Astra GSI

Hot hatches are always exciting cars to drive but with their stiffened suspensions many are also very uncomfortable to ride in – especially in the passenger seat.

Vauxhall promise their new 200bhp Astra GSI will have the performance to please even the most discerning enthusiast but will also offer plenty of comfort, convenience and safety.

Vauxhall MD Kevin Wale says the Astra GSI, on sale later this month, was a good example of how Vauxhall could build dynamic and versatile cars at affordable prices. The 2.0-litre Astra GSI will cost pounds 16,495.

Power comes from the same 2.0-litre ECOTEC turbo engine as fitted to the Zafira GSI, and Astra coupe and convertible models for rapid performance.

Two hundred horsepower and the Ellesmere Port-built Astra’s accomplished chassis means the three-door Astra GSI sprints to 60mph in just seven seconds and on to a possible top speed of 150mph.
Peak power is reached at 5600rpm but at full throttle, the car’s electronic engine management system will allow a maximum rpm of 6800 for a short period if needed for overtaking for instance.
But this engine proves that performance need not result in high fuel consumption – on the combined cycle, the Astra GSI manages 31.7mpg.

The car’s exterior design is not meant to simply look good. Functional styling was key from the start – something which can be seen in details like the rear spoiler, which exerts increased downforce on the rear axle for additional stability at high speeds.

In addition to the special 17-inch alloy wheels, other distinctive features include a Astra GSI grille and front and rear lower skirts. Viewed from the front, the enlarged air intakes, black engine grille and air cooler are the main focus. Ducts located next to the round fog lights, integrated into the bumper, channel cool air to the high performance brake system.
The angular lower rear panel is a distinctive look while side sills, body-coloured moulding, “carbon-look” B-pillars and dark tinted rear lights finish off the purposeful look of the new Astra.

Much of the testing for the new chassis was carried out on the demanding Nurburgring in Germany. Consequently, the new Astra GSI is very agile, a quality which makes cornering great fun. But despite the sporty set-up, the ride chosen for the Astra makes travelling over a long distance a pleasant experience.

Standard kit is plentiful, with a handful of additional options available for those who want that little bit more.

The Astra GSI comes with air-conditioning, CDR 500 stereo-CD/ radio, trip computer, cruise control, electric front windows, electrically-adjusted/ heated door mirrors, central locking with remote control, full-size twin and side airbags, leather covered sports steering wheel, Recaro sports seats, and an ultrasonic alarm.

On the option list, just to make the Astra GSI even more luxurious, buyers will find xenon headlights and high-pressure washers, full leather trim, electronic climate control, Park Pilot and curtain airbags.