A different feeling inside the ASTRA GTC

During those years that I was just a teenager and just have learned how to drive, I have always imagined myself driving a super cool car with all the latest gadgets inside it. With just a click of my fingers, the car seat reclines…. and with just a word from me, the high-tech windshield does its job…LOL. Until now, there is still this “teenage thing” in me where I couldn’t help but imagine about cars. Although it’s quite different now, because I imagine about real cars that I saw from the TV or from the internet. Not anymore those that are just made up by my mind. If it’s still the same, then maybe I have a hitch in my brain… but it’s not the case! I’m normal!

Anyway… Though I have my own car, I still think of myself driving other amazingly beautiful cars. My car is a Chevrolet Corvette. It was my father’s car that is handed down to me when he couldn’t drive anymore. It was kinda’ old already so I thought of replacing it now…LOL. For so many times now, I thought of replacing it with a high-tech car. But wait! I think I’m not that rich… so for now I’m pretty fine with watching them on TV and browsing them in a computer.

Lately I saw this car, a very impressive one…the Vauxhall ASTRA GTC. It is wonderful! It’s a European car so expect something magnificent from it. I couldn’t help but to let my mind work again and envision myself driving that machine. The first thing that came to my mind is the feeling of being one with the environment…hehe. I mean in an open space. This car features a very wide one-piece windshield. It bends regally over the head of the driver almost occupying one-fourth of the car’s roof. They call it a panoramic windshield eliminating the steel on top of the windshield. It has its rear view mirror suspended right in front of you. But the dark side of it is, if ever you flip on that car your skull might get smashed up for it has no protection at all. The windshield might be the one to injure your head. You’ll have the sun rays directly shining over your head and eyes. However, you don’t have to worry for it has a power shade or electric blind as they call it that can be pulled forward to protect you against the hot rays of the sun. Another problem with it is the money that it will cost you to replace it if has been damaged. A replacement of it costs 650 Pounds compared to the 450 Pounds of a conventional Astra windshield replacement. Whew! Nonetheless, the makers pointed out that the windshield is made from thickened and heat reflective glass. But it is not so solid to resist rogue stones that it can likely get a chip or crack.

You just have to look on the brighter if you have this car. Focus on the feeling that this new windshield gives you and the added features it offers. This car is stylish which Vauxhall is known for. It also has lowered suspension, exceptional front fog lights, sports seat, sports instruments and a matt chromed center console. Cornering with it is not a problem for it has a lesser cornering roll. Its brakes are powerful too. It also features the Continuous Damping Control (CDC) with electronically controlled shock absorbers that adapts constantly to the drivers style and to the road surface. Also, it has an Interactive Driving System (IDS) that incorporates all the electronic functions. Though it has a lot of advanced features, it still employs a simple beam axle at the rear in place of multi-link layouts used by Ford and Volkswagen.

So what could you ask for more? You just have to be rich to have this car…LOL. GM’s Ion is anchored in the Astra. So, for car aficionados in US like me… I’ll wait for it and see if it has the same windshield with Astra.