Holden Astra SRi 2002 Review

Despite the Holden lion on the bonnet, there is no doubting the Astra's European pedigree. The small 3-door and 5-door hatch, 4-door sedan and recently added convertible, range was designed and engineered by sister GM firm Opel and it shows.

There is a discernable European feel to the car, which in its latest hot hatch SRi guise, truly comes to the fore.

Without suggesting that geographical origins of cars instantly classifies them as better or worse than their rivals, there is no denying that cultural influences have meant that cars from certain parts of the world tend to be designed and engineered with a greater emphasis in certain areas.

If you're after style and solid handling, then chances are your preference will be European. If value for money is high on your priority list, then think local. If you want a car that is practical and very well screwed together, go Japanese.

They may be generalisations but the proof in this instance can be found in the Astra SRi.

Working off a solid base that has made the Astra a favourite in its class in Australia, Opel has added more power courtesy of the latest generation GM four cylinder 2.2-litre engine, lowered and firmed up the already very competent suspension and given the SRi sporty styling and improved aerodynamics with a subtle body kit.

As a hot hatch, the SRi is offered as a three-door hatch only with a choice of a slightly notchy but well-defined five-speed manual gearbox or four-speed automatic transmission.

At the heart of the car is the first of a new family of GM engines dubbed L850, which will find their way into cars from the new Vectra to Saab 9-3, and the relative youth of the powerplant is obvious. It is a smooth, quiet and responsive unit with a broad useable spread of torque that continues to deliver right through to redline. Maximum outputs are 108kiloWatts and 203 Newton-metres.

Completing the driving appeal is a well sorted chassis that is firm but remains compliant enough for a comfortable ride. The steering could be a bit sharper but there is plenty of grip from the 16 inch rubber and you can push the car with confidence knowing that it will maintain its line and composure.

The interior is possibly the only let down as it is starting to show its age and looks and feels a bit cheap although it does feature a long standard equipment list including air con, dual airbags, ABS, traction control and CD player.

Sports seats have replaced the standard pews, but they are just adequate rather than impressive on the support and comfort front. There is reasonable space in the rear for two adults although getting in and out is not the easiest for those of a larger frame.

What really puts the icing on the cake of the Astra SRi is the price. Where the Holden badge suggests it lining up against other $28,000 rivals such as Ford's Laser SR2 and its Mazda 323 SP20 twin, its performance and driving characteristics have it at least on a par with European competitors such as the very expensive $41,000 Golf GTi. And that should make the Astra SRi the hottest hatch on the market.

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