Verdict
The Vauxhall Astra GTC is a surprisingly spacious five-seat hatchback with attractive coupe looks. Steering and suspension developed specifically for British buyers ensures a good drive.

Expert rating: 3.9

Pros
• Handsome exterior
• Fine steering
• Spacious cabin

Cons
• Staid interior
• Firm ride
• No VXR version - yet

1. Exterior: 5/5
The Astra GTC is no tarted-up hatchback - Vauxhall has only carried the door handles and aerial across from the five-door hatch. The headlights are smaller and the rear is no less pretty with a high shoulder line and long lights evocative of the stunning Alfa Romeo Brera. Perhaps the most striking element is the line which runs down the car's flanks. Winglets at the side of the rear wing help make the Astra GTC one of the most aerodynamic cars in its class.

2. Interior: 3/5
Much of the cabin is standard Astra, so it's logical, practical and well laid-out, but lacks the flair of the exterior. Chrome-edged dials are clear and add a sporty edge, and the red illumination is attractive at night. When Sport mode is activated in the optional FlexRide suspension package, the white instrumentation glows a racy red. Sports seats are standard in range-topping SRi models, but the standard seats look the part and offer plenty of support.

3. Practicality: 4/5
Despite its rakish looks, the Astra GTC is very spacious, with more headroom than the coupe-like roofline would suggest. Space up front is on a par with the Astra hatchback, and room in the rear is adequate for two adults, although a third may complain on longer journeys. The boot measures 380 litres, which is bigger than the Volkswagen Scirocco and Renault Megane Coupe. The boot is deep, but there's a high sill while storage space around the cabin is good.

4. Ride and handling: 4/5
Vauxhall is keen to distance the GTC from other Astras so it's developed a great deal of bespoke chassis equipment. Upgarded front suspension improves grip and steering feel while the rear suspension has been tweaked and softened for improved ride and handling. There's lots of grip through the bends and the ride is smoother than the performance-orientated set-up would suggest. However, wheels larger than the standard 18-inch alloys means the ride becomes crashy over broken tarmac. Cars with FlexRide adaptive damping firms or softens the ride, but the standard set-up is best for most scenarios.

5. Performance: 3/5
A 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol engine is available, producing 120 or 140bhp with 0-62mph times of 9 and 10.2 seconds respectively. It lacks the urge of other small turbocharged engines, and needs to be worked hard. A 180bhp 1.6-litre turbo is the most powerful engine in the class, giving 0-62mph in 7.8 seconds and a 137mph maximum. A pair of 1.7-litre diesel engines produce 110 or 130bhp with 0-62mph times of 10 or 11 seconds; they perform well, but they're not especially refined. Far better is the 165bhp 2-litre diesel, with its 0-62mph time of 8.4 seconds, although it rattles when worked hard. A 300bhp VXR version will follow.

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6. Running costs: 3/5
At launch, the most tax friendly GTC is the 1.7 diesel - both the low- and high-power versions have identical CO2 emissions of 119g/km - but an ecoFLEX model will arrive in 2012 with emissions of 109g/km. The standard 1.7s can average of 62.8mpg, while the 2-litre diesel records a 58.9mpg average. The 1.4 petrols emit 140g/km while the 1.6 turbo is rated at 168g/km.

7. Reliability: 4/5
The current Astra hasn't been affected with any common faults yet, and the general quality of Vauxhall's range is pretty good. Our test cars were affected by a couple of annoying rattles from the dashboard.

8. Safety: 5/5
The Astra hatchback was praised for its safety in the Euro NCAP crash test programme, so the GTC should perform equally well. Standard equipment includes six airbags, ESP, anti-whiplash headrests and hill start assistance.

9. Equipment: 4/5
Just two versions of the GTC are available: Sport and SRi. Sport models feature daytime running lights, 18-inch alloys, air-con, digital radio, electric windows and cruise control. SRi models add front sports seats, automatic headlights and windscreen wipers, a trip computer, front centre armrest and tinted rear windows.

10. Why buy? 4/5
The Astra GTC is the best-looking Vauxhall on sale, and its the best handling to date. Low running costs for the diesels and attractive BIK rates for company car drivers makes it an appealing and affordable choice.