Holden Releases Spirited Astra SRi

Holden, New Zealand’s leading passenger car company and market leader overall, has now released a sports performance version of its Astra hatch. The two-door Astra SRi features a 2.2 litre engine, streamlined body kit, high level of standard equipment and upgraded interior. The model joins the 1.8 litre City and CD four-door hatch and sedan models at the top of the Astra range.

Holden expects that the distinctive Astra SRi - recommended retail price $36,400 for the five-speed manual version and $37,900 for the four-speed automatic, will have particular appeal to buyers who seek a blend of exclusivity and exciting driving dynamics.

The Astra SRi is powered by the same all-alloy, 2.2 litre overhead cam four-cylinder engine that is fitted in the flexible, people-moving Zafira. Generating peak power of 108 kW at 5800 rpm and maximum torque of 203 Nm at 4000 rpm - the standard Astra 1.8 litre engine produces 90 kW of power and 165 Newton-metres, the powerplant is mated to a heavy duty five-speed, close ratio manual transmission or four-speed electronic automatic.

The car’s exterior is distinguished by 16 x 6-inch, ten spoke alloy wheels shod with 205/50 R16 low profile tyres that provide stable contact, higher grip levels and more responsive steering. The model also adds front and rear spoilers, integrated front fog lamps, special badging, and is offered in Midnight black, Casablanca white, Prestige blue or Star silver paint colours.

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. Sports-tuned suspension modifications provide the Astra’s confidence-inspiring ride and handling characteristics. A 20 mm 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.

Attention to detail is a keynote in the interior of the Astra SRi. The front sport seats have active head restraints, are finished in exclusive ‘Skyline’ jacquard trim, have extra side bolstering, an extendable front cushion for increased thigh support and adjustable lumbar support. The height and reach adjustable steering wheel - it includes controls for the Blaupunkt radio and single disc CD player, is leather wrapped as is the gear shift knob which also has a metallic finish. Astra SRi’s centre instrument panel is highlighted in silver, while the white background of the gauges adds to the overall sports theme.

Other standard features on the Astra SRi include electric mirrors and front windows - the latter with auto reverse safety function, driver and front passenger airbags, pyrotechnic front seat belt pre-tensioners, air conditioning and cruise control.

And like all Holden passenger cars, sport-utility/recreational four-wheel drive and light commercial vehicles, the Astra SRi is covered by a three-year 100,000 kilometres warranty - whichever occurs first. Normal service intervals - following the first inspection at 1500 kilometres, are at every 12 months or 15,000 kilometres, while the model’s braked towing capacity - with Holden approved equipment, is 1000 kilograms.

The Astra SRi also comes with ‘Holden Advantage,’ a motoring assurance package delivered through the collective resources of Holden Dealers and the New Zealand Automobile Association and which operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Benefits, which apply to the vehicle rather than driver and are thus transferred on resale, are a breakdown and recovery service and where applicable, an overnight accommodation and/or alternative transport plan - all in accordance with the formal document that accompanies the vehicle. The service is accessed through the toll free number 0800 HOLDEN.

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