Hey, black SRi
well to start off The barina SRi has won motors bang for your buck under $30,000 3 years in arow, that has to say something about the car!!
I drive it regually about 45 min at a time, and there is no problem the car handles beautifly and is very comftable.
The size is very decieving, i normally have 3 big guys (around 90 kg) in the back and they are fine.
The basic engine is the same as the astra classic, but the torque band is different and there is no engine deadening on the top so you can hear the engine alot more.
The production hasnt slowed, its just that less and less are reaching australia becuase we get the overflow from the other countries, meaning what ever isnt sold comes to australia.
Im not 100% sure about the differencec from the 02 - the face lift model, but from what i can tell its just a body facelift, lost its traction control, and a few things added in the interior.
It took 2 weeks for mine to arive as i ordered 1 that was already on the boat heading to australia.
p.s Have you herd the tinny engine/exhaust noise of the new corolla sportivo?????