Astra Flagship Is New Edition To Vauxhall GSi Family
Published: 13th November 2002
- Astra gets GSi badge at last
- 200 hp from ECOTEC turbo
- Astra's DSA sports chassis exploited to the full
- Sporting good looks mimic sought-after Zafira GSi
- On sale this month
- £16,495 on the road
Vauxhall has extended the high-performance GSi family with a new Astra range topper in the shape of the three-door Astra GSi.
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.
