Vauxhall Astra GTC (2011 – 2016) Review

Vauxhall Astra GTC (2011 – 2016) At A Glance

Stable and enjoyable handling. Good level of standard equipment. Distinctive styling.

Visibility poor especially to rear. Interior not dramatically different from the hatchback.

Reviews for Vauxhall Astra GTC (2011 – 2016)'s top 3 rivals

Volkswagen Scirocco

Good to drive, with strong performance and keen handling, improved from 2014 with up-to-date equipment....

Renault Megane

Fine riding and handling and stunning looking coupe just £400 more than the five-door hatch. Sporty 220GT...

SEAT Leon

Sharp looks. Impressive ride and handling. Enjoyable to drive.

Vauxhall Astra GTC (2011 – 2016) handling and engines

• Engines range from 1.4 to 2.0 Turbo 280 VXR
• Readers report Real MPG to be between 19–70 mpg

The Astra GTC has been developed specifically for UK roads and it really shows. It manages to zip around corners far more quickly than most owners will ever need it to while remaining flat and stable. Despite that fact it is reasonably comfortable over bumps and potholes. The 18-inch alloys that come as standard (20-inch wheels are available as an option) have a reasonable profile tyre, which goes some way towards providing a good degree of ride comfort.

The front suspension is based on the same set-up used in the Insignia VXR, and helps to improve grip in tight bends, even with the heavy diesel engine. The rear suspension is the same as in the five-door model but has been overhauled to suit the sportier characteristics of the GTC. The power steering is electric and offers a decent amount of feedback and weight, but it feels less direct than a Renault Megane Coupe, one of the Astra GTC’s key rivals.

The entry level engine is a 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol with 120PS, which is perfectly reasonable for most peoples needs, but for more enthusiastic drivers it might feel a little underpowered. The mid level version of the same engine produces 140PS and has a quicker 0-62mph sprint time. Both 1.4-litre units have a claimed average economy of 47.1mpg and CO2 emissions of 140g/km.

The range topping 1.6-litre petrol is an enjoyable package, with a purposeful engine note, plenty of power and a wide torque band. Accelerating from 0-62mph takes 7.8 seconds while the official average economy figure is 32.9mpg with emissions of 168g/km.

Most buyers will go for a diesel, though and three are offered – two 1.7-litre units with either 110PS or 130PS, both of which offer low emissions of 119g/km and economy of 62.8mpg, plus a 2.0-litre with 165PS and an impressive 350Nm of torque. This is the pick of the range, but also the most expensive. It offers the best balance of performance and emissions - 0-62mph takes 8.4 seconds and it accelerates strongly in gear, yet average economy is 58.9mpg with CO2 emissions of 127g/km.

All models come with a slick six-speed manual gearbox with a tall top gear to keep the noise and fuel consumption down on the motorway. A six-speed automatic is available with the 140PS 1.4-litre petrol and the 2.0-litre diesel. 

FlexRide adaptive suspension is available as an option and lets drivers tune the suspension set up, with different settings - Tour, Standard and Sport - which give varying degrees of stiffness and steering weight. It improves ride quality on rough, potholed British roads, but is expensive at £790. The sport setting also sharpens the throttle response and it makes the car feel livelier.

Vauxhall Astra GTC (2011 – 2016) interior

• Boot space is 380–1165 litres
• Euro NCAP rating of five stars

The Astra GTC may be completely different to the five door on the outside but on the inside it’s very similar, which is both a blessing and a curse. Everything is finished nicely and all the components feel solidly screwed together, but the materials aren’t up to the level of those on the Volkswagen Scirocco, one of the GTCs rivals, and there's little flair when you consider the dramatic exterior styling.

However, it is possible to seriously liven the cabin up with optional Morello Red leather while pressing the Sport button (if you go for the optional FlexRide adaptive suspension) makes red lights come on under the gear lever, in the doors and behind the dials. It's a neat touch and looks very good.

However, visibility is hampered by the smooth exterior lines. The A-pillars are sloped, long and thick so make it difficult to see out of junctions, while the tiny back windows make rear visibility fairly poor. On the other hand, the mirrors provide a clear view behind. 

The instrument dials are easy to read and attractiveley styled and the TFT infotainment screen is clear and crisp. The centre console features a myriad of buttons, all of which are clearly labelled, but learning to navigate around them intuitively without looking takes some time. Some feel a little scattered - like the three different buttons for FlexRide adaptive suspension, which are in three different places rather than on one switch.

On the plus side, there’s plenty of space in the cabin, particularly in the front. Even for rear seat passengers there is a decent amount of leg and headroom, but access is a little difficult, as with all three-door cars. Boot space is decent at 350 litres, and the seats can be folded to increase that to 1165 litres. The seats are comfortable and supportive in all models, but the SRi trim offers improved lateral support, useful through corners.

Standard equipment from launch (October 2011):

Sport models (from £18,495):

• Electronic Stability Programme (ESP)
• Six airbags
• Active-safety front seat head restraints
• 18-inch seven-spoke alloy wheels
• Air conditioning
• CD 400 CD/MP3 CD player with stereo radio
• Daytime Running Lights
• Digital Audio Broadcast stereo receiver
• USB connection with iPod control
• Auxiliary-in socket
• Electrically operated front windows
• Cruise control
• Remote control central deadlocking
• Steering column adjustable for reach/rake
• Steering wheel mounted audio controls
• Front seat height adjusters
• Remote control alarm system (optional on Sport 1.4 16v VVT Turbo (120PS) model. Standard on all other models).

SRi models:  (from £19,945)

• Electronic Stability Programme (ESP)
• Six airbags
• Active-safety front seat head restraints
• 18-inch seven-spoke alloy wheels
• Air conditioning
• CD 400 CD/MP3 CD player with stereo radio
• Daytime Running Lights
• Digital Audio Broadcast stereo receiver
• USB connection with iPod control
• Auxiliary-in socket
• Electrically operated front windows
• Cruise control
• Remote control central deadlocking
• Steering column adjustable for reach/rake
• Steering wheel mounted audio controls
• Front seat height adjusters
• Remote control alarm system
• Sports front seats
• Rain-sensitive windscreen wipers
• Automatic lighting control
• Front fog lights
• Multi-function trip computer
• Electric parking brake
• Hill start assist
• Front centre armrest with storage facility
• Dual-tone horn
• Three-spoke leather-covered steering wheel
• Front door sill cover
• Dark-tinted rear windows.

Vauxhall Astra GTC (2011 – 2016) models and specs

On sale until July 2019

On sale until October 2017

On sale until October 2015

On sale until June 2014

On sale until November 2013

On sale until March 2013