16th May 2004, 05:26
Another thing guys, Lotus had a lot to do with the suspension on the Astra too!!!
11th Mar 2005, 16:18
I have a Holden Astra Sri Turbo (Australian version of the Vauxhall Gsi) and the thing handles impeccably, I certainly haven't driven a better car for the money. I might suggest to the writer if this review that driving style might be causing a lack of appreciation for its handling, as it sounds like you rely on stability control to keep you out of trouble. It is not intended to assist everyday driving - it's there to (potentially) save your life if you misjudge your speed entering a corner. Also, the stability control has nothing to do with the shocks. It monitors wheel speed, steering wheel and accelerator inputs, and determines if the cars going where you'd like it to. If it isn't, it applies brakes and/or cuts power to bring the car back into line. A smooth, progressive driving style will do much more for the stability of your Gsi than any electronic aids.
29th Feb 2004, 13:27
So you would argue that a car that GM paid Lotus to design and build is a "true" Vauxhall, would you? Apart from the fact Lotus aren't going to design and build a car for Vauxhall/Opel for free (of course money from GM changed hands, it's called business), bankrolling a car you have virtually no hand in does not mean it's your design.
I didn't actually say it was a rebadged Elise (as you correctly say, all bar 22 parts are different), but it IS a rebadged Lotus. If I pay you to design and build me a car, does that make it my design? Don't think so somehow.
If I know nothing about cars, I suggest you are a tad gullible. Keep reading the Vauxhall marketing hype, you seem to soak it up well! Vauxhall have never built a car that handles. Lotus have built several. Including one they badge as a Vauxhall.