Opel Astra GTC 1.4 Turbo Panoramic Roof (A) Review
06 Aug 2012|24,712 views
The term ‘GT’ will easily ring bells in the minds of motorheads. Short for ‘Gran Turismo’, what it means is Grand Touring - in the tongue of Italians. No doubt then, the nation has been churning out a variety of what they thought would cover distances best in style – think Ferrari FF and Maserati GranTurismo.
Unlike the Italians, Opel deems that Grand Touring could have been done in a more minuscule manner. Its latest coupe dubbed GTC for Gran Turismo Compact, is set to accomplish what its rivals have done.
The Panoramic roof version will harness up to $3,000 in savings (standard trim saves you $6,000) compared to its closest rival – the Volkswagen Scirocco, making it hard to negate the GTC’s compelling preposition.
Exterior
Although the GTC bears some resemblance to the Astra hatch-back, each of the body panels is unique to the coupe. Make no mistake then, as this is no shrunk family hatch, but a built-for-purpose sports offering.
Sharp creases endows a dynamic outlook – just what it needed to attract the right eyeballs in town
Unlike the Italians, Opel deems that Grand Touring could have been done in a more minuscule manner. Its latest coupe dubbed GTC for Gran Turismo Compact, is set to accomplish what its rivals have done.
The Panoramic roof version will harness up to $3,000 in savings (standard trim saves you $6,000) compared to its closest rival – the Volkswagen Scirocco, making it hard to negate the GTC’s compelling preposition.
Exterior
Although the GTC bears some resemblance to the Astra hatch-back, each of the body panels is unique to the coupe. Make no mistake then, as this is no shrunk family hatch, but a built-for-purpose sports offering.
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The side sculpting gives the coupe an edge in terms of aesthetics – be it from the front, rear three-quarters, or viewed straight on from the sides - the metal looks decidedly impressive.
The appeal is evident from the stares it garners, even when our test car bears a more subtle silver finish. Enrobed in the swollen arches are the optional 20-inch alloys, which play an essential role in the sporting essence of the car.
Integrated into the headlamps assembly is the firm’s disparate interpretation of daytime-running lamps. ‘Eyebrowing’ the projector-style beams, it does its bit of accentuating the presence of the coupe.
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Interior
Neat touches, such as the red and white stitching running parallel on the cushions, separates the GTC from its lesser Astra variants. Other than that, it is least of a surprise that the coupe shares a fair bit of parts with its touring and MPV stablemates. The familiarity, though, does little to dampen the sense of occasion, especially when one is seated snug and low at the helm’s position.
For a coupe this size, the GTC packs a modicum of practicality, seating four at ease and five with a tad of squeeze. The long wheelbase (the Coupe is 14mm longer than the five-door hatch Astra) gives rise to the spacious interior. Most notably, the rear quarters get a fair share of space too.
Red + white stitching spruces up sportiness in the cabin; rear quarters offers decent leg space
Neat touches, such as the red and white stitching running parallel on the cushions, separates the GTC from its lesser Astra variants. Other than that, it is least of a surprise that the coupe shares a fair bit of parts with its touring and MPV stablemates. The familiarity, though, does little to dampen the sense of occasion, especially when one is seated snug and low at the helm’s position.
For a coupe this size, the GTC packs a modicum of practicality, seating four at ease and five with a tad of squeeze. The long wheelbase (the Coupe is 14mm longer than the five-door hatch Astra) gives rise to the spacious interior. Most notably, the rear quarters get a fair share of space too.
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The GTC shines too when it comes to load-lugging abilities. The wide-opening boot allows ease of access. The boot floor can be stowed for bigger storage capacity, or keeps items hidden out of sight when deployed. The cabin too, receives a number of cubby holes to help keep personal items neat during the ride.
Twin elongated doors flank the coupe - heavy to the feel, the doors add to the premium feel of the car, not to mention the wide opening to allow better access to the rear quarters.
Boot floor stows to reveal hidden compartment, useful for items to be kept away from sight
Twin elongated doors flank the coupe - heavy to the feel, the doors add to the premium feel of the car, not to mention the wide opening to allow better access to the rear quarters.
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The Drive
There is little hiding that the GTC is no hot hatch. On paper the 1.4-litre has been ‘force-fed’ to churn out a healthy 140bhp. On our roads, the horses are adequate to see to commutes being done in sprightly manners, though it means having to put the pedal to the metal.
Like many smaller capacity engines, the GTC’s felt exhaustive at the top tier of the rev-range. While the engine will eagerly rise through the band when worked hard, the engine note feels and sounds less sporting.
While the GTC shies from an outright tarmac-eating prowess, it makes up for it with its lively handling. The new front suspension design does its bit to instil the clear and precise handling. This strength becomes more apparent through the bends, helped by the well-weighted steering, which transforms any enthusiastic manoeuvres into one that is well-sorted.
The downside though, is the lack of feedback at the wheel, which makes the drive a less-involving experience. Ride comfort, too, is not what one would call the best; or rather one wouldn’t expect a magic carpet’s ride in a sporty coupe like the GTC. That said, the GTC’s ride was never unbearable to any extent.
