Vauxhall Astra GTC (2011 – 2016) Review

Vauxhall Astra GTC (2011 – 2016) At A Glance

4/5

+Stable and enjoyable handling. Good level of standard equipment. Distinctive styling.

-Visibility poor especially to rear. Interior not dramatically different from the hatchback.

Insurance Groups are between 13–35
On average it achieves 75% of the official MPG figure

Don't be fooled by the name of this Vauxhall Astra. While GTC may sound similiar to GTE - the badge that was given to high performance versions of the Vauxhall Astra in the past - this is essentially the replacement for the Astra Sport Hatch - the three door version of the Astra. However, Vauxhall has injected some zest into the GTC, turning much more of a coupe.

While it’s still unmistakably an Astra, the GTC has a more exciting appearance and looks impressive in the metal. In fact, the exterior of the car shares only two components with the five-door model – the aerial and the door handles. The sloping roofline, exaggerated shoulder line, daytime running lights and boot lid spoiler all make for a purposefully styled vehicle, as do the large 18-inch wheels, which come as standard.

The cabin is less exotic than the exterior though, looking more or less identical to that of the standard Astra, albeit with a few neat touches here and there. It’s an enjoyable car to drive and feels extremely planted to the road. Thanks to sophisticated front suspension the GTC feels neutral through bends and is composed and reassuring.

There are six engines available – three petrol and three diesel – with power outputs ranging from 120PS in the entry level 1.4-litre petrol to 180PS in the range topping 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol. The 2.0-litre CDTi is the best of the bunch, with plenty of torque and good fuel economy of 58.9mpg. And a VXR version is on the way in 2012, with a turbocharged engine and the usual VXR aggressive styling.

Vauxhall Astra VXR 2012 Road Test

Real MPG average for a Vauxhall Astra GTC (2011 – 2016)

RealMPG

Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.

Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.

Average performance

75%

Real MPG

19–70 mpg

MPGs submitted

558

Diesel or petrol? If you're unsure whether to go for a petrol or diesel (or even an electric model if it's available), then you need our Petrol or Diesel? calculator. It does the maths on petrols, diesels and electric cars to show which is best suited to you.

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Ask Honest John

How do I programme the key for my Vauxhall Astra?

"I recently bought a 2014 Vauxhall Astra GTC and one of the keys only partially works. It will unlock the doors and start the engine, but does not remotely unlock the doors. I have replaced the battery but that hasn't rectified the problem. When I start the engine with it, the radio displays a different selection of stored stations. Assuming the fault is not with the circuit board, does it need re-programming and if so, how do I achieve that, please?"
It's fairly simple to reprogramme the key: 1. Sit in the car with doors closed. Place the key into the ignition and turn to Pos II (lights on) 2. Now press the lock button on the key remote with the key still in the ignition for about 2 seconds 3. The central locking will now lock then unlock to show the remote control is now synchronized
Answered by Alan Ross

Ford Focus or Vauxhall Astra - which is best?

"I'm torn between buying a 2014 Ford Focus 1.0-litre EcoBoost or 2012 Vauxhall Astra 1.4-litre Turbo GTC. Both cars have good history and in good condition. Any thoughts on which one is better?"
The Ford Focus is the better car in my opinion. It's good to drive, comfortable and cheaper to run. According to Real MPG submissions, this engine returns 41-42mpg. The 1.4 Astra, in comparison, is around 37mpg. This version of the Focus 1.0 EcoBoost was subject to a major recall in relation to the turbo coolant pipe. Ford later modified the pipe with a white nylon union and this has been retrofitted to most affected cars. But you should check this before buying.
Answered by Dan Powell

Which is the better used buy - Golf, Astra GTC or Focus?

"I'm looking at buying a used car. I am trying to upgrade my 10 year old SEAT Ibiza - so looking for something stylish and quick/fun to drive - but also reliable and fairly economical as I do a fair amount of motorway driving. Ideally, I would like something from 2012 on with a budget up to £8500. I am considering the Vauxhall Astra GTC 2.0 CDTi or 1.4i Turbo. I also like the Volkswagen Golf 1.4 TSi and a Ford Focus 1.6 EcoBoost or 2.0 TDCi. I have also thought about an Audi A3 and SEAT Leon. What would you recommend? "
The Astra GTC is a great looking car, but better with the 1.4T than the growly old diesel. Golf Mk VIs are the most complained of cars in the UK, riddled with faults. A3s and Leons share their parts. Focus are better, but not much. See http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar
Answered by Honest John

Lied to by dealer over missing service history

"I bought a used Vauxhall Astra GTC last year from a main dealer. All seemed well until I brought it home and found the service history was missing. I contacted the dealer and was told it was still in the office and would be posted out to me. Weeks went by and I never got my hands on the service history and when I contacted again I was told it was lost but that a copy could be gained from the Vauxhall database. Frequent messages continued for months and I was told multiple times that it was retrievable. Last month the dealer told me that the service history would not be retrievable as it was not carried out at a Vauxhall garage. What's more, it seems two of the car's four annual services have been missed. What are my legal rights? "
In that case you can reject the car because they sold the car to you under false pretences and repeatedly lied to you. Law here: http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/faq/consumer-rights/
Answered by Honest John
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