Vauxhall Astra GTC (2011) first official

This is the Vauxhall Astra GTC, a sleek three-door version of the Vauxhall’s family hatch. Unveiled in these rendered images, it looks almost identical to the sharp GTC Paris concept that Vauxhall revealed at the 2010 Paris motor show. 

How does the Vauxhall Astra GTC differ from the original GTC Paris concept car?

The front grille isn’t quite so swooping, the 911 Turbo-alike LEDs have been switched for conventional fog lights, and the exhaust trims no longer sit flush with the back bumper, but apart from that this production Astra GTC remains pretty true to the GTC Paris concept.

Vauxhall hasn’t shown off the interior yet, but don’t expect a radical departure from the five-door Astra – in fact, expect the five-door Astra’s interior with just a few trim tweaks. There’ll be a little less room in the back, and it’ll be harder for passengers to get back there, but Vauxhall claims the GTC is still capable of carrying five adults.

What’s under the bonnet?

A selection of engines – expect the latest four-cylinder petrol and diesel units from the five-door Astra and its Sport Tourer estate sibling. But the GTC will also form the basis for two hot hatches, a cooking GSi and a hot VXR. The GSi should be powered by a circa-200bhp 1.6-litre turbo (which will also find it way into a five-door Astra GSi) but the VXR will be much more focused. Reckon on a turbo’d 2.0-litre with 300bhp, 330lb ft and a limited slip differential as Vauxhall's hot ever hatch takes on the Golf R and Audi RS3.

Expect Vauxhall’s full suite of safety technology too, including cameras that can read speed limit signs, while adaptive Flexride suspension will be offered as an option. The GTC tag also signals the end of Vauxhall's short-lived Sport Hatch moniker from the previous-gen three-door Astra.

The Vauxhall Astra GTC will be unveiled in full (and for real) on 7 June, to coincide with order books opening. The Astra GTC will then appear at the 2011 Frankfurt motor show in September, with keen UK customers taking delivery shortly afterwards.

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