Holden Astra SRi Turbo 2006 AH MY06
June 13, 2006 by Alborz Fallah
So Holden has kept their promise and is bringing out the brand new Astra SRi. The Holden Astra SRi 2006 (AH M06) will be out later this month (June) and from the looks of it, it is still using the same engine as the old TS SRi generating peak power of 147 kilowatts at 5400rpm and peak torque of 262Nm at 4200rpm. The Astra SRi Turbo has always been a car of mystery to me. I mean, why would you buy it? Despite what Holden says, the SRi Astra is not a performance car what so ever.
GM Holden Chairman and Managing Director, Denny Mooney, today 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.
I suppose when you compare the Astra SRi to the SS commodore I would go for the SRi anyday so Mr Mooney is correct in saying the Astra matches the rest of the Holden line up. Fortunately though, the Astra isn’t using outdated technology still found in the Commodore range. The Astra features:
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, six airbags, adaptive interactive driving system ( IDS Plus) sports chassis, and a trip computer.
With a fuel usage rating of 9.4 litres/100km, you can’t say many bad things about the new Astra SRi Turbo, except, don’t buy it! If you want a performance car, buy something else, sure the Astra is cheaper than a Subaru Impreza WRX or a VolksWagen Golf GTI or even a Renault Megane Turbo! but the extra 6-7,000 is well worth it if you are after something with real performance as all those cars offer more in terms of omph and they are not a Holden! If you are after looks, then please, an Astra? Sure its made by Opel, but who actually knows that? Take it from me, Astras don’t turn heads, SRi or not. Have a look at the Honda Integra or again the Megane, or if you are little easier on the cash, the new MX-5 is by far the best option.
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Interesting, not a performance car eh! Owned a TS version since mid 2003; 48K Km on the clock and it runs 6.3 0 to 100km midly modified but standard it was dead on 7 secs. What is the 0-100 km of an XR6 non-turbo?
The AH is heavier, up on torque will not be as quick but it’s not going to be slug either. What about the HSV VXR version.
Think again.
I am really looking forward to the HSV VXR to be honest. I think that will be an awesome car.
The 0-100km on the XR6-T is around the same as a WRX, around the 5.9-6.2 mark, which is fantastic for a car that big, it is infact faster to 100 than a XR8
I am sticking to it though, the SRi is not a performance car, its a wannabe and when you can pick the Ford XR5 instead, why would you go with this!
XR5 volvo turbo 2.5L okay nice MOTOR tested VXR v XR5.
HSV thumbs up.
Have a look at the overall package. Once you spec the XR5 up to the same level as the SRi ie. leather, cruise etc. it’s going into the 40k mark. In terms of power XR5 only has another 19kw over the SRi and has an extra cylinder and larger capacity. You say cars like the Golf GTI offer more ‘omph’… funny the Golf has the same output of 147kw as the SRi Turbo.
Yes the Golf and Astra have the same kW but the Golf GTi has 280Nm of torque compared to the Astra’s 262Nm, nevertheless, the Golf GTi is a better car all around, better acceleration, better package, it costs a little more, but thats also because its better built.
The Golf is better built? I prefer my German engineered car assembled in Germany or close by in Europe rather than in South Africa. I recently got rid of my VW Golf GTi rattle box.
I agree, its a shame that VW have moved so much production overseas, I mean some of the new VWs are built in China!! But that is only a start, many other manufacturers are going to move to china as well.
Can’t say I have heard of many problems with the GTi, which year was yours?
Yes my VW Golf GTi was an MY03 series 4 model. Fine car but so many niggling problems. I thought this classic VW would be bug free at the latter part of the model life. Rattles everywhere with only 18,000km on it. Maybe new series 5 models are now better built in South Africa but I have my doubts.
I have traded it for the new Astra SRi turbo. I like it and feels better screwed together in Belgium which my more expensive Golf GTi never felt like….and I got the new Astra in a few weeks.
Considering astra’s handling at high speeds, build and reliability I would go for the SRI. I own an Astra and it still feels brand new at 54,000 on the clock. XR5 and SRI have a top speed of around 240 kmph. I guess you have to make a trip to NT.
Yeah that would be great, nevertheless, I am still keen on the HSV VXR, if HSV ever release the damn thing.
