Vauxhall launches hot Astra BiTurbo GTC

Vauxhall has launched an alternative to hot hatch fans who love the look of the bold new Astra VXR but need something more fuel efficient – the Astra GTC BiTurbo.

Vauxhall Astra VXR (2012 onwards)

Vauxhall Insignia BiTurbo (2012 onwards)

Vauxhall Astra GTC (2011 onwards)

This new diesel model packs a 185hp twin-turbo version of Vauxhall’s 2.0-litre diesel engine, helping it to accelerate to 62mph in 7.8 seconds and on to 139mph.

More significantly, it has a full 295lb ft of pulling power – the SAME figure as the mighty VXR, ensuring it delivers instant, surging performance on the road.

This is delivered with minimal turbo lag too, thanks to the twin-turbo setup: a ‘small turbo’ spins up quickly to give sharp low-end response, with the larger turbo supplying the firepower at higher revs. Together, they help spread the peak torque between 1,750rpm-2,500rpm.

As for economy, there’s little faulting the new hot Vauxhall. It averages 53.3mpg, well up on the 34.9mpg average of the VXR petrol. It also emits 139g/km CO2 instead of 189g/km – a full 50g/km CO2 less. Standard engine stop-start helps keep it green in town too.

The fiendishly promising new Astra GTC BiTurbo even stacks up on paper. The price is just £995 more than the 2.0 CRDi 165 GTC Sport, at £23,925, yet not only is it more powerful, it also includes special 18-incha alloys and bodykit, 6mm lower ride height, bespoke ‘Track’ interior trim, a flat-bottomed steering wheel and electronic climate control.

The new Astra GTC BiTurbo is available to order now, and sports the minor facelift that will come to the rest of the Astra range when deliveries of this and other cars begins in September.

The facelift is minor indeed – new front grille, new front indicator lamps, revised foglamps, new rear panel and chrome lower moulding.

Bigger news is the new options introduced with the facelift: Astra buyers can choose from a front camera warning system, rear view camera, new colours and LED running lights. The standard DAB stereo has also been upgraded to a DMB system.