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| Car review - Holden TS Astra SRi |
| By Julian Edgar (AutoSpeed Magazine) Holden has made some smart product choices over the last few years - one of the advantages of being able to source cars from the huge range of global GM models. And with the Barina, Astra and Vectra they've cemented a very strong place within the market. Especially the Barina SRi, but what about the big brother Astra SRi? Well the news is that this is another really good car. Perhaps not quite as good for its money as the stunning Barina, but rest assured, still a package that does very little wrong. So what do you get for your $28,485 - some ten grand more than for the base Astra model? Quite a lot, actually. The SRi is fitted with the 2.2-litre engine, rather than the 1.8 fitted in all other models bar the convertible. The larger engine runs twin balance shafts but is otherwise similar in design to the 1.8 - DOHC, sequential injection, variable intake manifold, direct-fire ignition and electronic throttle control. The long-stroke design develops 108kW at 5800 rpm (17 per cent more power that the 1.8, when both engines are run on premium), and 19 per cent more torque. The transmission - a 5-speed manual in the case of the test car - is beefed up to cope with the greater loads. The suspension is also revised over the other Astra models. It retains the use of front aluminium MacPherson struts and a rear torsion beam axle but has a 20mm lower ride height, 14 per cent higher front spring rates and recalibrated front and rear dampers. Rolling stock goes up to 16-inches, with the 10-spoke alloys wearing 205/50 Michelin Pilot HX tyres. In this extensive upgrade package the brake discs - both front and rear - are upsized, while the Bosch 5.3 ABS and traction control remain standard. The obligatory body kit - designed by the Opel Performance Centre - uses a front spoiler/bumper and a rear high-mount wing. Inside are sports seats, twin airbags, a single-CD player, power windows, power mirrors and cruise control. Like the Barina, the Astra (all of 'em, not just the SRi) is both well built and well engineered. The stiff body - in torsion and bending nearly twice as rigid as the previous model - is fully zinc galvanised. The front sub-frame is hydroformed to reduce the number of welds required, in addition to improving strength without gaining weight. Interestingly, over the European models, all Australian-delivered Astras get a "hot climate pack", including UV-resistant door handles, tinted glass and heavy-duty battery/alternator. And on the road it drives very much like the sophisticated and capable Euro hot-hatch that these specs would lead you to expect. The engine is tractable and progressive, with strong response right through the rev range. Helped a little by the short gearing (around 35 km/h per thousand rpm) it can be driven in sloth mode without complaint, or alternatively taken right to the 6600 rpm redline. Performance is competent without being startling - 0-100 comes up in the low 9-second bracket. The gearbox is a little rubbery in selection but is light and can be hustled when you're in a hurry. And you'll often be doing just that because point to point, the SRi can be quick indeed. The suspension is very firmly damped - on bad roads the ride can border on uncomfortable - but the chassis grips and grips. On-power it will eventually start letting go at the front, but the delightful traction control pulls back the understeer with subtlety and assurance. Able to both close the throttle (it's electronic, remember) and also brake a wheel if it continues to spin, the traction control system is an outstanding safety device that doesn't detract at all from enthusiastic driving. Which is just as well, because there's no switch to turn it off. However, there is one unfortunate glitch in pedalling the car fast along a twisty road. Steering with the throttle is made difficult - as are smooth gear changes - because of the way in which the electronic throttle has been programmed. It's almost impossible to lift your foot and then reapply throttle without there being a distinct jerk, and on gear-changes revs flare each time you push the clutch in. And what about that fairly simple rear suspension - doesn't it detract from the on-road show? Yes it does, but only very occasionally. If you hit just the wrong sort of bump when cornering hard, the back can skip around - but it certainly not something that you would experience very often. Another rare - but still occurring - behaviour is that the front suspension can be bottom-out harshly if a sharp bump is met with the suspension already compressed. Perhaps that's the outcome of that 20mm drop in ride height... But in nearly all on-road conditions the SRi is a Good Thing - easy to drive, good grip, brakes which are surprisingly large, and very composed. But what's the comfort and convenience level like inside? The coupe's doors are very long - the 'B' pillar is set back well within the wheelbase. This has a minor disadvantage - the front seat occupants need to reach back a long way to find the seatbelt - but the upside is that getting into the back seat is quite easy. The front seats tilt and slide in one action, and once the rear occupants are in place, the seats return to their previous position. Apart from the lack of opening side glass, those in the back will be pretty happy - there's adult room in all directions, for two people at least. Those in the front are well looked after as well. The sports seats are very comfortable and provide good lateral and lumbar support, while the controls are all easily accessible and logical in their layout and use. Extra buttons for the competent Blaupunkt 520 CD-radio are provided on the steering wheel, and as with the Barina, a high centrally-mount visual display shows the radio frequency, time and outside temperature. It's an approach that works well. Air con is manual only (ie no climate control), while drink holders are - oddly - provided in the door pockets. A large glovebox is fitted - this is a usable and functional interior. Press the pushbutton in the hatch and you'll find more of the same - plenty of well-organised room. The rear seats fold (not quite flat) on a 60/40 split, and there is also a ski-port provision. The rear parcel shelf is easily removed and with the seats down there's a heap of space - we'd guess for example that you'd fit in a bicycle with its front wheel off. Just one thing though - the front seats need to be tipped forward before the back seats are laid flat, otherwise the head restraints on the back seats foul the movement. It's not a big deal, because tilting the front seats takes only moments - but it is something to remember. Fuel consumption of the car is good - we recorded a figure of 8.4 litres/100 while the AS2877 government test figures are 9 litres/100km (city) and 5.8 litres/100km (highway). NVH is generally up to class levels, with engine noise particularly well suppressed. However on some road surfaces we noticed a lot of deep, boomy noise from the tyres and suspension. The Astra SRi is a winning car. It is roomy, practical, well equipped and on-road drives very well in nearly all conditions. No wonder there's a waiting list.... Why you would� � Practical, roomy and well equipped � Good performance and fuel economy � Excellent handling � Good value for money Why you wouldn't... (none in particular) |
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Fast Facts Price: $28,485 Warranty: 3yrs/100,000km Body: steel, 3 doors, 5 seats Drivetrain: front engine (east-west), FWD Transmission: 5-Speed Manual Engine (type / capacity / power / torque): L4 / 2.2 litres / 108kw / 203nm -------------------------------- Home Holden wallpapers Commodore information Useful car-related info -------------------------------- New Holden car reviews Used Holden car reviews -------------------------------- Wheels COTY winners -------------------------------- Guestbook Contact Technical difficulties? -------------------------------- |
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