Review: Holden Astra GTC (2015-16)

Overview

Released in Australia in April 2015, the Holden PJ Astra GTC was a three-door hatchback. Manufactured in Gilwice, Poland, the front-wheel drive PJ Astra GTC was powered by a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine that was mated to either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. The Astra GTC range consisted of standard and Sport variants.

A16XHT ‘SIDI Ecotec’ engine

The 1.6-litre A16XHT ‘SIDI Ecotec’ turbocharged engine had a cast-iron block, aluminium cylinder heads, direct injection, chain-driven double overhead camshafts with hydraulic tensioners, variable intake and exhaust camshaft phasing, four valves per cylinder actuated by roller cam followers, twin balance shafts and a compression ratio of 10.5:1.

For A16XHT engines that were mated to manual transmissions, the engine had a Start/Stop function which enabled it to shut down when the vehicle was stationary in traffic to minimise fuel consumption.

Dimensions and suspension

Underpinned by General Motors’ Delta II platform, the Holden PJ Astra GTC was 4466 mm long, 2020 mm wide (including mirrors), 1489 mm tall and had a 2695 mm long wheelbase.

The Astra GTC had ‘HiPerStrut’ front suspension and a torsion beam rear axle with Watt’s linkages. Compared to conventional MacPherson strut front suspension, HiPerStruts reduced kingpin inclination by 44 per cent and shortened spindle length (kingpin offset) by 46 per cent with a reduced lever arm. By reducing kingpin inclination, less camber loss is experienced while cornering, while torque steer reactions were also reduced.

Steering

The Astra GTC had rack-and-pinion steering with electric power assistance.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the Holden PJ Astra GTC included dual front airbags, front side airbags, full-length curtain airbags, ABS, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, electronic stability control, traction control, active front seat head restraints and front seatbelts with dual pretensioners and load limiters.

Brakes

The Holden PJ Astra GTC had 321 mm ventilated front brake discs and 292 mm solid rear discs.

Euro NCAP testing

In Euro NCAP testing , the Astra GTC received a five star safety rating including a 91 per cent adult occupant protection rating and a 79 per cent child occupant protection rating. In the front offset test, protection of the driver’s chest was rated as adequate, while lower leg protection for both front occupants was also rated as adequate. In the side impact and pole tests, protection of the driver’s chest was rated as marginal.

Features: Holden Astra GTC

Standard features for the Holden PJ Astra GTC included 18-inch alloy wheels with 235/50 R18 97V tyres, a seven speaker audio system with a digital radio tuner (DAB), an MP3-compatible CD player and auxiliary inputs (3.5 mm/USB/iPod), Holden’s MyLink infotainment system with a seven-inch colour display and satellite navigation, Bluetooth mobile phone connectivity and audio streaming, air conditioning, cruise control, cloth Morrocana seats with Sportec bolsters, front and rear fog lights, front and rear parking sensors, daytime running lights, automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers, 60/40 split and folding rear seats, remote central locking, power windows and heated mirrors, tilt and telescopic steering wheel adjustment, a 12 volt power outlet, trip computer and an immobiliser.

Features: Astra GTC Sport

Compared to the standard Astra GTC, the Astra GTC Sport was further equipped with 19-inch alloy wheels, perforated ‘Mondial’ leather seat trim, dual-zone climate control air conditioning, eight-way power adjustable driver’s seat, heated front seats, sports steering wheel, alloy sports pedals and electric park brake.

Visually, the Astra GTC Sport could be identified by its sports body kit – which included lower spoiler edges for the bumpers and rocker mouldings – and LED tail-lights.

Paint colours

The Astra GTC was available in the following paint finishes:

• Summit White;
• Power Red;
• Carbon Flash Black;
• Sunny Melon Yellow;
• Buzz Blue; and,
• Silver Lake.

Brochure

• Brochure: Holden Astra GTC and VXR (May 2015)

Related links

• Holden Media: Holden Cascada Convertible to Debut in Australia in 2015; Joined by Astra and Insignia (May 2014)
• Holden Media: Holden Astra and Cascada Launch (April 2015)
• Behind the Wheel: 2015 Holden Astra GTC and GTC Sport Review
• Wikipedia.org: Opel Astra J