Two-door Astra gets bigger engine, sportier suspension

Holden, New Zealand's leading passenger car company and overall market leader, has released a sports performance version of its Astra hatch.

The two-door Astra SRi features a 2.2-litre four-cylinder engine, body kit, uprated standard equipment and interior.

The model joins the 1.8 litre City and CD four-door hatch and sedan models at the top of the Astra range.



The recommended retail price of the Astra SRi is $36,400 for the five-speed manual version and $37,900 for the four-speed automatic.

The all-alloy 2.2 litre engine is the same as that fitted to the Zafira people-mover.

It develops 108kW at 5800 rpm and 203 Nm of torque at 4000 rpm. The standard Astra 1.8 litre engine produces 90 kW and 165Nm.

The SRi exterior is distinguished by 16-inch, 10-spoke alloy wheels shod with 205/50 R16 low profile tyres.

The model also comes with front and rear spoilers, integrated front fog lamps, special badging, and is offered in the colours black, white, blue or silver.

Larger diameter disc brakes, front and rear, complement the Bosch 5.3 anti-lock braking system with traction control, that is standard on the Astra SRi. Holden says suspension modifications have improved the car's handling and ride.

A 20mm lower ride height combines with a 14 per cent increase in front spring rates and recalibrated front and rear dampers. Inside, the front sport seats have active head restraints, and the height and reach adjustable steering wheel, which includes controls for the Blaupunkt radio and single disc CD player, is leather wrapped as is the gear shift knob.