Vauxhall has opened the order book for its new mid-size coupe – the Astra GTC.
With a starting price of £18,495 for the 1.4 16V 120hp version, Vauxhall is confident the GTC will challenge the VW Scirocco and Renault Megane Coupe in the marketplace.
The Astra GTC, which sports a chassis layout derived from its big brother, the Insignia VXR, will make its world debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in July.
Vauxhall says the UK will be the biggest market for the model, its aggressive starting price undercuts the Scirocco by £1100.
The GTC is the third Astra body style to roll off the new Delta platform following the hatch and sport tourer derivatives but Vauxhall claims the only elements it shares with its siblings are its door handles and roof aerial.
The brand claims the GTC’s practicality will ensure its appeal extends beyond performance enthusiasts. It says its interior can comfortably accommodate four adults plus luggage and expects it to account for 20% of total Astra sales in the UK.
The GTC is offered with three petrol and one diesel engine.
The 2.0-litre 165hp CDTi is an upgraded version of the diesel unit that features in the Insignia and elsewhere in the Astra range. Six-speed transmission and start/stop come as standard.
The engine delivers 380Nm of torque, a 0-62mph sprint of 8.9 seconds and a top speed of 130mph.
CO2 emissions are a claimed 129g/km and combined cycle consumption is put at 57.6mpg.
A six-speed gearbox and start/stop also come as standard on both versions of the 1.4-litre turbo petrol. With either 120 or 140hp, Vauxhall says the engine achieves 47.9mpg and 139g/km CO2.
The most powerful engine up for grabs is the 1.6-litre turbo, producing 180hp and enabling a top speed of 132mph.
Standard equipment on the entry-level Sport trim includes 18-inch alloys, DAB stereo and USB functionality.
Prices range from £18,495 to £22,430 for the 165hp 2.0-litre CDTi SRI.
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