Will Saturn Offer the FAST! (Aussie) Holden HSV VXR Astra?

[Nickdfresh]

Road Tests
First Drive: 2007 Holden HSV Astra VXR


240 HP and Front-Wheel Drive? Croc-Wrestling Lessons, Queue Here

By Michael Stahl, Contributor
Date posted: 08-13-2007

The 2008 Saturn Astra is meant to bring European style and refinement to America's most sensible car company when it arrives here this November. But why stop at sensible when you could have this turbocharged, 240-horsepower Astra from the crazy Australians instead?

If you're man enough for a little crocodile wrestling like they do down in Oz, then the 2007 Holden HSV Astra VXR is for you. The turbocharged engine has hair-trigger throttle response, and you have to wrestle with the steering wheel as the power tries to fight its way to the ground through the front tires. Oi, it'll make a man out of you.

Ever since GM announced plans for the 2008 Saturn Astra, we've been putting together all the news about this car that we can find, and we'll bet that the Lotus-engineered bits from the 2007 Holden HSV Astra VXR are on a boat headed our way right now.

From the Harley-Davidson of Oz
In just 20 years, Holden Special Vehicles (HSV) has built a messianic following in Australia with a merchandise-moving power approaching that of Harley-Davidson. Now almost exclusively identified with Holden's rear-wheel-drive V8 models, HSV knows a few things about limited-production specialty vehicles.

Prompted by the runaway Australian success of the Volkswagen Golf GTi (which has had an eight-month waiting list since its introduction in 2005), HSV began scouring the catalog of General Motors vehicles from around the world for a suitable turbocharged candidate from which to create a huffed hatch.

In the midst of a frenzy that has created the Ford Focus XR5 Turbo, Mazda 3 MPS and Renaultsport Megane 225, HSV fingered GM Europe's Lotus-tuned Vauxhall Astra VXR. Officially, there's no "Astra" in this model's local designation, as it's 19 percent more expensive than the standard Holden Astra SRi Turbo. HSV's major contribution has been to apply its badges to the hatch and Vauxhall-derived grille.

This price disparity against the mainstream Holden Astra SRi actually highlights the value in the HSV's engine, chassis and interior tweaks. Against the 197 horsepower and 193 pound-feet of torque produced by the standard Astra SRi Turbo, the heavy-breathing VXR version develops a rather lustier 237 hp at 5,600 rpm and 236 lb-ft of torque at 2,400 rpm.

Let it not be lost that this amounts to roughly 40 hp and 30 lb-ft more than the Golf GTi's 2.0 turbo, if still some way shy of the Mazda 3 MPS with its 255-hp turbo inline-4.

Humble Origins With High-Tech Details
The coupe's A-pillars are necessarily thick due to the presence of side curtain airbags, but the cabin's cloistered feel is also heightened by the high beltline and vision-robbing C-pillars. Despite plenty of driving position adjustment, headroom remains less than generous. The Astra's roots as a renter-spec car are fairly successfully masked by the cabin's pièce de résistance, a pair of superb Recaro sport seats, plus luscious leather for the seats, doors and the thick rim of the steering wheel.

The VSX's humble Astra origins are also betrayed by its torsion-beam rear suspension. To complement a 0.4-inch lower ride height and firmer spring and damper rates, the VRX gets a suite of electronics called IDSPlus, in which the stability control, traction control and ABS are supplemented by continuous damping control. The IDSPlus system includes a Sport switch, which sharpens the steering, firms up the ride and increases throttle sensitivity.

The wheel-and-tire package boasts beautiful, spidery-spoked 19-inch alloys with 235/35R19 Continental SportContact2 rubber. The brakes feature vented (but not cross-drilled) rotors front and rear, while blue-painted, sliding-type, single-action calipers are also part of the package.

Loose Torque
The VSX's boosted, 2.0-liter, inline-4 engine is more than adequately useful at low rpm, though it really begins to get into its turbocharged stride beyond 2,500 rpm. Around then, you'll sense an extra pair of hands being laid on the wheel. Some reports portray the VXR as a torque-steering monster, but while some Aussie-style strength is required to hold the car straight and true, there's nothing like the croc-wrestling that's required when you unleash the aggressive Mazda 3 MPS.

Of course, neither does the HSV Astra deliver the subtle sophistication of a Golf GTI or Honda Civic Type R. One can still steer the VXR one-handed in a straight-line drag through the gearbox's cogs, although you can expect occasional visits from an otherwise unobtrusive traction and stability control. The 19-inch rubber does, however, add to the steering's distractions as it responds to changing contours in the road.

