Review Vauxhall Astra GTC hatchback

"The Astra GTC is the best handling, most stylish Vauxhall in a generation." Good to look at and even better to drive, the Vauxhall Astra GTC is aimed at the likes of the Volkswagen Scirocco and Renault Megane Coupé. It's competitively priced and generously equipped. We particularly like the look of the car, and have been impressed by its sporty drive. Yet the GTC's not just a focused sports car. Thanks to it's clever suspension and thorough design, its also practical and comfortable on the open road. Drive5.0 /5 Accurate steering and powerful brakes mean the Astra GTC is exciting to drive You can thank the Insignia for the impressive way in which the Astra GTC responds. It's fitted with the same front suspension developed for the 325bhp Insignia VXR, and the GTC also gets an upgraded version of the Astra hatchback's multi-link suspension at the rear. Vauxhall has spent a lot of time tuning the GTC to suit UK roads, and it shows. Whilst not as impressive as the Renault Megane Coupe, the steering is accurate, and the car feels well balanced – particularly through fast and open bends. Buyers looking for performance should go for the eager 1.6 16V Turbo petrol engine - as until the 300bhp VXR model arrives, it's the hottest GTC yet. Comfort4.3 /5 The Astra GTC's light weight means it doesn't need super stiff suspension to deliver its sporty handling The new suspension doesn't just offer accurate handling, it's comfortable, too. The car's light weight means it doesn't need super stiff suspension to deliver its sporty handling, so it can deal easily with bumps in the road. The seats are supportive, and although the seats in the rear aren't really suitable for long journeys, there's plenty of head room. Despite those big wheels, there's not much in the way of road noise, either. Reliability5.0 /5 Though new, the GTC is based on tried and tested parts We are expecting great things from the Vauxhall Astra GTC. Built using tried and tested parts, and engineered by teams from both the UK and Germany, it promises to be very reliable. Vauxhall's recent improvement in the 2011 Driver Power Survey should also give buyers confidence. It shows its cars have become significantly more reliable in recent years. Practicality5.0 /5 Despite the fact that this is a coupe, it's spacious inside, and there's a generous boot There's bags of storage room up front for driver and passenger - with deep door pockets and a reasonably sized glovebox. Rear seats are surprisingly spacious, with enough room for three people to get comfortable on shorter journeys. Access to the rear is reasonable, and there's no reason why you couldn't use this as a family car on a daily basis. There's a spacious boot too. Value for money3.9 /5 The Astra GTC is not what we would describe as cheap, make sure you shop around for a discount The GTC is not what we would describe as cheap, costing around as much as the Renault Megane Coupe. Two trims are on offer: an entry level Sport and range topping SRi. Sport equipped cars get electric windows and air conditioning, while SRi equipped cars add satellite navigation and part leather seats. Running costs4.0 /5 Entry level 1.4-litre cars should be cheap to insure The line up includes four engine choices, including a 120bhp and 140bhp 1.4-litre petrol units, plus a 180bhp 1.6-litre turbo and a 165bhp 2.0-litre diesel. The good news is that all but 1.6-litre turbochaged cars get stop and start technology to help save fuel. Residual values will match class average, so don't expect to much of a return on your investment. Entry level 1.4-litre cars should be cheap to insure, which is critical for younger drivers looking to make an impression.