Sporty new Vauxhall Astra GTCs tested at Loton Park

The UK's oldest surviving car manufacturer Vauxhall chose two Midlands speed hill climb venues to launch its new Astra GTC to the nation's journalists this week.

First in line to host the event was Hagley Car Club at Loton Park, near Shrewsbury, one of the longest tracks in the country, where drivers were taken up the twisting course by experienced local instructors, who themselves regularly compete at the venue.

Each journalist was then given one practice run and one competitive timed run to put the new car through its paces.

MSA Clerk of the Course, Jim Gazey, commented: "We don't really expect any problems, but Vauxhall have brought a couple of extra cars just in case anybody gets too enthusiastic.

"This course is rated as being one of the most demanding tracks in the country and we are sure that the journalists will have a great opportunity to enjoy themselves and also to judge the performance of the cars at first hand."

The second venue for the launch was historic Shelsley Walsh, where original Vauxhalls competed in the early 1900s, and once again the drivers pitted themselves against the clock in the latest company offerings.

The new Astra GTC starts at just over £18,000 rising to over £22,000 depending on specification.