Faults:

Needed some work to the brakes, and the front suspension is also a bit rattly, will have it checked soon.

I look after the car well; it gets oil changes and all the required maintenance it needs.

Console display is a bit erratic, sometimes won't light up some pixels. No big deal.

Air con still works but definitely weaker now. May just need a re-gas.

General Comments:

It is a bit of a stretch to call the GTC Astra a coupe, I think it is more of a sporty hatchback. With that said, it looks and feels a very different car from the regular Astra, even in basic trims.

Sport trim must be near or at the bottom of the range; it does not even have front fog lights, and the seats look a bit basic compared to other models I have seen. Still, the car has air con, electric windows, the seats are very comfortable, plus the quality of materials is good, and the car has enough for me just running about myself. Silver seven spoke alloy wheels also look very nice and are easy to keep clean. My car is black. Best in darker colors in my opinion. Though the other day I did see a bright red VXR model with window tints and massive black alloy wheels, really stood out. But I also like the conservative style of my Sport model just as much.

1.4 petrol engine is hardly pick of the bunch either, however its qualities lie in refinement and economy, rather than all out speed. It is quick enough for most drivers, and is quiet. Gear change feels good. You will see 46 mpg on average. I think it is a better choice than the noisy diesels. I also think keeping up with the oil changes it is unlikely to give trouble - it is a very simple and proven engine.

Despite the average performance, the car drives well and has a sporty feel. Ride is smooth enough but a little firm sometimes, but makes up for it with excellent road holding. Handling is very sharp. A bit too many blind spots but you get used to it.

Value for money wise it is probably one of the best cars I have had, I would recommend the Astra GTC to anyone.

Faults:

Other than servicing and wear and tear parts replaced, basically nothing. The car has slightly below average miles and was bought used but in great condition and has full history and all services carried out. Suspension advisory (shocks and springs) at last MOT, but that is acceptable and expected as I approach 70K. If I am being really picky... the driver's seat is looking a bit worn, looks like 10 years of wear rather than 7. But I am not the lightest person and I sit in it all day sometimes :)

General Comments:

What a great looking car in my opinion. This Astra GTC is a thousand times better looking than the regular Astra - yet has near identical running costs. Certainly the smaller engined versions anyway.

1.4 petrol has average performance, 0-60 in about 10 seconds and if you are brave enough, all the way onto about 120 mph. But daily driving the car feels nippy about town, and I like to cruise on the motorway so it is more than good enough for me. Economy is great for petrol, you will easily see more than 40 mpg on average. Diesel might be preferable however as they can do more than 50 with similar performance. And as everyone knows about these cars, check out the VXR models if you want performance - it is a very different car from the lower range models.

SRi GTC is a good spec and has all the electrics you could want. Comfortable interior if a little firm ride at lower speeds, but the car handles nicely and is a satisfying drive. As mentioned in other reviews, 6 speed is rather unnecessary for a smaller engine car, but no big deal. Manual I preferred to an automatic however.

It is hard to say anymore about it other than if you want a great looking modern hatch/coupe that won't break the bank, check out the Astra GTC.