THE Astra SRi uses a lower ride height combined with a 14 per cent increase in front spring rates and recalibrated front and rear dampers to produce a comfortable low-speed ride that firms up with higher suspension inputs. The sports-tuned suspension provides performance-oriented ride and handling characteristics. The Astra uses double-isolated front suspension incorporating MacPherson aluminium struts and a compound torsion beam rear axle. Astra SRi's suspension was fine-tuned by Lotus. Two-way flexible pivot bushes mounted on the front wishbones create neutral rear-steer characteristics to assist steering accuracy and handling. A special front subframe module is decoupled from the rest of the Astra's structure. It mounts steering mechanism, lower steering arms, cooling system and one of the engine carrying mounts.