Holden gets forceful

For quite some time - perhaps even since the venerable Torana - Holden has been lacking a performance model to headline its small car range.

The Astra SRi was released a few years ago in a bid to steal the thunder from other hot hatches and performance-oriented small cars, for instance the Subaru WRX.

Unfortunately, those looking for serious high performance small cars would have been disappointed with its 16-inch wheels and meagre 108kW engine, relegating it to 'pretender' status.

The gap in Holden's small car line-up has now been plugged - and rather vigorously, it should be noted - by the Astra SRi Turbo.

It's got a much bolder look, sharpened handling characteristics and most importantly, it's now got forced induction.

The 2.0-litre turbocharged engine that hides under the bonnet of not only the Astra SRi Turbo but also the new Astra Convertible Turbo, is sourced from Opel in Europe.

Not quite a high-pressure WRX-beating rig, the 1998cc engine isn't too far behind, either.

With a KO3 Borg Warner turbocharger and fitted intercooler, the SRi Turbo necessitates a low 8.8:1 compression ratio.

The inline 4-cylinder mill comes with all the usuals for a 2.0-litre four-banger: Double overhead camshafts 4-valves per cylinder, sequential multipoint fuel injection, a varible intake manifold, cylinder selective knock control and electronic throttle control.

The culmination of this results in rather pleasing power figures: 147kW of power @ 5600rpm. Coupled to a car with a dry kerb weight of 1282kg, you're left with a 0-100km/h time of 7.4 seconds, which is enough to make Ford's just-released ST170 Focus look somewhat limp.

But of more interest are the hugely improved torque levels: 250Nm @ 1950rpm - 5600rpm. That makes for a massive 3650rpm spread of max. torque, not to mention a rather lusty powerband. Peak torque kicking in at less than 2000rpm is also quite a feat and will ensure this is a favourite among car tuners.

Both forced induction Astra's are mated to the same five-speed manual transmission from the lesser models, though the final drive ratio has been increased. No auto model is available, yet one would expect this to change - just as it did with the WRX - as there are many who don't mind paying a premium for clutchless driving.

The kind of buyer who opts for a small, and often expensive to insure turbocharged vehicle, is of course looking for quick go-to-woah times - that's a given. But appearance plays a big part in this category, and if you're not sporting the latest pair of plaid pantaloons, you may as well go home before the party starts.

Thankfully Holden hasn't just stuck with the standard SRi equipment, and the new Astra SRi Turbo - while not gobsmackingly aggressive like the WRX - has been given some extra menace.

The SRi Turbo hatch advertises its performance potential up front with ‘blackout’ grilles, dark-tinted headlamps, a sports front spoiler with integrated fog lamps and larger air ducts, needed to channel cool air to the high performance (and larger diametre) disc brakes.

A fairly bold rear spoiler helps block rearward vision, while side skirts and a deeper rear apron (bumper) with a polished exhaust pipe give the car a more planted and sporty profile. Dark tinted tail light clusters, carbon-look centre pillars, Turbo badging and attractive 17-inch alloy wheels (with tasty-looking 215/40 ZR17 rubber) allude to the pumped-up Astra's performance underpinnings.

The Astra Convertible Turbo doesn't quite have the agro character (nor the quick acceleration times thanks to an added 147kg of bulk) of the hatch, with only larger -- yet surprisingly sexy -- 17-inch wheels to differentiate it from the stock 108kW rag-top.

Interiors combine sporting flair with luxury appointments, and it's good to see both turbocharged Astra models get leather seats. There's also 'Turbo'-inscribed chrome sill/scuff plates, heated front sports seats, a three-spoke sports steering wheel rimmed in perforated leather and alloy-finished pedals.

Even the dash has been revamped, with sports-style instrumentation as standard equipment. Matt chrome rings surround tacho and speedo with red indicator needles on a white backgrounds. The centre console is finished in metallic silver-grey and further equipment includes a trip computer, premium six-speaker, 80-watt sound system and ‘express’ power front windows.

The turbocharged Astra Convertible also gets the option of electronic climate control air conditioning, power windows front and rear (with a central button to operate all windows at once), height-adjustable front seats and a split level glovebox for small item storage and the roof is fully automatic.

Both the Astra SRi Turbo and Astra Convertible Turbo get larger brakes matched to a number of driving aids. 308mm ventilated discs sit up front, with 264mm discs aft, all of which are linked to an Electronic Stability Program, traction control and ABS for those times when enthusiasm sometimes gets the better of the driver.

The Astra was never a dull car to punt around a corner in the first place and, while the new SRi Turbo won't dance quite as gracefully as Japanese turbo AWDs do, an increased front and rear track together with uprated suspension (tuned by Lotus) will put a grin on all but the most picky of drivers' faces.

While the two new turbocharged tiddlers are both very impressive vehicles in their own right, they also help tie up a loose end for Holden head-man, Peter Hanenberger, who stated in 1999 that he wanted a performance flagship atop each range of Holden vehicle.

Andrew Rau, Holden small and medium car Guru, says the 2.0-litre, 147kW turbocharged Astra SRi caught the attention of sports performance enthusiasts when it was previewed at the Melbourne Motor Show in February – and the bonus addition of a turbocharged Astra Convertible is likely to sway those who were looking for open-air driving, but with a bit more grunt.

"Astra has already proven its popularity as the second top-selling Holden nameplate, next to Commodore – and the convertible has been Australia’s most popular soft top since it was released early last year.

"The new Turbo models offer an unbeatable package of great Euro style, high-tech specification, impressive power, value for money, comfort, safety and fuel efficiency. We believe they will attract new customers to the Holden brand and consolidate Astra’s reputation in the marketplace," Andrew concluded.

No doubt about that, Andy, as the power-to-cost ratio of both cars is impressive, particularly when you compare them to other similarly specified Euro imports.

All in all, these two turbocharged vehicles could very easily shake up what is a well-entrenched small performance car market, while at the same time giving the Astra range a desirable flagship performance model.

Pricing:
Astra SRi Turbo hatch $36,990
Astra Convertible Turbo $49,990