First Drive: 2008 Saturn Astra

What's this thing weigh and how does that compare to the rabbit, the vibe, the versa, and so on?
 
I'm not enterprising enough to look up the GVWs of these models and compute the power to weight ratios, but I know some keen autophile is. I'd really like to know how the Astra holds up when the numbers are crunched? Maybe the Rabbit has more ponies, but it might weigh a lot more too. I'm curious, does anyone know?

138hp has recently become standard for this class, so I don't see any problem. Power numbers are unlikely to make or break a car in this class.
 
I want to know how much they're making on it, if any at all. Don't the exchange rates work against it?

crowb, the data you wanted:
Astra XR 3 door: 2833 lbs HP: 138 Torque: 125 P/W: 20.5 lb/hp
Astra XR 5 door: 2921 lbs HP: 138 Torque: 125 P/W: 21.2 lb/hp
Rabbit S 3 door: 2975 lbs HP: 170 Torque: 177 P/W: 17.5 lb/hp
Rabbit S 5 door: 3072 lbs HP: 170 Torque: 177 P/W: 18.1lb/hp
Civic EX Coupe: 2698 lbs HP: 140 Torque: 128 P/W: 19.3 lb/hp
Civic EX Sedan: 2738 lbs HP: 140 Torque: 128 P/W: 19.6 lb/hp
Mazda3 i Touring: 2780 lbs HP: 148 Torque: 135 P/W: 18.8lb/hp
Mazda3 S Touring Hatch: 2983 lbs HP: 156 Torque: 150 P/W:19.1lb/hp
 
All values are for manual transmissions, and all data is from Edmunds.
 
I don't know about everyone else, but I think Saturn is going to have a hard time convincing me to trade in my Mazda 3 for the Astra (and not just because of the raw power numbers. I don't like the center stack design).

So does this compete with vehicles like the versa, Fit, Yaris etc...
or does it compete with the Civic, Corolla, Mazda 3 wagon etc..??

seems like it competes mostly at hatchbacks at the moment

jr1m90, thanks for taking the time to calculate power-to-weight ratios for us! :o)
 
:thumbsup:
 
For "kicks" and giggles:
2008 Subaru Impreza 2.5i w/ 5-speed manual transmission
3,064 lbs. / 170 hp (170 lb.-ft.) = 18.02 lb./hp
 
http://content.subaru.com/sub/media/pdf/brochure/2008_impreza.pdf
 
Don't forget the Impreza has standard all-wheel drive, too!
 
I would love to see an Opel/Vauxhall/Holden/Saturn Astra Red Line hit the market!
 
First Drive: 2007 Holden HSV Astra VXR
http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Drives/FirstDrives/articleId=122143

subytrojan
 
As we discussed before, it needs the 6 speed automatic and a 6 speed manual. I also have asked why they couldn't put the 5 speed automatic from the Sky. Answer, front wheel drive versus rear wheel drive. I asked that question when the HHR SS came out with a 4 speed automatic. These are the things that makes me want to scream. For 2008, the Aura XE, Astra, should all have a 6 speed automatic, not wait until spring 2008 at the earliest.
 
Once the 6 speeds are in, then a redline version with the 2.0 direct injection turbo from the Sky would be nice, don't you think?

jr1m90,
 
Yeah, thanks a lot! My curiosity has been satisfied, for now.
 
I'm surprised that the civic came in so close to the Mazda. I just always think of the Mazda 3 has being really sporty and powerful for its class. And it is, I just didn't think that the civic numbers would get that close.
 
I think what bothers me most about the Astra is the comment in the review that said it was pegged at 4K RPMs at 80 mph. That sounds like the gearing is a little wacky and that the engine is having to work too hard. My Fit is at 3K at 80 mph. I don't recall reading what the fuel economy figures were either. I wonder how the Astra will fair.

Great car, but its a shame it only comes out now when it's been out for quite a few years in Europe. I saw some in Amsterdam, and it was pretty impressive.

Overseas they have a Corsa to compete with the Fit, so this is one size class up from there.

With the 4-speed automatic, and no 240 hp version, its GM's beancounters in action again to kill a potentially great product. Lutz's excuse for no 240 hp version is emissions. Don't they already have that engine in other products? Why the high costs to use it again?

yeah.. civic and mazda3 are close (i have a true red mazda3 H/B) but i've driven a brand new civic (from enterprice) and it is way slower, i hate the transmission, and handling feels way worse than my mazda (and that on the sedan version) my mazda feel fast, and great at curves.
 
And i dont think this saturn will do great because of the interior. the exterior looks nice. but it doesnt compare much to the mazda, honda, it compare more to the caliber to my opinion, even the versa looks more attractive.

You know, it's funny how heavy vehicles have gotten. I remember the days when a Civic weighed a full 1000 lbs less.

I would buy one with a 6 speed automatic. It would make quite a nice little runner. I always scream when GM comes out and puts in the 4 speed automatic. This car is fairly heavy, it needs the extra gears to keep the engine spinning. The 6 speed will also get rid of the 4000 rpm at 80, although many Civic owners don't seem to mind as the gearing on the SI is close. Same for the S2000.
 
What about a mid engine, the 2.4 rated at 170 horsepower? Might be the ticket if it came with the 6 speed.