There is little hiding that the GTC is no hot hatch. On paper the 1.4-litre has been ‘force-fed’ to churn out a healthy 140bhp. On our roads, the horses are adequate to see to commutes being done in sprightly manners, though it means having to put the pedal to the metal.
Like many smaller capacity engines, the GTC’s felt exhaustive at the top tier of the rev-range. While the engine will eagerly rise through the band when worked hard, the engine note feels and sounds less sporting.
While the GTC shies from an outright tarmac-eating prowess, it makes up for it with its lively handling. The new front suspension design does its bit to instil the clear and precise handling. This strength becomes more apparent through the bends, helped by the well-weighted steering, which transforms any enthusiastic manoeuvres into one that is well-sorted.
The downside though, is the lack of feedback at the wheel, which makes the drive a less-involving experience. Ride comfort, too, is not what one would call the best; or rather one wouldn’t expect a magic carpet’s ride in a sporty coupe like the GTC. That said, the GTC’s ride was never unbearable to any extent.
Conclusion
The GTC is a resolving effort from Opel. The attention to each of the segments (aesthetics, functionality, driving dynamics) has reflected in the car’s capabilities.
While one may shun from the less-renowned origins of the badge, the GTC serves as a reminder of the firm’s prowess in car making, not less the determination to prove their edge over their rivals. Individuals who are hungrier for power, rest assured your prayers have been heard - a more potent variant of the GTC is on its way.
Meanwhile, for those who are in the market for a two-door coupe without sacrificing much of the practicality of a four-seater, the GTC will definitely make a compelling alternative for consideration.
The GTC is a resolving effort from Opel. The attention to each of the segments (aesthetics, functionality, driving dynamics) has reflected in the car’s capabilities.
While one may shun from the less-renowned origins of the badge, the GTC serves as a reminder of the firm’s prowess in car making, not less the determination to prove their edge over their rivals. Individuals who are hungrier for power, rest assured your prayers have been heard - a more potent variant of the GTC is on its way.
Meanwhile, for those who are in the market for a two-door coupe without sacrificing much of the practicality of a four-seater, the GTC will definitely make a compelling alternative for consideration.
The term ‘GT’ will easily ring bells in the minds of motorheads. Short for ‘Gran Turismo’, what it means is Grand Touring - in the tongue of Italians. No doubt then, the nation has been churning out a variety of what they thought would cover distances best in style – think Ferrari FF and Maserati GranTurismo.
Unlike the Italians, Opel deems that Grand Touring could have been done in a more minuscule manner. Its latest coupe dubbed GTC for Gran Turismo Compact, is set to accomplish what its rivals have done.
The Panoramic roof version will harness up to $3,000 in savings (standard trim saves you $6,000) compared to its closest rival – the Volkswagen Scirocco, making it hard to negate the GTC’s compelling preposition.
Exterior
Although the GTC bears some resemblance to the Astra hatch-back, each of the body panels is unique to the coupe. Make no mistake then, as this is no shrunk family hatch, but a built-for-purpose sports offering.
Unlike the Italians, Opel deems that Grand Touring could have been done in a more minuscule manner. Its latest coupe dubbed GTC for Gran Turismo Compact, is set to accomplish what its rivals have done.
The Panoramic roof version will harness up to $3,000 in savings (standard trim saves you $6,000) compared to its closest rival – the Volkswagen Scirocco, making it hard to negate the GTC’s compelling preposition.
Exterior
Although the GTC bears some resemblance to the Astra hatch-back, each of the body panels is unique to the coupe. Make no mistake then, as this is no shrunk family hatch, but a built-for-purpose sports offering.
The side sculpting gives the coupe an edge in terms of aesthetics – be it from the front, rear three-quarters, or viewed straight on from the sides - the metal looks decidedly impressive.
The appeal is evident from the stares it garners, even when our test car bears a more subtle silver finish. Enrobed in the swollen arches are the optional 20-inch alloys, which play an essential role in the sporting essence of the car.
Integrated into the headlamps assembly is the firm’s disparate interpretation of daytime-running lamps. ‘Eyebrowing’ the projector-style beams, it does its bit of accentuating the presence of the coupe.
The appeal is evident from the stares it garners, even when our test car bears a more subtle silver finish. Enrobed in the swollen arches are the optional 20-inch alloys, which play an essential role in the sporting essence of the car.
Integrated into the headlamps assembly is the firm’s disparate interpretation of daytime-running lamps. ‘Eyebrowing’ the projector-style beams, it does its bit of accentuating the presence of the coupe.
Interior
Neat touches, such as the red and white stitching running parallel on the cushions, separates the GTC from its lesser Astra variants. Other than that, it is least of a surprise that the coupe shares a fair bit of parts with its touring and MPV stablemates. The familiarity, though, does little to dampen the sense of occasion, especially when one is seated snug and low at the helm’s position.
