Vauxhall Astra Panoramic lets drivers soak up the sun
To help kick off sales of its new Panoramic windshield option, Vauxhall has released a special edition Astra GTC that features the snazzy glass up front, exclusive GTC badging, 18" rims, foglights, ESP and interior goodies like A/C and sport seats. Only 500 of the special editions will be built, and they're being sold for £15,995 -- undercutting the more vanilla Astra Sport Hatch 1.8 SRi's asking price by a few pounds.
The Panoramic windscreen is made of heat-absorbing glass (a good thing) and wraps up and over the two front seats, greating an airy, open cabin feeling that can't be matched by a mere sunroof. For days when it gets extra-hot, a power shade can be pulled forward to shield the front passengers from the sun's rays.
Once the initial 500 special editions are sold out, the Panoramic option will cost £850. This might also be a good time for buyers to opt for that full glass coverage from their insurance companies. Could come in handy, you know?
If the option winds up being popular, it'd be nice to see GM at least consider it for the upcoming Astra-based Ion replacement. Something like this would look mighty cool on (and be very relevant to) cars from The General's Born From Jets brand as well. Hint, hint...
(More pics and the Vauxhall press release after the jump)
[Source: GM / Vauxhall]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
TOP-GLASS ASTRA MAKES SPARKLING SPECIAL EDITION DEBUT
- Astra now available with Panoramic windscreen
- GTC launch model offers exceptional value
- £850 option on all other Sport Hatch models
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.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
GhostDoggy 9:07AM (6/16/2006)
I guess in other parts of the world the idea of driving with sun in your eyes is a moot point if its always overcast. How would this thing perform in the rollover challenge?
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Jeff Crew 9:18AM (6/16/2006)
It would also be great on the Saturn Ion replacement.
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Bob 9:25AM (6/16/2006)
This would be great for taller peolle who cannot see signal lights when stopped at an intersection. In many cars, especially smaller models, most people have to duck down to see the light turn green.
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mikesy 9:30AM (6/16/2006)
The Mazda kabura concept had a similar windshield. Looks very cool. But, yea, what about driving with sun in your eyes? It'd be cool if the glass could tint when on command to help block the sun? sometimes sunglasses are not enough.
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RossL 9:35AM (6/16/2006)
Makes sense for the U.K., where the sun rarely shines (and when it does, it's far, far lower in the sky). But this would be plain nutty in most parts of North America.
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George 9:45AM (6/16/2006)
Read the description and look at the pictures:
"For days when it gets extra-hot, a power shade can be pulled forward to shield the front passengers from the sun's rays."
If you look at the interior shot you can see where the shade goes to and it’s just like having a regular windshield.
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Kamil 9:45AM (6/16/2006)
Cool, different, but looks like $$$$$ to replace.
Some kind of transition lens can be used to block out the sun - think outside the box people. :P
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Mama's little helper 9:50AM (6/16/2006)
If you will look at the interior picture you will see it has a retracting panel that moves forward to block the sun making it the same as any other windshild. A great idea, great for vacationing.
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itstim 9:51AM (6/16/2006)
haven't you read to the fourth paragraph where it says "An electric blind can be slid forward should you crave some more shade."
And it's beautifully sunny in the UK thanks and has been for weeks. No hurricanes or forest fires either thanks.
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DJ 9:52AM (6/16/2006)
It's like IMAX for your car. By the way, isn't glass typically much heavier than steel in these applications?
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David Martin 10:08AM (6/16/2006)
I saw the promo for this car on Autoline Detroit. The commercial they showed had the car with a manual sunshade. I love the concept; at least you get to see more than from a sunroof, one that can eventually leak.
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RossL 10:26AM (6/16/2006)
>And it's beautifully sunny in the UK
What the Brits call sunny, Amercans south of the Mason-Dixon line call shade.
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Mike K 10:43AM (6/16/2006)
Man, I'd hate to get a stone chip in that. Better hope you have comprehensive w/glass replacement. $$$$!
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Richard Warren 10:50AM (6/16/2006)
That's one honkin piece of glass. Pretty cool, the shade idea is great.
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Pinkerton 10:51AM (6/16/2006)
Insert whine here about how the Europeans get all the good cars.
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Peter 10:51AM (6/16/2006)
Wicked. I want one so bad. This is better than a convertible.
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Bob 10:57AM (6/16/2006)
I bet this wind sheild is cheaper than a big sunroof. Less parts.
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Howard Kerr 11:03AM (6/16/2006)
18 inch wheels/tires in combination with VERY large panes of glass probably won't last very long on the less than glass smooth roads found on most of the planet. And can you imagine if a car with this feature is ever in a wreck....the windshield opening will need to be pretty close to factory-new when the car is repaired for it not to leak water or air and/or have wind whistles it didn't have before the wreck.
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itstim 11:41AM (6/16/2006)
I don't agree Howard. I see plenty of lowered-to-the-ground old bangersw with rubber-band tyres driven badly over terrible tarmac and they never seem to lose screens.
Modern mastic sealants are good at damping vibration and laminated screens have a bit of flex.
Cars nowadays are jigged if heavily crashed and usually written-off by the insurers if twisted as their structural integrity is compromised as the insurers do not wish to open themselves up to personal injury claims.
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Car Pictures 12:39PM (6/16/2006)
Very different but I myself love the idea of it. Always being a fan of targas and other removable tops I love to be able to look up at the sky, throw a peace sign out the roof and do other unknown things while driving. Now this may not have those functions but as a move forward in new directions, I love this. But how will tehy design a window shade for this car! Ahhhh, another new market. Thank YOU
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