Astra GTC 2.0 diesel
Discussion
Anything to watch out for with these?
I know Astras are pretty good value, my previous car was a 1.7 2012 Astra, but I'm not a fan of the styling on the normal model and it was thirsty for what it was. I'd also like more poke. But I was impressed at how well it handled the abuse I gave it.
I'm interested in a GTC. I know they're not the best car in the world before someone tells me to buy a 320d instead, but I like them and need a fuel efficient workhorse for not a lot of money, I'm thinking I can't go too far wrong with one of these?
Also considering some cheaper alternatives but I'm half sold on the Astra.
I know Astras are pretty good value, my previous car was a 1.7 2012 Astra, but I'm not a fan of the styling on the normal model and it was thirsty for what it was. I'd also like more poke. But I was impressed at how well it handled the abuse I gave it.
I'm interested in a GTC. I know they're not the best car in the world before someone tells me to buy a 320d instead, but I like them and need a fuel efficient workhorse for not a lot of money, I'm thinking I can't go too far wrong with one of these?
Also considering some cheaper alternatives but I'm half sold on the Astra.
Edited by Raymond Reddington on Thursday 15th April 19:50
They're good cars look for the SRI model or a Ltd Edition with the full leather the 2.0d engine is good with a nice amount of poke, make sure the diesel filter is changed & do an engine flush every other service as the pick up pipe can get clogged because of the long service intervals.
SRI 160
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202104081...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202103079...
There's also the rare Astra 190+ BiTurbo model that looks good too, but they're hard to find.
SRI 160
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202104081...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202103079...
There's also the rare Astra 190+ BiTurbo model that looks good too, but they're hard to find.
They're good cars. I've had my '63 plate 2.0 CDTi SRi model for about 18 months now and can't really fault it. I chose it because I used to drive Astras at work every day and found them to be a decent drive and very reliable. Thankfully the GTC has met that expectation.
In terms of the boring stuff, it does 50mpg on a longer trip and could probably do more if you really tried. You can also monitor when it runs a DPF regen cycle if you use the trip computer to display the 'top consumers' menu.
The drive is very nice, that HiPer Strut front suspension does the trick of mitigating a vast amount of torque steer. The 1.6 and 1.7 CDTi models I used to use at work were much worse for torque steer, so clearly the technology works as the 2.0 CDTi is obviously a bit more powerful. It's nice to be able to power out of a tight bend even on a wet road without feeling the steering being corrupted or the car trying to drag itself away from your line. Even for a diesel, I find it to be a good fun drive. It has a very nice balance and a positive turn-in. I think the badge and the name have probably put off a few buyers who would have otherwise found it to be a fun drive. Certainly, mine was cheap. It cost me £6175 from a main dealer with 35,000 miles on it, a full service history and a clean MOT history.
Second gear is a bit short but there is a useful overlap with 3rd so you might initially find that some bends that look like a 2nd gear effort are more comfortably taken in 3rd. The gearshift tends to feel a bit rough whilst cold but smooths out nicely when warm.
In terms of the boring stuff, it does 50mpg on a longer trip and could probably do more if you really tried. You can also monitor when it runs a DPF regen cycle if you use the trip computer to display the 'top consumers' menu.
The drive is very nice, that HiPer Strut front suspension does the trick of mitigating a vast amount of torque steer. The 1.6 and 1.7 CDTi models I used to use at work were much worse for torque steer, so clearly the technology works as the 2.0 CDTi is obviously a bit more powerful. It's nice to be able to power out of a tight bend even on a wet road without feeling the steering being corrupted or the car trying to drag itself away from your line. Even for a diesel, I find it to be a good fun drive. It has a very nice balance and a positive turn-in. I think the badge and the name have probably put off a few buyers who would have otherwise found it to be a fun drive. Certainly, mine was cheap. It cost me £6175 from a main dealer with 35,000 miles on it, a full service history and a clean MOT history.
Second gear is a bit short but there is a useful overlap with 3rd so you might initially find that some bends that look like a 2nd gear effort are more comfortably taken in 3rd. The gearshift tends to feel a bit rough whilst cold but smooths out nicely when warm.
Thanks both. Like I thought then, they sound like a good bet.
I've seen a nice Megane coupe as well which is well specced in GT Line trim but unfortunately only has the 1.5dci which while good for my fuel consumption I think will lack the power I need.
Test driving a GTC tomorrow, looking forward to it.
I've seen a nice Megane coupe as well which is well specced in GT Line trim but unfortunately only has the 1.5dci which while good for my fuel consumption I think will lack the power I need.
Test driving a GTC tomorrow, looking forward to it.
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