New Opel Astra GTC - Now Taking Orders

Press Release

Striking Looks, Exciting Driving, and Affordable

• Entry-level model from 15,200 euro
• 200 hp GTC turbo reaches a top speed of 234 km/h
• World premiere: Panorama windshield creates new sense of space and visibility

Opel is now taking orders for what may well be the most exciting Astra ever: the new Astra GTC (Gran Turismo Compact) is available at a starting price in Germany of 15,200 euro, and delivery begins in March 2005. The third model in the new Astra generation is the most dramatic interpretation yet of Opel's new design language. The GTC's striking design includes sporty proportions, a sleek silhouette with an arched, sloping roofline and pronounced tapering of the front and rear overhangs. Its body is 15 millimeters lower, magnifying the car's powerful look. The expressively designed body is completely new - only the hood and front fender were taken over from the five-door Astra. The GTC's unique character is accentuated by an optional panorama windshield, which extends from the hood to the B-pillar and creates a whole new sense of space and visibility. The panorama windshield makes its world premiere in the GTC and is available beginning in April.

With its specially tuned IDS chassis (Interactive Driving System), the GTC's unique and dynamic looks turn into action on the road. The 200 hp 2.0 ECOTEC engine takes the GTC turbo from zero to 100 km/h in just 7.8 seconds, and up to a top speed of 234 km/h. At market launch, the Astra GTC comes with a choice of five gasoline engines (90 - 200 hp) and three CDTI common-rail turbo-diesel units (100 - 150 hp). All engines comply with the Euro 4 emissions standard, and both 1.9-liter CDTI engines (120 and 150 hp) are available with a maintenance-free diesel particulate filter (DPF). In addition to the entry-level version, the new Astra GTC is offered in the Edition, Sport and Cosmo model lines.

The GTC's standard equipment includes the comprehensive SAFETEC safety system with IDS chassis and ESPPlus, TCPlus, ABS and brake assist as well as front, thorax/pelvis side and head curtain airbags. It also features Easy Entry and memory function for the front seats, adjustable and heatable power exterior mirrors, power windows, cruise control, remote-control central locking, a pollen filter and 16-inch wheels. The Edition, Sport and Cosmo versions also come with air conditioning and a CD player.

"With the new Astra GTC, we are introducing a model to the market that breaks away from the traditional 'two doors less than five-door variants' approach and offers a unique concept with no compromises," says Alain Visser, Executive Director, European Marketing, Adam Opel AG. "The GTC, which stands for Gran Turismo Compact, particularly appeals to drivers who place high value on expressive design, innovative technology and exciting driving - exactly the GTC's highlights."

GTC prices overview (*recommended retail price in Germany including VAT):