I test drove the Focus XR5, it has no cruise control and no foot rest…..quicker than SRi but a lot more road noise inside….no thanks……I’ll take the SRi but for some the VXR is worth waiting for if you want to go as quick as a WRX. Latest Motor or wheels have done a test on the VXR (wow it’s so quick) so maybe HSV have released it.
go for the mazda 3 turbo, 190KW!!!
holden suck…thats almost as bad as their 1 billion dollar commo that looks like 3 other cars on the market (font and sides of a ba falcon, rear of a magna 380 and their hsv has almost identicle rear lights as mazda 6) as for it being an all australian car thats a load of shit because 3/4 of the parts are sourced from asia.
as the saying goes i would rather push a ford then drive a holden
I have a 2003 SRI Turbo, and have enjoyed it for 3 years, It was a great car during its day and won Motors Bang for your bucks award in 03, edging out the STI and Porsche Boxster. I do believe that the original 0-100 time of 7.2 dead was achieved by motor mag is quicker then the new Sri turbos time of 7.5, the Golf GTIs Motor MAG time of 7.7secs, and the Ford XR5s time of 7.5. I have modified both performance and handling of the car, so that it can do a mid 5 second 0-100 pass, and still has minimal torque steer. When I drove the new SRI turbo I noted there to be high levels of torque steer, which was somewhat dissapointing, considering its considerably slower then mine, although the car is still nice for what it is. The Golf GTI is superior to the new SRI, its chassis is top notch, and even though its grip levels are modest, you can really control the car easily in a slide. There is also minimal torque steer, due to the tight and meaty steering inhibiting it.
One thing I can recommend is to not purchase overly high powered fwd cars, they really can annoy you after a long period. Cars like the Mazda 3 MPS ( which I have driven) are fun initially, but the wheelspin and torque steer really gets on your nerves after a while, and you simply cannot use all 190kw and 380nms as effectively as you would in a rwd or awd.
If you guys want to buy a fun fast fwd, Id wait for the all new clio sport, they are quick enough in a straightline, handle superbly, and do not have so much torque as to upset the balance of its fwd chassis. If you want a fast cruiser, theres nothing wrong with a new SRI turbo or Golf GTI, just dont expect to be able to hold a WRX in a wet tight mountain pass, let alone a dry one.
I would rather buy a new R32 awd, evo, sti or even the upcomming Audi S3, all of which are awd, and have far less chance of pissing you off in the long run
wateva u do just dont buy the mx5 if ur after power……..its a good lookin car dont get me wrong……….but power wise its just pathetic……..if onli holden will release the twintop turbo downunder………that will b awesome!!
Hd the sri turbo for about 2 months now, awesome!
Talk about value for money.Fast enough to entertain it turns heads, it is practical,well built and equally suitable whether you’re havin’ a red hot go or taking a lady out for dinner.As for comparisons with wrx’s etc. chalk and cheese mate! I’ll take the cut in straight line performance for low down flexibility any day, and the suspension options are a gift from god, even with sport activated the ride quality and surefootedness are at the same time, comfortable and confidence inspiring.Checked ot the vxr, 8k for 30kw and 70 nm, does not compute! A 3 inch turbo back mandrel bent system can easily account for that! I love v8’s I love turbo’s i don’t care how you get your kicks,but don’t knock it till you try it.
p.s most of the looks I get are from curious ss pilots!
pps. Understeer? not here buddy, check an xr8 for that1
I have 2003 sri had it about a year starting to find it slow so i need to do some upgrades anyone have any suggetions love to here them do you think its possible to get 200kw out of it. also whats with the paint job i have all these very fine scratches through my black duco how do iget them out without spending a fortune
im thinking of buying a 2003 sri turbo, but after looking around on the net it seems that they have alot of problem. the timing belt being changed at 30k , gear box problems, ignition barrel failing and oil consumption. it has sort of put me off.
any advice.
nat try a hand polish if that doesnt work get it buffed
Hi Rana,
have you considered looking at maybe an 03 WRX? Prices are very similar and you get much more for your money, albeit I’ll admit that the Astra is relatively better looking.
‘Robert said
am July 17 2006 @ 12:01 pm
The Golf is better built? I prefer my German engineered car assembled in Germany or close by in Europe rather than in South Africa. I recently got rid of my VW Golf GTi rattle box.’
