Focus XR5, makes you think twice when buying an astra VXR

[dug74]

Thanks mohawk..

I really dont understand why HSV didnt release the Astra with HID and MP3 player...

Also..with the mazda only a few kilograms heavier than the astra...would that becoz it has 2 extra doors.

So when you think about it...really the VXR is kinda porky for a hot hatch as well....the XR5 is just plain silly...less power and heaps of weight....

I respect the VXR...im a fan of the exterior like i have said...look very aggressive and stylish...but looks dont make performance...and ppl need to remember there are plain jane cars out there....with many hidden features..

Plus i have seen the FMIC on the standard SRiT and its the size of a A4 piece of paper...are the VXR bigger.

Cheers
DUG74

[gman]

And to be also correct....the MPS3 aint that heavy.

So, as stated correctly, the MPS3 "IS" heavier, thanks for proving my point, cheers.

I didn't say by how much, but Mohawk is right 20+kgs is is more than enough to be felt. Especially when most of it is in engine and suspension weight over or infront of the front wheels like in the MPS3.

I "DID" however, specify that the extra weight, while through implication only, that the setup made it feel dull, lifeless and heavy. I didn't go into specific's but the MPS3 after a full day of driving more than 200km's felt overly front heavy with little steering feedback and had a tendancy to understeer badly and roll when pushed through the twisty bits (Old Pacific Hwy - Sydney to Central Coast & back - My favourite road).

IMHO, the spring/shock rates could be changed, I didn't like the way the LSD locked up mid corner when the power was re-applied, the car felt undertyred with only 215/45/18 tyres (VXR @ 235/35/19 / XR5 @ 225/40/18 IIRC), the centre of gravity is to high (MPS3 @ 1465mm high vs VXR @ 1420mm / XR5 @ 1447mm) causing the car to pitch and roll more than others. But it has a goo interior and is quick in a straight line...Kind of like a Soccer mum's drag car....I don't think any of them could really be called a "Drivers" car, but the MPS3 is the least tuned to being a sports car of all of the current Hot hatches.

Mohawk: glad to give ay a laugh....I'm here all week...

[OPC]

Thanks mohawk..

Also..with the mazda only a few kilograms heavier than the astra...would that becoz it has 2 extra doors.

So when you think about it...really the VXR is kinda porky for a hot hatch as well....

Plus i have seen the FMIC on the standard SRiT and its the size of a A4 piece of paper...are the VXR bigger.

Cheers
DUG74

have you felt how heavy 1 door of the VXR is ? hahahaha heeeeavy
plus we have heavier wheels than the 3mps HAHAHAHA

and as u said the VXR is kinda porky for a hot hatch it's only 0.43kg/kw heavier than the SPORT and 13kw less

the I/C on the SRi is it the same as the G SRi ? cos that was really tiny...
but it's NOT the same as the VXR I/C
our one is huge compared to the OLD G I/C

what's the 3mps I/C like ? is it top mounted ? little bit bigger than a rex I/C ?

[dug74]

[gman]

Its a good size stock, How thick is it?

But same as the WRX / STi as its on top of the engine...OK while moving but its really an "inter-heater" when you stop and acts like a heat sink...

Heat soak also was a huge prob on my STi until I got a FMIC....Plazmaman do a FMIC for the MPS3, good size increase and think it would make a difference too...

Just a side note, see how far forward of the strut towers the engine is....Good for straight line traction and braking where the MPS3 excels, not so good for a corner....

Still a nice all rounder....Especially with the Bose stereo...they sound SWEEEEEEETTTTTT!!!

[OPC]

DUG is there any room in the front for a front mount ?

[rusole21]

they are putting front mounts on at speedworks. been doin it for a while. the sales guy at mazda say they can get huge power. didnt say much about it tho.

[gman]

Just wat I've seen

[JohnBu]

I really dont understand why HSV didnt release the Astra with HID and MP3 player...

HIDs should be an option and MP3 should be std.

anyway whats the fuel consumption like?

[OPC]

those pics look awesome g man

cant wait n see what power they can run with remaps aswell