Performance hatches are always a thrill to drive. The great news is that the Opel Astra GTC is going to throw the cat among the pigeons now that it’s set its wheels on Australian turf. The good news gets better because having a load of Opel dealers, nationwide, means that you can easily buy one of these for yourself and experience the way the Opel Astra GTC really moves.

Being a 3-dr hatch, the Opel GTC looks compact but actually it is roomier inside that you may first deduce. With an overall length of 4466 mm this is longer than the equivalent Hyundai Accent 5-dr hatch and sedan, Hyundai i30 and Hyundai Veloster. I don’t mean to pick on these cars, it’s just to give you an idea. Sporty overtones are appealing and the bold head lamps, deep air dam, low profile roof line and roof spoiler all add up to the Astra GTC adorning a fine complexion of athleticism. Opel Astra GTC models get 18-inch alloys as standard, while the Opel Astra GTC Sport comes standard with 19-inch alloys (20-inch alloys optional). The space saver spare wheel will get you to the garage, all be it at a recommended slower pace, however the useful 380 litres in the luggage compartment is good.

On the open road, the Opel Astra GTC is a very nice drive. There is a great level of feedback through the steering wheel, while the road holding and grip are extra good. A HiPer Strut premium front suspension and a Watts link rear suspension provide the chassis mechanicals, while the chassis has been lowered to a sports level for that extra racy drive. Opel Astra GTC Sport models get the optional FlexRide adaptive chassis control. So you can select the mode of chassis response depending on your driving needs at the time. Sport models have a continuous damping control, which adjusts the damper settings in real time through a four-channel anti-lock braking system with electronic brakeforce distribution, traction control and an electronic stability programme (ESP). FlexRide simply combines all of these elements for the chosen driving mode.

Euro NCAP testing has given the Opel Astra GTC the full five stars for safety. This is always a welcome sight when you are considering a new car. Dual front airbags, dual front side airbags and dual curtain airbags are standard items. ESC, TCS ABS, active headrests and a pedal release system all make their way into both the Opel Astra GTC and Opel Astra GTC Sport.

Responsive engine power comes via two turbo engines. The Opel Astra GTC boasts a 1.4-litre VVT Turbo Petrol engine that can be chosen to be run through a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. This small hatch feels quick, and once underway the car covers the ground very smartly. A completion of an all-out assault on the 0-100 km/h dash can be sealed in 9.9 seconds for the six-speed manual Astra GTC.

Slightly larger, the 1.6-litre VVT Turbo engine is used in the Opel Astra GTC Sport, and with 132 kW and 230 Nm of torque available from 2200 rpm, this drives swiftly, indeed! A little over eight seconds for the 0-100 km/h sprint is all it takes. As far as economy and emissions go, both engines provide frugal runs even though the drive can be thrilling at times. Combined CO2 emissions for the 1.4-litre petrol manual are a low 142 g/km and the 1.4-litre auto and 1.6-litre manual are not much more.

Elegant Astra GTC interiors are comfortable to live with and offer a warmer feel than some of the car’s competitors. I think the red illumination behind the speedometer and rev counter help the warm fuzzies, while the appearance of the dash is smart and very balanced. In my book it’s one of the nicer dash displays found in a sports hatch. Steering wheel audio mounted controls, Bluetooth and cruise control are some of the niceties, while the Mondial leather appointed sports seat packaging is gorgeous. LED ambient lighting in the roof console, centre console and doors adds to the friendliness, and this is particularly evident at night. Both the front seats are beautifully supportive and boast seat cushion extenders. Front seats can be heated as part of the leather sports option on the Astra GTC, while the Astra GTC Sport has this feature as standard ­ and mate it’s nice on a cold morning getaway! Satellite navigation, a premium audio system with seven speakers, a graphic information display on a 7-inch screen and remote keyless entry are all available to Opel Astra GTC and Opel Astra GTC Sport models.

Now this sort of car must fetch a premium price tag, right? Well, actually, you’ll be pleasantly surprised.

The current Opel Astra GTC models include the:

• Astra GTC (manual)
• Astra GTC (automatic)
• Astra GTC (Sport manual)

For any more information on the new Opel Astra GTC or, for that matter, any other new car, contact one of our friendly consultants on 1300 303 181. If you’d like some fleet discount pricing (yes even for private buyers!), we can submit vehicle quote requests out to our national network of Opel dealers and come back with pricing within 24 hours. Private Fleet – car buying made easy!

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