HOLDEN’S AH Astra SRi Coupe is out to win your heart before you’ve even slipped into the driver’s seat. The low-slung roofline, 25mm lower than the five-door hatchback model, has been beautifully integrated into the already-slick Astra shape and subtle detail tricks like the slightly longer nose and subtly re-drawn grille and front air-intake define it as something a little more than just a regular, practical hatchback. New to the Astra is a direct-injection version of the familiar 2.2-litre engine option that adds power, torque and improved efficiency. Coupled to the six-speed manual gearbox, this gives the eye-grabbing little coupe the extra sparkle that is always welcome in a sporting-oriented car. For a touch more than $30,000, the Astra SRi coupe offers an eminently satisfying drive, as well as a level of street credibility well beyond the price. Just remember that it is not, and was never intended to be, a family runabout.