If all you're doing is nailing it hard through the gears in a reasonably straight line, you'll love this Astra's pleasant and positive gearshift action, and the full-bodied wave of engine torque that scoops you up. While the bulk of the turbocharged thrust is higher up in the rpm range than the power delivered by the Mazda, the VXR begins to run out of puff before its redline at 6,500 rpm. Within this narrow band, the engine's note is a rousing mix of hard-edged mechanical menace and roaring industrial vacuum cleaner.

Oi, Turn It Up!
This car is no Nilfisk, however. Its 6.4-second run to 100 kph (62 mph) puts the VXR on the front row with the Mazda, and it's at least a half-second quicker than the turbocharged Mini Cooper S, and 6/10ths faster than a DSG-equipped Golf GTi.

As curb weights go, the 3,071-pound VXR sits near the upper end of huffer hatch, some 44 pounds lighter than the Mazda, yet 110 pounds heavier than the Golf.

But perhaps your driving involves more than full-throttle blasts on airport runways. And that's where the VXR loses the fluency and cohesion that could make it more than just another hatchback on crack.

The throttle action always feel artificial, and it's apparently more a matter of mapping than of more easily predicted turbo lag. Though the responsiveness isn't great to begin with, it's oddly inconsistent, and it frustrates one's efforts to keep the engine on song. In city driving, this just gets to be tiresome.

Hatchback Go-Kart
In tight, twisty going, the unpredictable power delivery blots the handling, making the VXR more of a point-and-squirt proposition. This sadly undermines the electrohydraulic steering which, on smooth surfaces, is a pleasant surprise. Even in the normal setting that we prefer, the steering is razor-quick with just 2.4 turns from lock to lock, yet its response is muted enough on-center to contain the external distractions from torque and terrain.

The steering's kartlike quickness loses very little in translation through the grippy and solid-feeling front end. Equally reassuring are the brakes which, despite being vanilla-tech, offer a wonderfully grippy pedal feel and strong, stable and consistent retardation. With all this riding on supremely sticky Continental rubber, we'd love to have had the VXR on a racetrack.

Kart comparisons sadly also carry through to the ride, and to the VXR's composure on rough — hell, normal — roads. You know those kids that you see cruising in their slammed, subwoofing Japanese hatchbacks? Their heavily gelled hairstyles bobbing back and forth and voices raised into their cell phones as the car buckboards its way over lane markers? On its Sport setting, the Astra VXR is a window to their world.

Joining the Brand Wagon
The Vauxhall VXR's popularity in Britain, where it's usefully cheaper than the Golf GTi, means that HSV can only import 250 examples per year for Australia. The VXR's looks, straight-line performance and perceived value suggest HSV will sell every one, though it'll be interesting to see who the customers will be.

It'll also be interesting to see if this hyperaggressive spin on the Astra will, in fact, come to America. The VSX has plenty of turbocharged eccentricity to give Saturn a worthwhile personality. If it does, we'd bet that it'll be priced like the Mazdaspeed 3 or Subaru Impreza WRX, in the neighborhood of $23,000. Of course this 2007 Holden Special Vehicles Astra VXR might have more personality than Saturn has bargained for, with its tire noise, a ruthless ride on poor roads, annoying throttle response and torque steer.

But maybe a little crocodile wrestling would be good for a company like Saturn.

The manufacturer provided Edmunds this vehicle for the purposes of evaluation.

I hopes so!

P.S.- *note: Holden has been an Australian subsidiary of GM since 1931 and is noted for turning mediocre American cars into beasts of fun.

[PurdueGuy]

Every source I've heard from is still pretty solidly stating that we shouldn't expect any more model or drivetrain options for this gen Astra. It is a "stopgap" product that's just meant to fill the void for cheap. Look for the next gen in 2-3 years with more options, probably including the sedan and a redline model.

[Nickdfresh]

What a pity. There are so many good version of Ford & GM cars around the world that they simply refuse to bring here. That car would actually generate buzz...

[davidsky]

Originally Posted by Nickdfresh

What a pity. There are so many good version of Ford & GM cars around the world that they simply refuse to bring here. That car would actually generate buzz...

Unfortunately the "buzz" crowd doesn't buy enough cars to make all those cars worth bringing here.

