These are the first official shots of the new Vauxhall Astra GTC, which will lay down the gauntlet to VW Scirocco and Renault Megane Coupe with a heady mix of dynamic excellence, dramatic design features and competitive pricing as order books open at Vauxhall retailers today. Closely based on the stunning 2010 GTC Paris concept, the production Vauxhall Astra GTC enters the UK market - the biggest in Europe for this model - priced from just £18495, nearly £1100 less than the basic VW Scirocco. But even in entry-level trim, the Astra GTC adopts the sophisticated front suspension from the Insignia VXR, featuring Vauxhall’s HiPerStrut (High Performance Strut), combined with the clever Watt's link rear axle for unmatched stability and handling precision. The third body style to come off the new Astra's Delta platform (following the Hatch and Sports Tourer), the only elements the GTC shares with its siblings are door handles and the roof aerial - even the wheelbase and tracks are different. Brit, Mark Adams, Vauxhall's Vice President of Design, has aimed to create a car that looks like it's been plucked from the class above, with its low, wide stance and simple, yet rakish lines. Vauxhall Astra GTC (2012) Vauxhall Astra GTC (2012) But don't be fooled: the GTC's 'straight-from-concept' looks shroud a cabin that's roomy and comfortable enough to accommodate four adults and their luggage. So while the GTC will appeal to UK car enthusiasts, its practicality will ensure that it <b>...</b>