Is Holden’s Astra VXR the hottest of the hatches?

HOT hatches are no longer the flimsy tin boxes with questionable front-drive chassis that some were in years past. No - the modern high-powered hatchback is a sophisticated piece of road-munching equipment capable of trundling quietly and efficiently to the shops one day and, in the case of Renault’s manic Megane RS 275, lapping the Nurburgring in about eight minutes the next.

Things have come a long way since Volkswagen invented the segment with its late 70s Golf GTI, and in the ensuing years, virtually every other manufacturer has had a pop at cracking the hot-hatch code.

Despite the succession of attempts on the title, no one seems to have been able to take the crown from the car that started it all, but for those wanting the ultimate in sportiness, there is no substitute for a three-door.

While Europeans have the choice of a three-door Golf GTI, on Australian soil, fans of three-door VWs have to step up to the gorgeous Scirocco R, but there is now one more option in the local hyper hot hatch market.

Holden’s Astra range is back, lead by a pumped-up VXR version that threatens to embarrass some big players in the hot-hatch market.

With the return of Holden’s Astra range comes a flagship VXR version that threatens to blow all other fast front-drives off the road with a highly strung 206kW turbocharged four-cylinder engine, a sorted chassis and looks to match.

As is typical for the Australian brand, performance figures have not been made available but with 11 more kilowatts than the Renault’s Megane RS265 and 18 up on the Scirocco, the Holden hatchback is seriously quick.

The Astra 'J' has been kicking around other parts of the world since 2009 but its Euro looks are still fresh and likeable especially when it slips on the VXR racing suit.

After just a few laps of the Norwell circuit in Queensland, we quickly realised the Astra VXR is not just a naughty exhaust and a bit of slap.

The European engineers have fettled the VXR chassis to handle the bountiful power and 400Nm of torque resulting in a drivetrain that is capable of getting power through the fat 20-inch tyres to the track without fuss or dreaded torque-steer.

A satisfying exhaust note accompanies the strong acceleration and the beefy Brembo front brakes with 355mm drilled discs scrub speed confidently and consistently.

Up front is Holden’s take on the tried and tested MacPherson strut it calls HiPerStrut and combined with short spindles and reduced kingpin inclination (KPI), the car-maker says is the cure for the  torque steer experienced by many powerful front-drive cars.

How quickly does the VXR get to 100km/h? Holden isn’t saying, but it feels as quick as the quickest.

Rear-end suspension is dealt with by a Watt’s link set-up, which Holden says reduces travel friction compared with a multi-link solution.

VXR versions are fitted with FlexRide switchable settings, in which standard mode offers the most comfortable ride, Sport has a stiffer, more agile chassis, while the VXR offers the most direct steering and a more responsive throttle.

In true sportscar fashion, the Astra VXR is only available as an involving six-speed manual, and clicking through the gears is fast and precise even when carrying track pace.

Its interior is a pleasant place to be both when hooning on the circuit or pottering about town, with comfortable but purposeful sports seats and flashy VXR reminders throughout.

Heavily bolstered seats, chunky steering wheel, alloy pedals and a lovely exhaust note remind you you’re in the hottest Astra.

If you are getting a strange sense of deja vu then you are probably not alone. Almost exactly the same car has already been sold on Australian soil but badged as an Opel Astra OPC.

That car was available for less than 12 months before the European brand suddenly pulled up stumps in Australia, but the replacement model has undergone refinements to its engine and gearbox, the results of which have made big improvements.

Holden is not planning to sell vast numbers of the Astra in either its rocket VXR or fizzy GTC variants, but the vehicle is momentous as it marks the start of more European-sourced models to come Down Under wearing Holden badges.

The feisty Astra has already made an appearance in Australia badged as an Opel Astra OPC and priced $2000 more than the Holden version.

Volkswagen’s Golf GTI heritage goes all the way back to 1976 but you may be surprised to learn the General Motors hot-hatch trail goes back almost as far.

In the early 1980’s, the branch of GM that makes the new Astra - Opel - launched an assault on the  hot Golf with a cheeky 1.8-litre version of the Kadett badged GT/E (the E standing for the German word for fuel-injection - einspritzung).

In the UK, the car was badged as a Vauxhall and carried the Astra nameplate, and went on to develop a cult following in GT/E form against a growing number of sporty (often more expensive) three-doors from around the world.

With three doors, front-wheel drive and a revvy fuel injected 1.8-litre engine, the bloodline between 2015 Astra VXR and 1983 Astra GTE is clear.

So the latest hot Astra can certainly hold its own against some mature European machines, but the recipe becomes even more attractive when it comes to the VXR’s price. Renault will take $43,990 from you before on-road costs for its Megane RS265, while VW asks $45,990 for the Scirocco R.

Holden’s Astra VXR price starts with a 3. That’s right. With the return of Astra, the lion badge is offering performance to match the feistiest competitors for a bargain $39,990.

Would all that grunt at a hard to resist price get you jumping into a European-built Holden?

Daniel Gardner GoAuto.com.au

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