[davidsky]

It's also available as;
Vauxhall Astra VXR
Opel Astra OPC

[Jamis]

Originally Posted by PurdueGuy

Every source I've heard from is still pretty solidly stating that we shouldn't expect any more model or drivetrain options for this gen Astra. It is a "stopgap" product that's just meant to fill the void for cheap. Look for the next gen in 2-3 years with more options, probably including the sedan and a redline model.

Yes, the next gen Astra is supposed to be around in 2010. The Amsterdam facility is due to shut down Astra production then. For me, the issue is where will GM build the next gen Saturn Astra?. Lordstown?, SpringHill? yes, that would be good. One of the other plants in Europe? OK. Mexico? I would not even consider the vehicle then. I looked at several Chevy HHRs at a show and at the dealer's lot. Really awful build quality.

[dartmouthion]

Jamis, The astra is built in Antwerp Belgium not Amsterdam Holland.

[Jamis]

Originally Posted by dartmouthion

Jamis, The astra is built in Antwerp Belgium not Amsterdam Holland.

Yes, lord what a brain phart! Thanks.

[Nickdfresh]

Originally Posted by davidsky

Unfortunately the "buzz" crowd doesn't buy enough cars to make all those cars worth bringing here.

Perhaps the "buzz crowd" doesn't, but the choice of a more powerful engine adds value to the brand as a whole. That's why Honda has the Civic Si, and Mazda makes the effort to build the limited edition Speed3s...

I'm not saying the Saturn has too directly replicate the Holden, though offering a few limited edition wouldn't hurt. But I think perhaps offering a more powerful engine in the XR would get a few people to look at this car that otherwise won't? Especially when it would be a limited niche vehicle that would be a clear alternative to the pricey, underpowered Si. IMO

[brad@fifteen52]

Originally Posted by Nickdfresh

I think perhaps offering a more powerful engine in the XR would get a few people to look at this car that otherwise won't? Especially when it would be a limited niche vehicle that would be a clear alternative to the pricey, underpowered Si. IMO

Agreed. It doesn't need to be the direct-injected engine in the VXR, either - the SRi's 200-hp would be fine and match up well with the GTI. Add a bit of the VXR suspension and braking hardware and Saturn could have a real GTI competitor for less money. Why the GTI as a target? Along with the GTI (and the Volvo C30), the Astra is the only other European-built hatchback on the market.

And like the GTI, Saturn could make a Redline work as a halo vehicle for the Astra line, bringing more people into the show room. Let's hope this happens for the next-gen Astra.

[Jamis]

Originally Posted by brad@fifteen52

Agreed. It doesn't need to be the direct-injected engine in the VXR, either - the SRi's 200-hp would be fine and match up well with the GTI. Add a bit of the VXR suspension and braking hardware and Saturn could have a real GTI competitor for less money. Why the GTI as a target? Along with the GTI (and the Volvo C30), the Astra is the only other European-built hatchback on the market.

And like the GTI, Saturn could make a Redline work as a halo vehicle for the Astra line, bringing more people into the show room. Let's hope this happens for the next-gen Astra.

The other day a red C30 rolled up next to us at a stop light and my wife commented that looks a lot like the red Astra the dealer had on the showroom floor last weekend. If a non-motorhead can identify with those two cars,could that be any more of a hint to GM? How many C30s do you think Volvo will sell in the US?

[PurdueGuy]

Originally Posted by Jamis

Yes, the next gen Astra is supposed to be around in 2010. The Amsterdam facility is due to shut down Astra production then. For me, the issue is where will GM build the next gen Saturn Astra?. Lordstown?, SpringHill? yes, that would be good. One of the other plants in Europe? OK. Mexico? I would not even consider the vehicle then. I looked at several Chevy HHRs at a show and at the dealer's lot. Really awful build quality.

Unfortunately so far I've been hearing europe or mexico, but it's far from set. I hope for US production as well. I also think it will be pretty silly if they don't offer a redline version in the next gen.

[Tethys]

Originally Posted by Nickdfresh

Perhaps the "buzz crowd" doesn't, but the choice of a more powerful engine adds value to the brand as a whole. That's why Honda has the Civic Si, and Mazda makes the effort to build the limited edition Speed3s...

