Holden Astra VXR 2015 Review

Circa-$40K hot hatch buyers rejoice: Mitsubishi's Lancer Ralliart Sportback may have gone to heaven and we're still waiting for a new Mazda3 MPS and Honda Civic Type-R, but now there's a new alternative to Volkswagen's benchmark Golf GTI (from $41,990).

And although it's not quite as affordable as Subaru's trusty WRX or Ford's newly upgraded Focus ST, both of which start at $38,990, the good news is Holden's first Astra VXR costs just $1000 more at a sharp $39,990 plus on-road costs -- $3000 less than its Opel forebear.

Unlike its only two sub-$40K hot hatch rivals, however, the VXR is a three-door 'coupe', making it more unique, more focussed and more stylish than them or the pricier Golf GTI five-door, while maintaining five seats.

Of course, that puts it in the same league as small front-drive European performance coupes like Renault's polished Megane RS265, which is more expensive again (from $43,990), and Volkswagen's Scirocco R (from $45,990).

But the VXR offers more bang for your buck than all of them, thanks to a highly-strung 2.0-litre turbo-petrol four that slams down 206kW of power at 5300rpm and churns out a buff 400Nm of twist over a wide 2400-4800rpm, matching even VW's flagship Golf R five-door.

Matched exclusively to a six-speed manual transmission, it's enough for GM's finest small car to hit 100km/h in a claimed six seconds flat and a 230km/h top speed, making it quicker than almost anything this size except the all-wheel drive Golf R and vastly more expensive premium Euros like the Mercedes-Benz A 45 AMG, BMW M135i and Audi S3 and RS 3.

And it does so without fear or fuss, channelling its sizeable turbo-four performance rush to the ground via the 20-inch front wheels and Michelin Pilot Super Sport tyres without excessive torque steer unless provoked mid-corner.

At the same time, the VXR's steering is quick, precise, well weighted, reasonably communicative and free of kickback or rack rattle, and its ride quality is never harsh despite a low ride height and firm springs that keep body well in check.

This makes the priciest Astra one of the sharpest tools in the affordable hot hatch shed and is testament to the talents of the Opel engineering team, which has added a number of key elements to a chassis that dates back to 2009 (the GTC/VXR coupes launched in 2011).

First, Opel swaps the electric steering of other Astras for an electro-hydraulic set-up, then adds its answer to Ford's RevoKnuckle and Renault's PerfoHub front suspension layouts, HiPerStrut, in an effort to quell the torque steer that affects most powerful front-drive cars.

Also helping eke grip at the front is a mechanical limited-slip differential and well-calibrated traction/stability control system, and 10,000km of fine-tuning at the infamous Nurburgring Nordschliefe, on top of the Astra's normal development and durability testing.

The secret behind the VXR's well sorted ride/handling compromise, meantime, is the addition of Opel's FlexRide variable suspension damping system, which maintains a level of plushness – despite the standard 20-inch alloys and taut body control – unusual in this class.

There's also a Sport button that allows you to choose between three drive modes – Normal, Sport and VXR – offering distinctly different levels of damping, steering and throttle pedal tune.

Completing what is a first-rate chassis are cross-drilled 355mm front and 315mm rear Brembo brake rotors, providing a level of consistently strong braking performance that's commensurate with its rapid acceleration.

Other VXR extras over lesser Astra GTCs include the obligatory sports body kit including roof spoiler, snug Recaro sports front seats, perforated nappa leather trim, leather-clad steering wheel, powered front passenger seat, VXR floor mats and tyre-pressure monitoring.

This is on top of standard equipment across the new Astra coupe, which also includes the GTC and GTC Sport, including six airbags, anti-lock brakes, daytime running lights, speed limiter, rear parking sensors, air-conditioning, automatic projector headlights and wipers, idle-stop (manual only), a leather-clad steering wheel, trip computer, digital radio, single-CD player with MP3 capability, Bluetooth audio streaming, USB and AUX connectivity and satellite-navigation.

