Vauxhall unveils new Astra GTC 26 | 04 | 2011

SCOTLAND'S VAUXHALL dealers are gearing themselves up to open the order books for the all-new Astra GTC. Vauxhall, Scotland's leading manufacturer in terms of new car registrations, will start taking orders for the new three-door model from June 7.

This first view of the production Astra GTC shows Vauxhall has kept the sharp styling of the GTC concept first shown in Paris, though Vauxhall will wait till June 7 before confirming full pricing and technical details of the GTC line-up.

This official rendering of the GTC — and the accompanying video — follow the earlier unofficial leak of the VXR version of the GTC. It's worth noting the standard car (above) shares much of the visual impact of Vauxhall’s new “halo model”, specifically the particularly complex tailgate shape and the sharp creases which emerge from the door handles and run across three different panels to the edge of the tail-lights.

The standard GTC will be officially unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September, while we'll have to wait until Geneva next Spring before seeing the near-300bhp VXR.

Expect the GTC's engine range to mirror that of the much of the more conservative five-door hatch. One aspect which is worth noting is the GTC's chassis will be significantly modified, benefiting from the HiPerstrut front suspension of the VXR. It's also rumoured that Lotus will be involved in the GTC’s chassis development.

CLICK HERE to see our video of the all-new Astra GTC

Keep up-to-date with all the latest news by following us on twitter.com/scotcars

Jim McGill