Quote:
We first clapped eyes on the Astra GTC Paris on the stands in the French capital earlier this month. But now, Auto Express has been given exclusive access to Vauxhall’s stunning show car.
It previews the three-door Astra, due late next year – yet it can barely be called a concept. Vice president of design Mark Adams explained: “As we’ve proved with the Insignia and Meriva, we can bring dramatic cars from concept to production, and the final Astra three-door will be no exception.” Some features will be axed for the showrooms, though. Adams confirmed that the striking red paint is too expensive to offer on road models, while those huge 21-inch wheels will make way for a smaller set.
The cabin is essentially production-ready, and neat touches such as the contrast-stitched leather and Alcantara seats give a sporty feel. However, the writing on the bases – a quote about speed and beauty from Richard Bach’s novel, Jonathan Livingston Seagull – won’t feature on roadgoing models.
Despite the sporty bodykit, Vauxhall sources tell us the Astra GTC doesn’t preview the new VXR performance model, but an SRi warm hatch. The flagship will get an even more aggressive design and, as with past VXRs, will be the most powerful car in its class. That means the direct-injection 2.0-litre turbo will give more than the Ford Focus RS’s 301bhp.
