Vauxhall Astra GTC

Sharp looks mean the Astra GTC still stands out from the hatchback crowd, while cabin quality is on a par with the Kia’s. Handling could be more engaging, but the Vauxhall’s biggest problems are its high list price, low level of standard kit and steeper running costs compared to rivals.

Astra GTC took the stylish lines of the five-door model and turned them up a notch. Every body panel is different: the sculpted lines and high-set rear end clearly distinguish this car from the standard family hatchback.

• Vauxhall Astra review

Yet compared to its rivals on this test, the rounded Astra GTC looks a little bloated. It’s not helped by the standard 18-inch alloys and high-profile tyres, which seem lost in the big arches (optional 19 and 20-inch wheels look better). The Vauxhall is most attractive from the front three-quarters – the large rear wings and small back windows appear awkward.

Climb aboard and you’ll find that the GTC shares a cabin with its five-door cousin – just like the Leon. That’s no bad thing, though: it means you get a high-quality, well built and smart-looking layout. The chrome-rimmed dials are neat, but the red dot-matrix readout that’s set between them looks a little dated when compared to the Kia’s colour screens. Elsewhere, the button-heavy centre console slopes away from the driver, so the standard screen is set further back than the SEAT’s.

It’s easy enough to get comfortable in the front. However, the chequered seat trim won’t be to all tastes and the Astra lags behind its rivals here when it comes to rear space. The seats feel as if they’re set too high and too far forward, while the small back windows don’t let in as much light as the SEAT’s.At least boot space is on a par with the Leon – although a high lip makes loading up the Astra more difficult. Also, some may initially miss the fact that the Vauxhall badge on the tailgate serves as the boot release, too.

The car’s 180bhp, 1.6-litre turbo petrol engine is as quiet and refined as its rivals’ here. Yet while it’s as powerful as the SEAT’s larger 1.8 TSI, it has less torque, so the Astra couldn’t quite match the other models in our performance tests. The gearbox is notchy, too, although it was more positive than the Kia’s.

On the road, the Vauxhall has plenty of grip and a neutral handling balance, but it’s not as lively and alert as the Leon. The ride was surprisingly unsettled, too, considering the size of the tyres and soft suspension.

With a price tag of £22,000, the Astra GTC 1.6T SRi is more expensive than its rivals here, but it doesn’t come with as much standard kit. Parking sensors, climate control, tyre pressure monitoring and Bluetooth – all standard on the SEAT – add another £1,000 to the price, while higher tax and service costs, plus poorer residuals, also count against the Vauxhall.

We didn’t spend enough time with the Astra to record reliable fuel economy figures, but the GTC’s claimed 39.2mpg is slightly ahead of the Kia’s 38.2mpg. And Vauxhall’s ‘lifetime’ 100,000-mile warranty will give added peace of mind to owners.