VAUXHALLAstra Mk VI GTC 2011 - 2015

　　The sixth generation of the Astra broke cover in 2009 at the Frankfurt Motor Show, and GM sold the car under the Vauxhall brand in UK, continuing a long line of successful stories for this compact vehicle.

　　In 2009, Opel/Vauxhall unveiled the Astra as a hatchback, and in the following year, it was unveiled as a station wagon, also named Sports Tourer, at the Paris Motor Show. But customers also expected other shapes, including the three-door version known as the GTC (Grand Tourer Compact). Unlike its brothers, this version was aimed at the younger generation due to its sporty shape and punchy engines. Unfortunately, the timing was not the best possible since the world financial crisis that affected all automakers bit hard from GM’s European arm. Still, the GTC was appreciated, and Vauxhall’s fans waited for it.

　　With a new front fascia that resembled the Vauxhall Insignia, the GTC featured L-shaped daytime running lights integrated into the headlights. Between them, the automaker placed a narrow grille adorned by a chromed slat that supported the automaker’s badge. The 2011 GTC featured a more aggressive lower bumper design than the rest of the Astra range. It had a broad lower grille flanked by a pair of side scoops that housed the fog lamps.

　　While it wasn’t the first GTC in the Astra’s history, the 2011 model year came with a few enhancements that made it special. Like its predecessors, it was not a three-door version of the five-door hatchback. Its raked windshield, followed by a curved roof, made it special. From its profile, the sculptured lines that adorned the doors and the rear quarter panels created a dynamic image for the car. Finally, at the back, the raked-forward tailgate was adorned by the taillights. These, in turn, were extended from the rear quarter panels onto the tailgate’s panel.

　　Inside, the automaker offered a set of bucket seats. Between them, the automaker placed a center console that housed the infotainment’s system rotary button, the gear stick, and the handbrake. At the front, the bucket seats provided little side bolstering, but Vauxhall offered an option for sports seats with high bolstered areas. The large dials of the speedometer and tachometer filled the instrument cluster that fronted the driver. Above them, in the middle, the automaker added the fuel level and coolant temperature gauges. Thanks to the stylish dashboard with a sloped-down center stack filled with buttons, the Astra GTC looked modern. In the back, thanks to the longer wheelbase than the regular five-door hatchback, there was enough legroom for the rear passengers, although the sloped-down roof line could create some headroom issues for taller people.

　　Under the hood, the automaker installed a wide range of diesel and gasoline paired with either a five-speed manual or a six-speed automatic. Power went to the front axle only.

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