I'm not saying the Saturn has too directly replicate the Holden, though offering a few limited edition wouldn't hurt. But I think perhaps offering a more powerful engine in the XR would get a few people to look at this car that otherwise won't? Especially when it would be a limited niche vehicle that would be a clear alternative to the pricey, underpowered Si. IMO

Offering an Astra Redline might enhance the Astra's value to some but the costs of certifying another powertrain combination for the US market is prohibitively expensive since the car's only going to be sold for 2.5 to three model years (2008-2010). Bob Lutz has already said $$$ is the reason we won't see a Redline model here yet. Also, we ended up with the 138-hp 1.8 as the sole engine choice because it's the only one Opel offers with a slushbox. All of the other Astra's powertrains offered in Europe slot with manual transmissions.

Perhaps if more American drivers drove manuals, we would get to choose from models offered in other markets.

[PaulGraz]

Originally Posted by Jamis

The other day a red C30 rolled up next to us at a stop light and my wife commented that looks a lot like the red Astra the dealer had on the showroom floor last weekend. If a non-motorhead can identify with those two cars,could that be any more of a hint to GM? How many C30s do you think Volvo will sell in the US?

Volvo *COULD* sell alot of C30's in the US, but it isn't going to. Because of the current exchange rates, it's more profitable for them to sell them in Europe. So they've priced it high enough in the US that it just will not be a big seller. Many Volvo enthusiasts are dissapointed in this, but it's more of a factor of the economy than anything else.

The other factor is the same as what we've seen on the Astra: Limited US engine choices. In Sweden, the C30 has 6 engine choices and numerous gearbox options. In the US, one engine only.

[Jamis]

Originally Posted by PaulGraz

The other factor is the same as what we've seen on the Astra: Limited US engine choices. In Sweden, the C30 has 6 engine choices and numerous gearbox options. In the US, one engine only.

But that engine is a 227hp turbo motor and is nearly $23K base. Even a 200hp Astra would be a viable competitor, especially if it were priced competitively. I guess my point was that if the C30 sells decently, Saturn could make a redline model available in 2009 and fit right in the Volvo's market, particularly if the Volvo has limited distribution in the US.

[PaulGraz]

Originally Posted by Jamis

But that engine is a 227hp turbo motor ...

So many people here are focused on the lack of power in the Astra, but it's out of touch with reality. MOST buyers wont find that a problem. A forum like Saturnalia attracts enthusiasts, and they want performance - but in the real world, where the economy is slumping and gas prices are rising, MOST people have a different agenda: "wallet impact".

Volvo could have brought over their 4 cyl non-turbo as a base option. That would have lowered the cost and raised the fuel economy. Or even offerened the 5-cyl with no turbo. THAT is exactly what I hear long time Volvo owners asking for, and that's what's keeping them away from the C30.

Volvo DID produce an enthusiasts car, the S60R and V70R. The Volvo community praised them but sales were poor. Dealers were stuck with expensive inventory. As a result Volvo announced they were dropping the "R" program and getting back to their roots.

I think Saturn did the Astra launch right. They are hitting the market with an economical yet fun to drive car. No, it's not a screamer - I'm 100% sure that a redline version will come later. Within a few years, maybe not even until the next gen, but it's coming.

[davidsky]

Originally Posted by PaulGraz

Volvo *COULD* sell alot of C30's in the US, but it isn't going to.

No they couldn't. They'd be lucky to sell 10K in a year. Demand for the C30 isn't that high at all.

[davidsky]

Forget the HSV/VXR/OPC cars for little kids.
I either want the Astra TwinTop or the Estate
both with 1.9L CDTi 150 PS Diesel!

[PaulGraz]

The C30 isn't selling because of the way they setup the US version. They put the performance engine under the hood, but it doesn't have the handling to match. But their hands are tied by Ford, who doesn't want Volvo products to compete with mainline Ford stuff. (Like any of THAT is selling very well...)

Expect to see a non-turbo C30 for 2009...

Diesel on a small GM car in the US? Forget it, not going to happen anytime soon. The emission laws are killing diesel in the US, except on the cars large and expensive enough to have bluetec...

[davidsky]

The C30 isn't selling because of the way they setup the US version. They put the performance engine under the hood, but it doesn't have the handling to match. But their hands are tied by Ford, who doesn't want Volvo products to compete with mainline Ford stuff. (Like any of THAT is selling very well...)

It's also a weird looking two door hatchback. How much do expect it to sell?
The S40 barely sells enough to be worth it. The old 240 probably sold more per year than all Volvos put together save the XC90 now.
Volvo should go the other direction and design an even bigger 3 row crossover SUV. Something to get the New England ladies all in a tizzy.
Ford's cars are selling great. Especially the Edge, Focus, Fusion and Escape.