How comfy is the sport handling package for a long drive?

[Soulblighter]

Hello all,
I have decided to buy an astra early next month, and i am looking at the 5 door XR with sport handling package and the 5 speed manual. I love the way it handles. I also like the sport seats in the front, and found them very comfortable after a test drive.

Anyone here have a similar car?

Because the suspension is lowered, i assume one might feel the bumps in the road a little more. Any feedback on how comfortable the ride is for long commutes would be very helpful!

Thanks!

[londonxr3]

Though I do not have a 5 door XR, I do have a 3 door XR with 18's and have no complaints on the ride. It is a bit harsh over some bumps and the road noise from the tires can be a bit loud, but I think this is due to the smaller sidewall on the 18's and not the suspension.

*as a side note, my perspective may be a bit off as my other car is a Cavalier that has been lowered with Eibach Sportlines and Koni Yellow adjustable struts...it is a very harsh ride compared to the Astra.

Oh and the longest trip I have made is a 2 hour drive and found it to be quite pleasent.

[ftruscot]

Comfort is subjective based on your body and your reference. I've got the 5-dr XR with sport handling and the leather. It's easy to get an interior setup that suits you with the seat adjustments and the tilt-telescope wheel. As for the road, if you're on highways, you won't feel too much, if you are on rural dirt roads, you'll feel more. It's no Cadillac, but it's no pickup truck either. I find it more comfortable to sit in than my old SW2, but it's not as soft a ride either. Neither is more comfortable on a long ride than the wife's Odyssey.

[Soulblighter]

Thanks to both of you. i really like the sport handling very much! ... my commute involves lot of highway driving on michigan roads with lots of pits and bumps. I was just wondering if it is worth the $700 more to get the sport handling if i am going to feel every pit and bump on my back. I can take a fair amount of beating, as long as it doesnt feel like riding a rodeo bull

[ftruscot]

Take it over those same highways (or a good approximation) when you test drive it. You don't want to spend the money then regret it if it's not comfortable for you. I'm happy with the sport handling package.

[2drsmansnrf]

I have the 3 door manual XR with the 17" wheels, and had a '97 SC2 prior. The ride is definitely stiffer, but the seats are very supportive and adjust easily to suit your needs so the dips and bumps will only jolt you ... not knock your breath out. Think of it this way: with the sport handling package you'll enjoy driving so much that you'll go the longer way around to avoid a commute filled with rough roads.