's not only obliterate against these two, it demolishes them in the straights.

2013 Opel Astra OPC interior

Not only the new Astra OPC is faster, it's also good looking, it's agile, and it makes the best noise as well. And unlike any other hot hatchbacks in the market today, it's not that desperately impractical. First of all, the pricing of the new OPC starts at 34,250 Euros, pricier than the Golf GTi and the Megane RS 265. Also, because of the low roof line, I'm afraid that there's no way we can't fit our garden essentials or a tall angel statues at the back. So then, not quite good to use it as an everyday car but then there was the chaos theory/.

It maybe a compact but it's still a hardcore continental crusher. Putting all that power to its front wheels is all biggie but it sure knows how to dougie. Come on car, teach me how to dougie. Come on! Speaking of which, can it do torque steering? I don't know but best to find out by yourself. If this new Astra OPC's gone as insane as that boss character from that Crash Bandicoot video game, you're out for some serious trouble and this new OPC's no car. It's mad. There are tons of optional features available for the all new Opel Astra OPC but I'm afraid that they're not options....they're traps. A traptastic hot hatch indeed....

2013MY Opel/Vauxhall Astra range!

2013 Opel Astra family

Opel/Vauxhall Astra J series gets its first minor change for the 2013 model year and for this year's minor change will see the introduction of the new sedan variant as well as the new 192HP twin-turbo diesel engine. What you expect for the 2013 Opel/Vauxhall Astra family is a new front grille with the wing-like chrome bar and Opel logo now positioned in the center, plus a redesigned front bumper with a more pronounced lower grille and the availability of LED daytime running lights.

It will also come with a host of available assistance systems that were first introduced on the Zafira minivan and Insignia such as a second generation Opel Eye front camera with enhanced traffic sign assistant (TSA II), lane departure warning (LDW), following distance indication (FDI) and forward collision alert (FCA), plus rear view camera, advanced park assist and side blind spot alert.

The 2013 Opel/Vauxhall Astra GTC spin-off car may receive 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.

Scoop: http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2012/06/opel-and-vauxhall-reveal-facelifted.html

2012 Opel Astra GTC tuning by Steinmetz

Steinmetz Astra GTC

Despite the Astra GTC not yet out of the market before January 14, that doesn't stop a tuner company, Steinmetz, from modifying the Astra GTC into something hotter. The Steinmetz Astra GTC features a lowered suspension, front grille, black grille, sports exhaust for added performance, 19-inch rims, embroidered carpets, stainless steel sill plates, and a digital gear indicator.

Scoop: http://www.worldcarfans.com/111120538773/opel-astra-gtc-by-steinmetz

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.

New Vauxhall Astra GTC

2012 Vauxhall Astra GTC

The GTC is always a fan favorite for the Astra fan and the all new Vauxhall 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 Vauxhall Astra GTC has no relation to the current generation Vauxhall Astra and Vauxhall 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 Vauxhall/Opel design, the Vauxhall Astra GTC wants to be the ultimate expression of Vauxhall'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.

2012 Vauxhall Astra GTC interior

From the equally dramatic exterior, the same Astra interior comes into play. Customers who are with the Vauxhall Astra GTC Sport 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 SRi, 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; Power Red, Summit White, Flaming Yellow, Seashell, Carbon Flash, Sovereign Silver, Technical Grey, Silver Lake, and Silky Shadow.

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.

Opel Astra Sports Tourer

2011 Opel Astra Sports Tourer

Since 2009, Opel launched the new fourth-generation Opel Astra for European markets. It seems North America may not be able to get its own Astra since the Saturn Astra disappeared, following with the disappearance of the Saturn brand, and succeeded with the Chevrolet Cruze. This situation is somewhat similar with Holden, as the Holden Astra removed from the Holden lineup with the launch of the Holden Cruze.

In 2010, after its debut in the 2010 Paris Motor Show, the full model change of the Astra Caravan received a new name; the new Opel Astra Sports Tourer. The Sports Tourer naming is mostly similar to the Insignia Sports Tourer.

Although this is the same as the hatchback cousin, the Astra Sports Tourer represents true spacing on the rear, giving rivals such as the Mazda Atenza Sport Wagon, Subaru Legacy Touring Wagon, and the Renault Megane Estate a run on their money.

The Opel Astra Sports Tourer still offers different engine types as the hatchback did; from the 1.4 ecoFLEX, 1.6 ECOTEC, 1.4 Turbo ECOTEC, 1.6 Turbo ECOTEC, 1.3 CDTI, 1.7 CDTI ECOTEC, and 2.0 CDTI ECOTEC. It still offers some cool features like the Astra hatchback have such as FlexRide and AFL+ adaptive forward lighting.

My thoughts about the Astra Sports Tourer:

Despite being a tourer, the Opel Astra Sports Tourer still shares the same fun from the new Opel Astra. With the rear carrying different luggages that suit your lifestyle, you can rest assure that the new Astra Sports Tourer is a different kind of Astra only an European car enthusiast can expect.

Photo: General Motors

Opel Astra - Fourth Generation

It has been moments since General Motors decided to axe the Saturn brand by next year and keep the Opel/Vauxhall brand to the European GM division. But the differences ascend to the boiling point since the new Opel Astra came to the public and soon reaches to the world market either this, as a Vauxhall Astra in the United Kingdom, or as the Buick in China and if possible, the United States as the replacement for the evaporating Saturn Astra.





Available as a 5-door variant only, following with other variants filling up the new Astra range sometime, the quality of this Opel provides exceptional design, unmatched quality, and the performance that is well-made for the premium hatchback for adults. At the first rate, the new Astra looks similar to the sports variant of the Mazda Axela (Mazda 3), with the headlamps shaped like the Kia K7 premium sedan, but the heart of the Astra truly bred in the Autobahn.

The new Astra has a list of engines available as of press time. From the 1.4-litre, ecoFLEX engine to the 2.0-litre, CDTi ECOTEC diesel engine, there are nine available engines to choose from. Aside from the engine choices, the new Astra comes equipped with the FlexRide switch, providing the feel of the luxury car, a compact car, or a sports car, all in one package. Choose which mode, and feel free to drive the new Astra any way you want. The Compound Crank with Watt's Link rear axle suspension provides improved control and stability, giving the new Astra's driving control enjoyable for adults.





The Astra's interior design still carries Opel's new design language ever since the Vectra's replacement, the Insignia, provided the new look of Opel. With the comfort of the sports car with the spaciousness perfect enough to carry luggage, the exceptional interior of the new Astra is truly a modern living for adults who wished to try this new hatchback.

IS IT PERFECT ENOUGH?
With the new look of the Opel Astra; there is no difference between the words "luxury" and "sporty" all at the same time. The new Astra is a rival to the Mazda Axela, the Toyota Auris/Blade twins, and the Mitsubishi Galant Fortis (Lancer) Sportback. Promise this car, it will be perfect enough for adults to try this new hatch on the road.


Photo: GM Europe