Vauxhall Astra GTC Coupe (2011 - 2018) 1.4T 16V (140bhp) SRi 3d Auto (2013/62) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

A white one (in my case) is striking to look at and is quite prominent. The person driving this car is younger, and likes to show off a bit.

What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

Rather favourable opinions of the car by friends and family overall. "It's huge" and "these doors are a bit heavy" are popular snippets. I don't talk to my neighbours.

Would you buy this car again and why?

I definitely wouldn't complain if my next car was also a GTC. I'd avoid the petrol though; and I'd probably get the manual. Don't pay attention to the economy figures, I'm averaging 29-30mpg in the auto and I've no lead foot. Road tax is steep too, the auto costing about £180 a year to tax as opposed to the more reasonable £130 that the manual demands. (At the time of writing.).

What are you likely to buy next?

Might be boring and get an eco-Golf; recuperate some of my road tax losses.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Independent

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£9,800

When did you buy the car?

October 2015

Did you get a good deal and why?

In hindsight, I'd say that the deal was good enough. The dealer held firm with the asking price, and was reluctant to haggle with the price of the part exchange. Despite this, I paid an amount that was I'd say similar to other GTCs in forecourts at the time.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

Good looks. A favourable opinion of modern Vauxhalls.

What was the dealer like?

A bit lacklustre to be honest. Perky enough not to drive me away but certainly not a noteworthy buying experience.

What's it like to drive?

Effortless. The car feels planted at all times, and though the suspension is on the firm side it doesn't have a detrimental effect to the comfort. The steering is pin-point accurate, if a little numb. With an automatic gearbox you feel a little useless. Point and go convenience with no faff.

What's it like to park?

Definitely not a strong point. This car is, no beating around the bush, large; especially in its width. The front and rear parking sensors are a big help in otherwise nail-biting parallel parking and multi-storey situations. With a little practice, it isn't too difficult to squeeze it into spaces you thought at first were a little too small. If you're a person who needs to see all four corners of your car else you scrape it when manoeuvring, look elsewhere. Visibility is bettered by many other cars.

Have you had any problems with the car?

Absolutely nothing at all. It has a quality and solidity about it that exceeded my expectations. Vauxhalls of recent are worlds apart from Vauxhalls of old.

What's most practical about your car?

The boot space is cavernous for a car of this type. The leg and head room front and rear is impressive. The very large doors, although heavy, provide easy access and exit.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

The car's ability to automatically engage the main beam in the appropriate driving situation was an unexpected and pleasant surprise.