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New Opel Astra GTC Unveiled [Official Details, Gallery and Video]

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The Germans at Opel have finally taken the wraps off the new Astra GTC three-door sports compact, which is set to have its world premiere at the upcoming Frankfurt Auto Show this September. The production version is inspired by the GTC Concept presented in Paris last fall, with the only styling elements shared with other members of the Astra family being the outside rear view mirror housing and the rod antenna.

In addition, six of the seven 17- to 20-inch wheel designs on offer are also GTC-only features. Also, compared to the five-door Astra, the ride height of the GTC is lowered by 15 mm while the basic dimensions of the chassis slightly increase.

The manufacturer says that all Astra GTC versions, regardless of the powertrain and trim level, are fitted with a front suspension with High Performance Strut (HiPerStrut), which improves wheel guidance and grip, reduces torque steering reactions and increases cornering power, offering an enhanced sporty feeling.

Key technologies fitted on the new Astra GTC include a second-generation Opel Eye front camera system, Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR), a new Following Distance Indication function (FDI), as well as a new, fourth-generation Bi-Xenon Advanced Forward Lighting (AFL 4).

Interior highlights include new fabrics, colors and decors on both the Enjoy and Sport trim levels. New premium leather trims mixing Alcantara and Nappa applications are available, as is the standard sport steering wheel with enhanced grips. Moreover, ergonomically enhanced front seats with eight-way adjustments, four-way lumbar and upper leg extension, certified by the independent back health experts from the AGR organization come as an option with prices starting at EUR390.

But enough with the chit chat and let’s see what the new Astra GTC has to offer under the hood. The model is already available for order with a choice of four powertrains – one diesel and three gasoline units.

The upgraded 2.0 CDTI common-rail turbo diesel engine now develops 165 hp and is fitted with a diesel particulate filter and a six-speed manual transmission. The Start/Stop technology is standard equipment.

The 2.0 CDTI delivers up to 380 Nm (280 lb.ft.) of torque thanks to an overboost function and allows the Astra GTC to sprint from naught to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 8.9 seconds. The top speed is rated at 210 km/h (130 mph). The combined fuel consumption does not exceed 4.9 l/100 km and CO2 emissions are 129 g/km.

Start/Stop is also standard with the two 1.4 turbo-compressed gasoline engines with 120 hp and 140 hp outputs. Both have a six-speed manual gearbox, deliver 200 Nm (148 lb.ft.) of torque and require 5.9 l/100 km (139 g/km CO2). The gasoline offer is currently topped by the 180 hp 1.6 turbo with six-speed manual transmission, which has a top speed of 220 km/h (137 mph).

Prices for the current range from EUR21,750 (Astra GTC Enjoy 1.4 Turbo 120 hp) to EUR27,855 (Astra GTC Sport 2.0 CDTI 165 hp).

However, more powertrains will be announced in Frankfurt, with the sportiest of them including the future OPC to follow in 2012.

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