Top-glass Astra makes sparkling special edition debut

Astra Sport Hatch is now available with a Panoramic windscreen, and to celebrate this innovative new arrival Vauxhall has come up with a stunning special edition that shows off the stylish design and driving excitement for which the manufacturer has become renowned.

And it’s not just the roof that’s clearly cool – for the first 500 customers, the newcomer is being offered as a strictly limited edition at an even cooler price.

At just £15,995, the 1.8-litre only GTC costs £5 less than the standard Astra Sport Hatch 1.8 SRi on which it’s based, yet comes with over £1,100 worth of options. As well as the striking Panoramic windscreen, the special model, of which only 500 will be built, features 18-inch five-spoke alloy wheels and unique GTC badges, while equipment highlights include air conditioning, sports seats, ESPPlus, a trip computer and front fog lights.

But it’s the Panoramic windscreen that’s bound to be the talk of your neighbourhood. Described by The Sun as "strikingly good looking", the heat-absorbing glass cuts right back across the roof leaving a clear, uninterrupted view out of the car. An electric blind can be slid forward should you crave some more shade.

The feature gives an unusual yet stimulating driving experience, and a feeling of freedom from behind the wheel – one that Auto Express summed up as follows: "Words and photos cannot do it justice – it’s as if someone has removed a blindfold you never even knew was there!"

GTC launch models will be available in three colours – Flame Red, Black Sapphire and Star Silver. All GTCs will be powered by Astra Sport Hatch’s 1.8-litre 125PS powerplant, giving a 0-60mph time of 10.0 seconds and a top speed of 124mph, along with a combined fuel economy figure of 35.8mpg.

After the initial run of GTC models, the Panoramic roof will be available as an £850 option across the Astra Sport Hatch range.