However, the VXR misses out on the front parking sensors and active front head restraints seen in other GTC models. And, showing the model's age, a reversing camera and advanced driver aids are not available in any Astra, while the Holden MyLink infotainment system with 7.0-inch colour display is controlled by a rotary dial rather than a touch-screen interface.

But the only real mechanical blight is a slightly long-throw, rubbery shift action in the six-speed manual gate, and the VXR's expensive diet of 98 RON premium unleaded, which it consumes at the rate of 8.0L/100km.

Surprisingly, the mainstream 1.6-litre turbo-petrol GTC and GTC Sport models also require 98 RON, including the much less powerful 125kW/260Nm six-speed automatic versions, which are still more powerful than the non direct-injected engines in the MY12 Opel GTCs last sold here.

But the six-speed manual GTCs are a vastly better proposition because they offer significantly higher outputs (147kW/280Nm), lower fuel consumption (6.9 v 7.5L/100km) and better value, priced $2200 lower from $26,990.

That makes the stylish GTC coupes far more affordable than their only real small warm two-door rivals in the Hyundai Veloster SR Turbo and Kia Cerato Koup Turbo and Pro_cee'd GT, yet they still offer the flexibility of five seats and decent 380-litre boot augmented by 60/40-split rear seats and Opel's FlexFloor cargo system.

Equipment levels are also generous compared to rivals, with base GTCs riding on 18-inch alloy wheels and fitted with Morrocana cloth sports seat trim, and GTC Sport models (priced from $29,990) adding 19-inch alloys, a sports body kit, LED tail-lights, perforated Mondial leather trim, eight-way adjustable driver's seat, heated front seats, alloy sports pedals, dual-zone climate-control, leather sports steering wheel and an electric park brake.

All three Astra coupes are available in three bright solid paint colours (Summit White, Power Red and Sunny Melon Yellow), but the three prestige hues for the GTCs and the two for the VXR cost $550 extra.

We enjoyed our time in all three Astra coupes we drove in the Gold Coast hinterland today, but flogging the VXR around the Norwell racetrack was easily the highlight.

The GTCs will show their age even more when Opel reveals its new Astra hatch in the next year or so, and the VXR will have some formidable new foes to fight within two years.

But right now GM Australia's born-again hot-hatch presents a compelling case with more performance, more poise and more style for less money than its closest competitors.

And if the Astra VXR is a pointer to the other 20 or so new models Holden has promised by 2020 – a third of them from Opel – then we say bring them on.

2015 Holden Astra VXR pricing and specifications:
On sale: May 4
Price: $39,990 (plus on-road costs)
Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol
Output: 206kW/400Nm
Transmission: Six-speed manual
Fuel: 8.0L/100km (ADR Combined)
Safety rating: Five-star Euro NCAP

What we liked:
>> Beefy, flexible turbo-four
>> Polished chassis and design
>> Keen price

Not so much:
>> Doughey manual gearshift
>> No reversing camera
>> Clunky infotainment

Also consider:
>> Ford Focus ST (from $38,990)
>> Renault Megane RS 265 (from $43,990)
>> Volkswagen's Scirocco R (from $45,990)

2015 Holden Astra GTC pricing and specifications:
On sale: May 4
Price: From $26,990 (plus on-road costs)
Engine: 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol
Output: 147kW/280Nm manual, 125kW/260Nm auto
Transmission: Six-speed manual, six-speed automatic
Fuel: 6.9L/100km manual, 7.5L/100km auto (ADR Combined)
Safety rating: Five-star Euro NCAP

What we liked:
>> Pleasant performance
>> Sleek design
>> Good value

Not so much:
>> 98 RON diet
>> Clunky infotainment
>> Already four years old

Also consider:
>> Hyundai Veloster SR Turbo ($32,990 plus ORCs)
>> Kia Cerato Koup Turbo ($28,190 plus ORCs)
>> Kia Pro_cee'd GT (from $29,990 plus ORCs)