The Astra GSi is designed not to be uncompromising, but rather as a hot hatch which offers plenty in the way of power, comfort, convenience and safety. At the same time, Vauxhall’s two-litre ECOTEC turbo engine has been modified slightly and now produces 200 hp for on the road performance that will fully satisfy enthusiasts.
"No other car manufacturer offers the same combination of engine power, functionality and space in this segment at such an attractive price," commented Vauxhall managing director Kevin Wale. "The Astra GSi is an excellent example of Vauxhall’s brand values - dynamism, creativity and versatility combined with affordability. We combined our know-how as an innovative car manufacturer with our extensive experience in motor sport to produce the new Astra GSi."
Development was carried out by engineers at the General Motors OPC performance centre in Germany. Astra GSi’s modified chassis, packaged together with the high torque, four-cylinder, four-valve turbo engine results in exciting, safe driving.
Meanwhile, the designers have tailored an athletic and sporting body kit for the new Astra flagship, in similar fashion to that worn by its Zafira MPV stablemate.
The interior also features an obvious sporting emphasis while at the same time cosseting driver and occupants alike.
2.0 turbo ECOTEC: power, efficiency, refinement
Vauxhall’s 2.0 litre ECOTEC turbo, also installed in the Zafira GSi, Astra Coupe and Convertible, guarantees rapid on the road performance.
Two-hundred horsepower and Astra’s accomplished chassis means the three-door GSi sprints from 0 to 60mph in seven seconds; just 9.5 seconds is needed for the mid-range sprint from 50mph to 70mph. Maximum speed is 150mph.
Many will be familiar with the turbo engine’s impressive torque curve and immediate throttle response, which produces sustained momentum across the speed range. Maximum torque of 250 Nm is available at a constant boost pressure of 0.85 bar between 1950 and 5600 rpm. Peak power of 200 hp is reached at 5600 rpm.
At full throttle, the engine’s electronic management system provides additional reserves by allowing a maximum rpm of 6800 instead of 6400 for a short period. Clever packaging of the turbo system is the basis for its turbine-like performance; exhaust manifold, turbine housing, waste gate and other elements are integrated as a single, compact component, allowing Vauxhall engineers to significantly reduce engine size and weight.
A precise five-gear manual transmission transfers engine power to the front wheels.
This state of the art Euro 4 compliant turbo engine proves that performance needn’t result in high fuel consumption - on the combined cycle, the Astra GSi manages 31.7mpg.
Bodywork and aerodynamics
Astra GSi’s expressive 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 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 creates a distinctive look while accentuating the GSi’s alloy wheels and chromed exhaust pipe. Side sills, body-coloured side moulding and door handles, ‘carbon-look’ B-pillars and dark tinted rear lights finish off the purposeful look of the new Astra.
DSA sport chassis
The basic Astra, of course, provided an excellent foundation upon which the engineers were able to apply their vast motor sport experience. As a result, Vauxhall’s chassis engineers have managed to strike the balance between agility, active safety and a standard of comfort suited to everyday and long distance driving.
Proven components of the DSA (Dynamic Safety) chassis have been modified to meet the GSi philosophy – a chassis lowered by 20 mm in the front, stiffer springs and a
combination of switchable Electronic Stability Program (ESP), traction control (TCPlus) and ABS all contribute to help meet the needs of more demanding drivers.
At 215/40 ZR17, the GSi wears fatter tyres than its sporting SRi brother, fitted to light alloy wheels measuring 7.5 J x 17. Large discs – 308mm ventilated front / 264 mm rear – ensure powerful deceleration.
Much of the testing for the new chassis was carried out on the demanding Nurburgring in Germany. "We have meticulously fine-tuned the chassis," says Volker Strycek. "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."
Interior quality and standard equipment
The interior ambience and level of equipment have been selected to reflect the nature of the Astra GSi. Four colours are available – Arden Blue (exclusive to GSi), Star Silver, Flame Red and Black Sapphire.
A comprehensive list of standard equipment and the individual choice of materials ensure comfort and class – such as the part-leather sports seats, jointly developed by Vauxhall and seating specialist Recaro and rear seats designed in a matching Recaro-look.
A three-spoke sports steering wheel with integrated radio remote control and two-tone, perforated semi-leather, feels just as good in the hand as the aluminium polished gear shift knob.
The centre console which is finished in metallic grey, instruments with white backgrounds, matt chrome rings, the chromed ‘Turbo’ sill plates and on Arden Blue models, colour safety belts, all add up to a sporting but elegant cabin.
Standard kit is plentiful, with a handful of additional options available for those who want that little bit more. 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
Ultrasonic alarm
On the option list, 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.
The 3-door Astra GSi is being built in Antwerp, Belgium with the final assembly taking place at Opel’s R*sselsheim plant in Germany.
