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On a site where we’re today busy discussing the new Jag XF, the Ferrari 550 Maranello and the Koenigsegg Agera R, news about a new three-door hatch from Vauxhall has its work cut out to grab your attention.
But this Astra GTC, with the usual fettling from Vauxhall’s go-faster mechanics at VXR, will form the basis of a 300bhp hot hatch aimed squarely at the impressive Golf R and Audi’s pricey new RS3. And at a much keener price, although all that power will only be going to the front two wheels.
A limited slip diff is also on the cards to counter the problems with the last Astra VXR – namely, its tendency to get very left/right depending on the random movement of space debris.
It’s not miles off the GTC concept released at last year’s Paris show: slightly more sensible lights and interior, but it’s still a rather fetching-looking thing. Vauxhall claim it will happily seat five adults with the usual clambering.
The basic car will be unveiled in full on 7 June as the UK order books open, with what’s expected to be the diesel and petrol units from the existing five-door Astra. The VXR is likely to emerge early next year.
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mazza2011 commented on this article
at 03:32 pm on 26 April 2011
Another solid, interesting and potentially quick car from Vauxhall, limited slip diff sounds positive and necessary..
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brenro commented on this article
at 03:46 pm on 26 April 2011
Why does GM continue to screw over American buyers by watering down and uglifying every Opel/Vauxhall? While these cars may not be universally appealing to Europeans, Americans are still stuck in the stone age with push rod V8's if we want something with some performance. Not all of us want to pay BMW prices for a fun to drive car that doesn't require a small country's energy quota to operate.
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samey.umako commented on this article
at 04:16 pm on 26 April 2011
Is it me or the Astra and The Megane from Renault are looking more and more alike as they iterate new designs?
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essiengt commented on this article
at 04:19 pm on 26 April 2011
A rival to the next a-class,hope it would be as good as its elder brother
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mingachimp commented on this article
at 04:45 pm on 26 April 2011
essiengt commented " a rival to a class " what plannet r u on ?
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