The new generation of Holden’s four-cylinder performance hero, the Astra SRi Turbo coupe, will roar into Australian showrooms later this month.

The AH series SRi Turbo brings together turbocharged power, striking coupe design and strong value, making it an obvious target for small car performance enthusiasts.

Priced at $34,990*, the Astra SRi Turbo packs a 2.0-litre engine generating peak power of 147 kilowatts at 5,400 rpm and peak torque of 262 Nm at 4,200 rpm.

The Borg Warner turbocharger is accommodated without modification to the body or engine compartment.

Performance is matched by a comprehensive standard safety package that includes Electronic Stability Programme (ESP), ABS, traction control, an adaptive sports chassis system and six airbags including driver and front passenger, front side and curtain airbags.

The AH series builds on a pedigree of Astra performance models, with the previous TS series SRi Turbo gathering accolades during its time in the Australian market.

GM Holden Chairman and Managing Director, Denny Mooney, said SRi Turbo highlighted that the performance side of Holden’s brand was not limited to one size of car or engine.

“Astra SRi Turbo is as much a performance leader for Holden as our SS Commodore or Monaro,” Mr Mooney said.

“It is crucial that we are consistent in our offerings across the Holden range and there is no question that Astra SRi Turbo will satisfy the same appetite for performance in the small car segment as its larger siblings."

“It highlights Astra’s versatility, given that the turbo will join the naturally aspirated Astra coupe, three-door and five-door hatches, Astra wagon, convertible and the first-ever diesel models on the showroom floor."

“We’re delighted to bring back turbocharged power to the Astra nameplate, and we’re doing it in a convincing fashion.”

Astra SRi Turbo is highly specified with features including 18-inch alloy wheels (16-inch steel spare), climate control air conditioning, sports body kit, fog lamps, leather-faced seats, heatable front sports seats, six-stack in-dash Blaupunkt CD player and a trip computer.

High performance

The three-door SRi Turbo hot hatch is most the powerful model in the Holden Astra range.

The high-torque 2.0 litre ECOTEC four cylinder DOHC turbocharged engine is matched to a slick six-speed manual transmission. It delivers peak power of 147 kW at 5,400 rpm. Pulling power is equally impressive, with the torque curve rising sharply from idle speeds and reaching a peak 262 Nm at 4,200 rpm.

Fuel economy performance (ADR 81/01) is 9.4 litres/100 km and emission levels meet Euro 4 standards.

Chassis Dynamics

The Astra SRi Turbo offers great agility, precise handling and a sophisticated chassis system which provides a very high level of driving safety by optimising roadholding capabilities.

Astra SRi Turbo provides the remarkable active safety benefits of an adaptive interactive driving system (IDS Plus) sports chassis. This is highlighted by a continuous damping control (CDC) feature which sets a new standard in driving dynamics by constantly adapting shock absorber characteristics to road conditions and vehicle movements.

Also networked into the advanced chassis package is ESP, a traction control system which regulates grip via brakes and engine power output, and ABS with brake assist.

Drivers can also activate a sport mode which modifies the electronic throttle and electro-hydraulic power steering for an even more sports-oriented experience.

Further contributors to the turbo coupe’s great handling character are a lower ride height and low-profile tyres on large 18 x 7.5-inch light alloys, 308 mm front ventilated disc brakes (28 mm larger than standard Astra) and 264 mm rear discs.

Safety Features

Six airbags ─ front and thorax/pelvis side airbags for driver and front seat passenger,

head curtain airbags in front and for outer rear seats

Head restraints in front, height-adjustable

Three height-adjustable head restraints in rear

Three-point safety belts for all seats, height-adjustable in front

Safety belt force limiter and pyrotechnic belt tensioner in front

High-strength safety body with crash boxes and sensors

Side impact protection

Warning control light for unfastened seat belts in front

Safety steering column (height and reach-adjustable)

Automatic release safety pedals

Mountings for child seats

Automatic activation of hazard warning blinkers and unlocking of doors

after airbag or belt pre-tensioner is triggered

Styling and feature highlights

While the Holden Astra SRi Turbo shares the same powerfully expressive body shape as its Astra coupe stablemate, a tapering bumper, modified radiator grille and larger air inlets give it a distinctive face of its own.

It is further differentiated by a stylish sports body kit − incorporating an integrated rear window spoiler, deep rocker mouldings and specific rear bumper − fog lamps, aluminium exhaust tip and stand-out five-spoke 18-inch alloys.

Sports theming continues inside, with a leather-wrap sports steering wheel, matt chrome accents, sports style leather wrapped gearshift lever, sports instrument dials with matt chrome rings, aluminium alloy pedals and doorsill plates.

There’s no compromise in terms of everyday functionality and spaciousness, with interior room for five, practical split fold rear seat and generous cargo space of 302 litres.

An extensive standard equipment listing includes cruise control, power windows, climate control air conditioning, leather-faced seats, heatable front sports seats, six-stack in-dash Blaupunkt CD player, premium seven speaker system, steering wheel-mounted audio controls, graphic information display, sunshades with illuminated vanity mirrors, sunglasses storage and colour-keyed floor mats.

Exterior colour selection

Black Sapphire (metallic)

Star Silver (metallic)

Casablanca White

Selected Holden accessories

Rear parking sensors

Roof bar with ski carrier

Astra SRi Turbo recommended retail pricing

(Excluding delivery and government charges)

$34,990.

Metallic paint $360

On Sale

June 2006.

* Excluding dealer delivery and government charges.