HOT HATCHES are all about power to weight - and Holden’s turbocharged Astra SRi hatchback is the epitome of the breed. With a lofty 147kW and a relatively light 1282kg, it has plenty of punch. The good thing is that in this case it’s all well tamed – not always easy with a powerful, lightweight front-driver. A firmed-up suspension is backed up by 17-inch wheels with low-profile tyres, electronic stability control and an upgraded all-disc, four-channel ABS braking system. Creature comforts befit the $37,000 price tag (it’s not the dearest in its class, but it’s up there), with leather seats, trip computer and plenty of other goodies. It is also a good size inside and makes itself useful as a quite commodious hatch. Perhaps the only downside is that the interior - despite the leather - looks a little drab.