click above image for more views of the Saturn Astra
While Ford chose to rehash the compact Focus with a dubious restyling instead of giving us the highly regarded European Focus, Saturn has gone the opposite direction with its smallest model. It has picked up the Opel Astra, swapped out the Opel badges for Saturn ones and announced an on-sale date. Americans can pick up an Astra as soon as their New Years Eve hangover wears off on January 2nd, 2008. Saturn had already previously announced pricing for the Astra which won't come in a stripper low-ball model, but is pretty nicely equipped at the base price of $15,995. The Astra comes standard with six air-bags, ABS and traction control, moisture sensitive automatic wipers, key-less entry, cruise control and a very European driving experience.
[Source: Kicking Tires]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 4)
Lucas @ Oct 2nd 2007 12:32PM
Does anyone know the real differences ..not just the badge.. between this and the Opel?
Maestro1 @ Oct 2nd 2007 1:43PM
Front and Rear bumper cosmetics to meet crash test regulations. You wouldn't notice it on the onset though. That's all I know of.
alex @ Oct 2nd 2007 2:07PM
powertrain options as well
Pat @ Oct 2nd 2007 12:38PM
Let's hope the price doesn't keep customers too far away from the Saturn dealers.
Are Americans, ready to pay premiums for a well-equipped hatchback?
Time will tell...
Alex @ Oct 2nd 2007 12:39PM
i am
Jason @ Oct 2nd 2007 1:00PM
I see tons of those little Mazda3 5-drs and VW Rabbit/GTI hatches around here.
And as SUV popularity declines I think we'll see the popularity of these "hot hatches" increase as folks want a smaller, more economical vehicle but still want the "wagon" utility that they've become accustomed to in their SUVs.
Jim Pease @ Oct 2nd 2007 4:04PM
I'd pay for a premium small car. If the Astra came with power seats and leather, it would be almost right up my alley.
Eric L. @ Oct 2nd 2007 12:38PM
This has to be one of the most hyped up cars in recent history, before an actual full review by one of the domestic car rags. So far from the "previews" I've read in the mags the Astra is good, but not quite class leading. The 1.8L engine seems anemic for a vehicle that will essentially compete with the new Corolla, Civic, Mazda 3, etc.. and while it is commendable that a ton of safety features are included (and good Euro NCAP scores), the fact is, most Americans will buy it with the automatic and GM only offers a 4A. The 5spd will do 0-60 in just under 10s, but the automatic?
It is a way way better car than the Ion though, from press reports.
naggs @ Oct 2nd 2007 4:26PM
anemic, hardley
140 hp compared to the civic and corolla is class leading.
Eric L. @ Oct 2nd 2007 5:02PM
The next gen Corolla, due also next year, will likely have a more powerful 1.8 or 2.0L engine. The current Civic makes 140hp in normal form, and has the option for a 5A, which the Astra does not.
Val @ Oct 2nd 2007 5:18PM
If this car is going to be imported from germany, it could hardly be called untested... It's been on sale in europe for 4 years, and many magazines have positive reviews on it. It's definitely going to be the ONLY "american" (gm sourced from opel) contender in this class, featuring corolla, mazda 3 and civic. It is comparable with their european versons, so it should fare quite well in this segment. Oh, and in europe most people opt for the diesel versions, which will never be offered in the US
Mondo @ Oct 2nd 2007 12:41PM
I don't know what all of the differences are between Euro-spec and US Astras but let's not delude ourselves into thinking everything across the pond is better than what we have here. They have some pretty craptastic cars there as well.
That being said, I really like the lineup that Saturn has put together: Astra, Aura, Vue, Outlook and Sky with some hybrids mixed in. Of all the domestic brands Saturn has done the best over the last couple of years in positioning themselves for success.
Cortez @ Oct 2nd 2007 5:11PM
Mondo!
Please tell me what EU car is crap compared to your "great American cars"
Mondo @ Oct 2nd 2007 5:25PM
Cortez, give me a break man. You can't honestly believe that every single car made in Europe is great. There are some crappy cars there too. Refer to Mr Oak's comment.
I'm not making this an US v. EU battle, simply stating that one should not automatically assume all Euro cars are better without doing the requisite research.
There are some good American cars. Am I happy with the overall domestic lineup, no. Do I drive an American car, no. But being fair and honest I have to admit that there are some good American cars.
mdm-adph @ Oct 2nd 2007 5:46PM
...but you didn't answer his question. :P
naggs @ Oct 3rd 2007 1:06AM
there are plenty of euro models that are crap and should stay there. most french and italian cars are total crap, bottom of the barrel on reliability.
naggs @ Oct 3rd 2007 1:20AM
you want specific models? how about the fiat alba, nuovo doblo, cirtoen c5, peugeot 1007 or how about the charming skoda roomster scout...
surely you are not claiming that these are all better vehicles than a chrysler 300, ford mustang or a chevy silverado?
there are bad cars everywhere, every company has its hits and misses
Tim @ Oct 2nd 2007 12:42PM
I think Gm has gotta stop with Saturn. Please, just cut it loose. They are already slapping huge discounts on the Aura and now even the Vue. Auto sales today will show no momentum in Aura or Vue sales despite huge ad budgest and R&D input. Invest in heritage brands where you can use history as your strength. Pontiac GTO, Camaro, Malibu etc. People still associate Saturn with boring, plastic cars with course engines.
Bill @ Oct 2nd 2007 12:53PM
You miss the point completely.
"Invest in heritage brands where you can use history as your strength."
The problem with the majority of (influential) car buyers is that GM history is the weakness, not the strength. True, former cars were dull but reliable, but they've got stand alone dealerships that aren't tied to other GM car brands. The average consumer probably doesn't even know Saturn is part of GM, and this is a plus. There is lots of room to grow the Saturn brand because it doesn't have as many negatives associated with it. GM is smart and on-track for success.
Saturn should have had this car 5 years ago. It won't win races, but it's a good car at a good price at a good time.
Vivek @ Oct 2nd 2007 12:53PM
Dude, Saturn is one of GM's most succesful brands.