- 2.2 litre sports performance
- Full equipment listing
- Stand-outstyle
Holden is releasing released a sports performance version of its popular Astra hatch. The three-door Astra SRI features the new generation 2.2 litre engine, a streamlined body kit, a high level of standard equipment and customised interior.
This distinctive new model heads the Holden Astra range. It will appeal to buyers who appreciate a blend of exclusivity and exciting driving dynamics, matched to the many other attributes that make Astra the top-selling car in the small car segment.
The 2.2 litre double overhead cam (DOHO) four cylinder engine at the heart of the new Astra SRi is matched to a heavy duty manual transmission or optional automatic. Sixteen inch alloy wheels and low profile tyres, together with anti-lock braking, traction control and a sports- tuned suspension provide performance-oriented ride and handling characteristics.
An integrated body kit designed for the Opel Performance Centre emphasises the European sports hatch lineage of the SRi. The combination of front air dam and rear spoiler, together with a lowered stance and 16-inch alloy wheels, adds an assertive edge to Astra's striking wedge-shaped design. Special interior features include sports seats, leather wrap steering wheel with radio and CD controls, silver metallic detailing and power front windows.
Michael King, Holden's Marketing Manager, Small and Medium Cars, said the inclusion of a premium performance model will highlight Astra's reputation as a driver's car.
"Our research has consistently shown that there is real demand for a competitively priced and well-specified Astra hatch that would deliver the kind of performance its European sports hatch cousins are famous for," he said.
"As a package, the SRi shares all the virtues — solid build quality, advanced safety engineering, great style — that have made Astra the best selling car in its class. Because we believe this model will be equally well received, we're forecasting incremental initial annual sales of 2,000 units," Michael King concluded.
Powertrain
Holden engineers carried out extensive validation testing to ensure that the new generation 2.2 litre 16 valve ECOTEC DOHC engine specified for the Astra SRi satisfies a wide range of Australian requirements.
The engine develops 108kW of power at 5,800rpm and 203Nm of torque at 4,000rpm using premium unleaded fuel. It achieves fuel consumption figures of 9.0 litres/i 00km on the city cycle and 5.8 litres/i 00km on the highway cycle with manual transmission and 9.0 litres/i 00km on the city cycle and 5.6 litres/i 00km on the highway cycle with automatic transmission. The Astra SRi is also tuned to run on standard unleaded fuel.
The Astra SRi 2.2 litre engine is mated to heavy duty versions of Astra's five-speed, close ratio manual transmission and optional four speed electronic automatic.
Suspension
Sports suspension modifications complement Astra's confidence-inspiring ride and handling characteristics. A lower ride height combines with a 14 per cent increase in front spring rates and recalibrated front and rear dampers to produce a comfortable low-speed ride that firms up with higher suspension inputs.
Wheels, Tyres and Brakes
The distinctive 6xi 6-inch, ten spoke alloy wheels sported by the Astra SRi accommodate lower profile 205/50 Ri6 tyres, which provide a more stable contact patch, higher grip levels and more responsive steering. Larger diameter disc brakes, front and rear, complement the Bosch 5.3 anti-lock braking system with traction control that is standard fitment on the Astra SRi.
Style, Comfort and Convenience
Aerodynamic efficiency drove the design of the Opel Performance Centre body kit that is specific to the Holden Astra SRi. The front bumper spoiler assists in reducing underbody drag and the high mounted rear spoiler gives additional stability at highway speeds. The SRi is further differentiated by integrated fog lamps and special badging.
Attention to detail is a keynote of the individually-equipped interior. On the three-spoke, leather wrapped steering wheel are radio and CD player controls. Cruise control and air conditioning are standard. Sports front seats, finished in exclusive 'Skyline' jacquard trim feature extra side support, an extendable front cushion for increased thigh support and adjustable lumbar support. Further individual touches include white instrument dials, a silver instrument panel and console surround, metallic finish gearshift knob and chrome door handles.
Colour Selection
Midnight Black and Star Silver.
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