Continuing developments in engine technology means finding family cars with low running costs is simple, but what if you need to inject some style into your life? Proving not to be an impossible task, the Vauxhall Astra GTC and Volkswagen Scirocco face-off against each other for low-cost thrills.
Volkswagen Scirocco (2008-) vs Vauxhall Astra GTC (2011-)
Driving
Scirocco: The Scirocco boasts a strong and varied engine line up, with 118-208bhp on offer. Based on the practical Golf hatch, the coupe adds sharp handling to the mix, cornering with pace and precision. To strike the correct balance between running costs, performance and low tax bills the 2-litre 138bhp diesel makes perfect sense.
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Astra GTC: Like the Scirocco, the Astra GTC has a wide range of engines but it’s the frugal 1.7-litre diesel that’s the natural choice here though thanks to strong economy figures and low CO2 emissions. It is slower and less powerful than its competitor, but the GTC remains fun to drive with plenty of grip and sharp reactions.
Practicality
Scirocco: When it comes to boot space, the Scirocco falls short of its rivals with just 292-litres available. The boot opening is not as wide as it could be either, making it difficult to manoeuvre larger items inside. There’s a good variety of storage options available around the cabin though and the interior is well thought out and of typically superior VW quality.
Astra GTC: The Astra GTC has 88-litres more space in the boot than the Scirocco, but again the actual opening is tight – even more so than in the VW. Behind the wheel you’ll find plenty of cubbies and cupholders to store your personal items and the cabin is easy to navigate around, although it lacks the quality feel of its Volkswagen rival.
Costs
Scirocco: The Sicrocco’s diesel engine offers 30bhp more than the GTC, but running costs are similar. Combined fuel economy is 62mpg and CO2 emissions of 118g/km mean £30 in annual VED tax. Recent revelations over VW’s diesel engines means used values could tumble, so there could be bargains to be had.
Astra GTC: It’s here the Astra GTC excels over the Scirocco with an overall fuel economy of 68mpg and CO2 emissions of just 109g/km. That latter figure means it’ll be £10 cheaper a year in tax, while lower insurance groups could spell extra savings, while the larger fuel tank means less frequent trips to the petrol station for fuel.
The stats
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Engine |
2.0TDi BlueMotion Tech GT |
1.7 CDTi ecoFLEX Sport |
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Fuel capacity |
50 litres |
56 litres |
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Road Tax |
Band C – £30 p/a |
Band B – £20 p/a |
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Power |
138bhp |
108bhp |
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Insurance Group |
22 |
14 |
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0-60mph |
9 seconds |
11.3 seconds |
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Boot space |
292 litres |
380 litres |
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Economy |
62mpg |
68mpg |
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CO2 emissions |
118g/km |
109g/km |
The Winner – Vauxhall Astra GTC
Although the Scirocco is better to drive, when it comes to outright costs the Astra GTC is likely to be cheaper to buy and run and these accolades are hard to ignore. The frugal diesel engine and large boot will also appeal to car buyers, even if some won’t find it as desirable as the VW.
Click here to read the full review of the Vauxhall Astra GTC
Click here to read the full review of the Volkswagen Scirocco
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