This morning Saturn's general manager, Jill Lajdziak, officially pulled the wraps off of the 2008 Saturn Astra, the little darling of this year's Chicago show. One of two new nameplates debuting this week (Pontiac's G8 is the other), the Astra isn't really new, just new to the U.S. Sold in Europe as the Opel Astra and in the U.K. as a Vauxhall, the Astra has already enjoyed success abroad as Lajdziak reported more than a half-million Astras were sold in Europe last year...
Available as a three- or five-door hatchback, the Astra gets a 140-horsepower 1.8-liter Ecotec four-cylinder engine mated to a five-speed manual or optional four-speed automatic transmission. Four-wheel antilock disc brakes are standard.
The Astra replaces the outgoing Saturn Ion. No tears will be shed over its departure. — Kelly Toepke, Manager of Vehicle Testing
vvk says:
10:58 AM, 02/ 7/07
As far as I know, the "new" performance engine option for Astra in Europe is a wonderful new 1.6 turbo. It would be a shame if Saturn version goes with the older 2.0 turbo instead. http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/carreviews/firstdrives/205003/vauxhall_astra.html
vvk says:
11:27 AM, 02/ 7/07
Now I understand why Astra sedan will not be offered in North America. It is longer than the Aura, with a larger trunk, too. It would surely cannibalize more profitable Aura sales...
bmwrulz says:
11:29 AM, 02/ 7/07
Now this is interesting... GM using some of its resources to cut cost. Obviously this vehicle works in Europe. Although, the Vauxhall Astra VXR gets mated to a 2.0i 16v turbo engine with 240HP and a six-speed tranny. Can we say Astra Red Line? The styling though, is it bit too noticeable between the American copy and European version. Too tall. But nonetheless, this is a smart move for GM and Saturn.
comp386 says:
11:46 AM, 02/ 7/07
Ahh all the good old Top Gear episodes making fun of Vauxhall. Brings back a lot of fond memories. Now I get to enjoy this vehicle. It does look cool though.
bmwrulz says:
11:55 AM, 02/ 7/07
Yes Top Gear doesnt love the Vauxhall Astra VXR, because its got bad handling... maybe Astra Red-Line AWD would cure the cancer?
Top Gear test Vauxhall/Saturn Astra VXR/Red-Line:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0xDZonrA2Dw
readerreader says:
02:27 PM, 02/ 7/07
It has good handling. The torque Steer is what is bad.
bmwrulz says:
11:53 AM, 02/ 8/07
Torque Steer and huge understeer. thats not good handling.
ateixeira says:
01:27 PM, 02/ 8/07
Astra looks good, but anything would be better than the Ion. 4 speed auto is behind the import brands nowadays.
jerrywimer says:
05:48 AM, 02/ 9/07
Not really. Check out the Scions. NONE of them have more than 4 speed automatics available. You might argue that the Astra is a step higher on the rung (good- that gives it credit for being a nicer vehicle). If so, then maybe an optional trannie with more gears would be great. Otherwise it's at the very least *on the same level*. ;-)
jerrywimer says:
05:49 AM, 02/ 9/07
Um, what does the Corolla get anyway? The fact that at least one of the Scions is getting the Corolla's current engine makes me wonder if the Corolla auto is a 4 speed only too?
afontanelle says:
02:04 AM, 07/ 4/07
Nothing can be beat of in Saturn community, for they always have a good reputation of cars especially when it comes to safety , many features were newly improved and whole package in terms of function, style, and sounds like this Saturn ignition coil. Astra has everything a Saturn should have. It looks right, drives with an intuitive feel and a dynamic composure that everyone can appreciate, and it's both spacious and safe.