I have the new MK5 with only 9k travelled. Also produced in South Africa (where I live). Rattles like a MOFO: from sunroof to front dash to rear to annoying tapping in passenger seat (airbag / seat heating mechanism(s). Not sure about Opel (licensed to ‘Holden’ in Oz it seems), but I’ll be looking to Audi next instead.
I have a modified 2003 Sri Turbo and it has had no probs and I am now at 53k. Due to the power increase I do suggest modifying the suspension and when you have it right it increases the cars overall performance I believe about 30 – 40%. List of mods are as follows, powerchip upgrade, 3″ turbo back exhaust, air box mod. front mount intercooler, eibach springs, boag shocks(lower 30mm)Whiteline sway bar and strut package, falken AT615 road race tyres.
when I put these tyres on the car after the suspension it made the car awesome. The only thing that is missing is a limited slip diff, all high powered fwd cars should have them, anyway any questions Im happy to chat.
Got an 06 SRI turbo, find the performance good, apparently steinmetz tuning house in europe can alter the parameters in the ECU and get 169kw(no chip required), with a few more minor mods like exhaust etc should get close to 177kw of the VXR, wonder if HSV have just done the same and can they change ECU parameters for owners? Reaching for the seat belt even for a tall person with the seat rearward is likely at some stage to result in a visit to the Chiropractor- bit too far rearward.
Hey,
I just bought an Astra Sri Turco 2003. Im looking for more power and like to chip tune is but I can’t find anyone whe can tune an Astra Sri.
As in Europ where I am originally from there is much more available for this car (Opel Astra OPC).
Can you guys help me
Hey,
I just bought an Astra Sri Turbo 2003. Im looking for more power and like to chip tune it but I can’t find anyone who can tune an Astra Sri.
As in Europe where I am originally from there is much more available for this car (Opel Astra OPC).
Can you guys help me
I’m looking for a car and at the moment i’m tossing up between the Astra SRI and the Honda Vti Sport. It’ll be my first car, oppinions and recommendations appreciated.
Alborz the SRI not good looking…your’re nuts. I’d say its much flashier than the dull Golf. Ok the golfs a better prospect, the VX/Opel ain’t that bad apart from the Lego look dash. Come on VX/Opel/Holden sort the interiors out.
Ford Focus would be my pick with a 2.5Volvo turbo engine you just cant go wrong,Alborz is right about he’s comments.
That is the best review on an Astra I’ve ever seen. Good job who ever wrote it, Alborz i assume. It pins down the Holden Astra to a tee!
And for those that are comparing the HSV VX-R to the XR5 you should be ashamed of yourself. I don’t see FPV in front of the XR5 name! Compare the VX-R to what it should be against. That would be the hopefully upcoming Focus RS. The XR5 should stay as a rival to the Astra SRi.
Once again, well done, great review
Hi guys, just bought an 03 Astra Turbo and love it! Only thing is i am looking for a performance chip that takes it to the same output as the VXR (147 – 176), any info out there? cant seem to get anywhere
“(font and sides of a ba falcon, rear of a magna 380 and their hsv has almost identicle rear lights as mazda 6) as for it being an all australian car thats a load of shit because 3/4 of the parts are sourced from asia.”
Dann, please ARE YOU JOKING?
How does the rear of HSV’s look like the rear lights of 6’s? It doesn’t OK!
^You also said the rear of the Commodore looks like the rear of a 380. I believe people can have their own personl beleive’s or opinion’s of the lok of car’s but HOW THE HELL does it look the same or EVEN SIMILAR!?!?!?!?!?!? No way near!…………………………..and you said the side of a VE Commodore looks similar to the side of a BA Falcon. Ummmmmmmmm………..OK how does it? The side of a VE Commy is slightly sloped on a very minute angle that you can see not completey flat and level like the BA Falcon.
And by saying 3/4 of the VE is sourced from Asia and you using the falcon as an example, you must be saying the falcon is.
^And there is different door handles between the BA and VE.
The author has a problem with Holden, that’s for sure. Who would be stupid enough to reveal his prejudice by heaping $hit on the Commodore SS when writing about the Astra SRi Turbo…?
Of course he looks like a fool now, because we all know the SS offers almost unrivaled bang for your bucks, in terms of performance and practicality, and it looks great!