Vauxhall Astra GTC hatchback

The Vauxhall Astra GTC takes on the likes of the Renault Megane coupe and Volkswagen Scirocco with its good looks and even better drive. Not only is it generously equipped, it's also an almost entirely new car from the standard Astra, is competitively priced and we have been particularly impressed by its sporty drive. It only comes as a three-door, but with four engine choices – two petrols and two diesels – with all but the most powerful turbo petrol model being equipped with fuel-saving stop-start. It's stylish and fast, but the GTC isn’t just focused on being a sports car. Some thorough design and clever suspension carried over from the Vauxhall Insignia VXR also means it's comfortable and practical on the open road. We didn’t name it CarBuyer's Best Coupe for 2012 for nothing.