For a coupe this size, the GTC packs a modicum of practicality, seating four at ease and five with a tad of squeeze. The long wheelbase (the Coupe is 14mm longer than the five-door hatch Astra) gives rise to the spacious interior. Most notably, the rear quarters get a fair share of space too.
Neat touches, such as the red and white stitching running parallel on the cushions, separates the GTC from its lesser Astra variants. Other than that, it is least of a surprise that the coupe shares a fair bit of parts with its touring and MPV stablemates. The familiarity, though, does little to dampen the sense of occasion, especially when one is seated snug and low at the helm’s position.
For a coupe this size, the GTC packs a modicum of practicality, seating four at ease and five with a tad of squeeze. The long wheelbase (the Coupe is 14mm longer than the five-door hatch Astra) gives rise to the spacious interior. Most notably, the rear quarters get a fair share of space too.
The GTC shines too when it comes to load-lugging abilities. The wide-opening boot allows ease of access. The boot floor can be stowed for bigger storage capacity, or keeps items hidden out of sight when deployed. The cabin too, receives a number of cubby holes to help keep personal items neat during the ride.
Twin elongated doors flank the coupe - heavy to the feel, the doors add to the premium feel of the car, not to mention the wide opening to allow better access to the rear quarters.
Twin elongated doors flank the coupe - heavy to the feel, the doors add to the premium feel of the car, not to mention the wide opening to allow better access to the rear quarters.
The Drive
There is little hiding that the GTC is no hot hatch. On paper the 1.4-litre has been ‘force-fed’ to churn out a healthy 140bhp. On our roads, the horses are adequate to see to commutes being done in sprightly manners, though it means having to put the pedal to the metal.
Like many smaller capacity engines, the GTC’s felt exhaustive at the top tier of the rev-range. While the engine will eagerly rise through the band when worked hard, the engine note feels and sounds less sporting.
While the GTC shies from an outright tarmac-eating prowess, it makes up for it with its lively handling. The new front suspension design does its bit to instil the clear and precise handling. This strength becomes more apparent through the bends, helped by the well-weighted steering, which transforms any enthusiastic manoeuvres into one that is well-sorted.
The downside though, is the lack of feedback at the wheel, which makes the drive a less-involving experience. Ride comfort, too, is not what one would call the best; or rather one wouldn’t expect a magic carpet’s ride in a sporty coupe like the GTC. That said, the GTC’s ride was never unbearable to any extent.
There is little hiding that the GTC is no hot hatch. On paper the 1.4-litre has been ‘force-fed’ to churn out a healthy 140bhp. On our roads, the horses are adequate to see to commutes being done in sprightly manners, though it means having to put the pedal to the metal.
Like many smaller capacity engines, the GTC’s felt exhaustive at the top tier of the rev-range. While the engine will eagerly rise through the band when worked hard, the engine note feels and sounds less sporting.
While the GTC shies from an outright tarmac-eating prowess, it makes up for it with its lively handling. The new front suspension design does its bit to instil the clear and precise handling. This strength becomes more apparent through the bends, helped by the well-weighted steering, which transforms any enthusiastic manoeuvres into one that is well-sorted.
The downside though, is the lack of feedback at the wheel, which makes the drive a less-involving experience. Ride comfort, too, is not what one would call the best; or rather one wouldn’t expect a magic carpet’s ride in a sporty coupe like the GTC. That said, the GTC’s ride was never unbearable to any extent.
Conclusion
The GTC is a resolving effort from Opel. The attention to each of the segments (aesthetics, functionality, driving dynamics) has reflected in the car’s capabilities.
While one may shun from the less-renowned origins of the badge, the GTC serves as a reminder of the firm’s prowess in car making, not less the determination to prove their edge over their rivals. Individuals who are hungrier for power, rest assured your prayers have been heard - a more potent variant of the GTC is on its way.
Meanwhile, for those who are in the market for a two-door coupe without sacrificing much of the practicality of a four-seater, the GTC will definitely make a compelling alternative for consideration.
The GTC is a resolving effort from Opel. The attention to each of the segments (aesthetics, functionality, driving dynamics) has reflected in the car’s capabilities.
While one may shun from the less-renowned origins of the badge, the GTC serves as a reminder of the firm’s prowess in car making, not less the determination to prove their edge over their rivals. Individuals who are hungrier for power, rest assured your prayers have been heard - a more potent variant of the GTC is on its way.
Meanwhile, for those who are in the market for a two-door coupe without sacrificing much of the practicality of a four-seater, the GTC will definitely make a compelling alternative for consideration.
Photos by Nicholas Low
Also read our comparison article on:
Veloster 1.6 GDI Turbo (A) vs Astra GTC 1.6 (A) vs Scirocco 1.4 (A)
Car Information
Opel Astra GTC 1.4 Turbo Panoramic Roof (A)
CAT B|Petrol|14.7km/L
Horsepower
104kW (140 bhp)
Torque
200 Nm
Acceleration
10.3sec (0-100km /hr)
This model is no longer being sold by local distributor
All Used Opel Astra GTC
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