Holden Astra Convertible and SRi Hatch 2.2 Litre Manual Road Test
Holden continues to build on the popularity of its Astra range with the recent addition of two sports-oriented models; the Convertible and the SRi three-door hatch. At $44,990 (manual) and $46,840 (automatic), the Convertible is easily the most expensive model in the Astra range, however convertibles are inevitably more expensive to manufacture and it does come with an impressive array of standard equipment. The Astra Convertible is cheaper than Cabriolets such as the Volkswagen Golf and Peugeot 306, and competitive with 2-seater sports cars such as the MGF, Toyota MR2 and Mazda MX5. The Astra SRi is considerably cheaper than the Convertible, at $28,485 for the manual and $30,335 for the auto. Competitors for the SRi include the Mazda Astina SP20, the Ford Laser SR2, the Renault Clio Sport, the Peugeot 206 GTi and the Proton Satria GTi.
FEATURES AND EQUIPMENT:
The Convertible and the SRi are the only models in the Astra range to get a 2.2 litre engine and that ensures that their performance is stronger than other Astra models. The SRi and the Convertible also get improved handling through the adoption of Lotus-tuned ‘sports’ suspension, 16 inch alloy wheels and lower profile tyres. Traction control is standard on both models and the Convertible gets ESP as well. ESP stands for electronic stability program and the system monitors individual wheel speeds and then applies braking or regulates engine output to deal with critical situations such as wheel slip. Powerful braking in these models comes from the Bosch 4-sensor, 4-channel anti-lock system and the larger diameter brake discs that are fitted front and rear.
Categories: Convertibles Tags: Astra, Convertible, Hatch, Holden, Litre, Manual, Road, Test
LA Auto Show 2009: Audi R8 Spyder is shown again, this time in red
This isn’t the first time we’ve seen the drop-top Audi R8 Spyder. Images were leaked in early September, and we were there in Frankfurt for its official debut. That said, its unveiling at the LA Auto Show was less than climactic… other than the fact the Spyder was sporting a flashy bright-red bodywork.
New hue aside, the new convertible variant is a looker from its carbon-fiber mirrors to polished aluminum wheels. The blades are gone and it has gained 476 pounds in the transformation, but the standard Lambo-derived 525-hp V10 will still rip it to 60 mph in about four seconds flat.
Categories: Audi, Convertibles, LA Auto Show, LA Motor Show, Los Angeles Auto Show, Los Angeles Motor Show Tags:
LA Auto Show 2009: Volkswagen shows off "Final Edition" New Beetle models
Signifying the end of what has been a long run, Volkswagen has introduced “Final Edition” models of the New Beetle coupe and convertible. Each will be limited to a run of just 1,500 units. Under the hood is VW’s familiar 2.5-liter inline-fine (rated at 150 horsepower) sending power to the front wheels through a six-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission – nothing new there. However, the German automaker has fitted a full sport suspension and unique 17-inch alloy wheels to each of the New Beetles to add a touch more driving excitement.
Cosmetically, the Final Edition models feature Aquarius Blue paint. The hardtop version breaks up the color with a black roof and integrated fog lights, while the convertible model has a two-tone Aquarius Blue/Campanella White paint scheme and a white top. Special badging is found on the front quarter panel and on the steering wheel. The hatchback version hits showrooms with a base MSRP of $20,240 and the convertible starts at $27,170.
Categories: Convertibles, Hatchbacks, LA Auto Show, LA Motor Show, Los Angeles Auto Show, Los Angeles Motor Show, Volkswagen Tags:
2009 BMW Z4 sDrive30i is an easy lover
BMW‘s storied history of building roadsters dates back to the original 328 of the 1930s. However, there have been gaps in the brand’s open-top lineage, including one extended stretch through the ’60s, ’70s and ’80s. After a dalliance with the bizarre European market Z1, BMW finally got serious about roadsters again in the ’90s with the introduction of the Z3.
Earlier this year, the Munich brand introduced what’s essentially the third generation of its modern mainline roadster (discounting the aforementioned low-volume Z1 and the Z8) in the shape of its all-new BMW Z4. Upon its introduction, the esteemed Mr. Harley took our first crack at the new “E89″ at its Southern California launch last spring and came away with mixed feelings.
Categories: Auto Review, BMW, Car Review, Convertibles Tags:
LA 2009: BMW ActiveHybrids get North American debut; 7 Series model priced from $103,12
BMW took advantage of California’s proclivity for greenwashing to give its ActiveHybrid models their North American debuts at the LA Auto Show. Just for good measure they also brought along the incredible Vision Efficient Dynamics sustainable supercar concept. While we know a great deal about BMW’s first true hybrid, the BMW X6 ActiveHybrid, from our first drive, we still had to admire its incredible combination of horsepower and technology, even if the mileage isn’t really spectacular enough to warrant a truly green halo.
The BMW 7 Series ActiveHybrid is a mild hybrid with the electric motor filling one of three roles while in motion. It alternates between being a motivator, a generator and a booster depending on load and demand. It can go 37 mph on the motor alone, it gets 20% better overall mileage than the straight gas engine, and it does the 0-60 trot in just 4.7 seconds thanks to its 455 horsepower and 515 lb-ft of torque. BMW’s Peter Miles did add one bit of information to the Active 7 equation when he announced pricing. The regular wheelbase model will start at $103,125 while the long-wheelbase “L” model will start at $107,025.
Categories: BMW, Convertibles, Hybrids/Alternative, LA Auto Show, LA Motor Show, Los Angeles Auto Show, Los Angeles Motor Show, Sedans/Saloons Tags:
Aston Martin updates the V8 Vantage for 2010
Aston Martin is preparing to launch an updated Aston Martin V8 Vantage range for 2010. The beady-eyed spies at CAR UK caught a suspicious-looking blue model badged as a V8 but dressed in part like the V12 running around near the company’s Gaydon, Warwickshire headquarters.
It turns out it was a 2010 MY test unit. Changes made include a magnum silver bonnet, new optional 10-spoke forged 19-inch alloy wheels with diamond turned and silver finish, and clear rear lights. The interior can be specified with new optional lightweight seats with kevlar and carbon fibre construction. Weight savings from these amount to 17kg (37 lbs). There is also an optional 1,000W B&O hi-fi system to suit every musical taste.
Categories: Aston Martin, Convertibles Tags:
Bentley Continental Supersports is 85 Percent Recyclable
At Crewe, Bentley Motors headquarters, superfast does not necessarily mean super filthy. Consider the new Bentley Continental Supersports which can also run on E85 biofuel. It has a 463kW (630hp) twin turbo 6.0 W12 engine forcing through 800Nm. The 0 – 100km/h time is 3.9 seconds. Yet for all its power and performance the supercar has been certified as 85 percent recyclable by the German Motor Transport Authority (KBA), thus becoming one of only a few luxury cars to achieve that.
“Producing the fastest Bentley was a challenge in itself,” Said Dr. Arno Homburg, Head of Whole vehicle Development at Bentley Motors. “However, we were equally determined not to sacrifice any environmental aspect in pursuit of this goal. The result is the paradox that the most extreme Bentley ever, is also the greenest”.
When powered by petrol, E85 biofuel or any combination of the two, the two-door coupe can reduce CO2 emissions by up to 70 percent on a well-to-wheel basis says Bentley.
Categories: Bentley, Convertibles Tags:
First Test: 2009 Audi R8 5.2 FSI Quattro
How much is half a second and 105 horsepower worth to you? You’ll want to ponder that question if you’re in the enviable position of having to decide between the V-8-propelled version of Audi’s R8 two-seat, mid-engine exotic or the newly introduced V-10 edition. When the cars are similarly configured, the ten’s two additional cylinders command a premium of nearly $10K apiece.
Are they worth it?
It’s at this point our test drivers get all philosophical and existential. Is a 2001 Beringer Private Reserve a “better” Cabernet than a 2002 Quintessa? Do we prefer Angelina Jolie to Jennifer Connelly? “GoodFellas” or “The Sopranos”? It’s debates such as these that keep the MT water cooler boiling.
Categories: Audi, Auto Review, Car Review, Convertibles Tags:
