Autoblog

Frankfurt 2009: Opel Astra makes its debut under the lights

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 11:41:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Hatchback, Opel

2010 Opel Astra - Click above for high-res image gallery

By now, you've likely already seen official shots of the 2010 Opel Astra, both inside and out. Of course, catching a glimpse of a new shape under the harsh lighting of an auto show often brings a different point of view than the automaker's own glitzy press shots.

In the case of the latest Astra, though, the new car looks nearly as fetching caught with the lenses of our own DSLRs as it did in GM's official photography. We especially like the new Astra's interior furnishings, which are a major step up from the current model's rather boring and somber duds.

While the 2010 Astra won't be coming Stateside as a Saturn like the previous model, GM has promised to bring the latest Detla-based car to American shores (probably in sedan form) wearing the trademark Buick badge and chrome waterfall grille, and none of those plans are expected to change now that The General has offloaded a majority stake in Opel to Magna. Check out our high-res shots below of the 2010 Astra live from Frankfurt.

Gallery: Frankfurt 2009: Opel Astra

Frankfurt 2009: Opel Astra makes its debut under the lights originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Sep 2009 11:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Opel pulls the wraps off the 2010 Astra's interior

Damon Lavrinc — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 11:01:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Europe, Hatchback, Opel, Vauxhall, UK

2010 Opel Astra - Click above for a high-res image gallery

Although we're still a few months away from seeing the 2010 Opel Astra in the flesh at the Frankfurt Motor Show, the automaker has released a bevy of interior images of its new compact hatch following the reveal of the fully redesigned exterior.

The new interior takes a huge stride beyond the current model's drab yet functional environment, with upgraded materials and a completely reworked center stack housing controls for the sat-nav, HVAC and infotainment systems. It's mildly mobile phone-like and you wouldn't be alone seeing shades of the new Ford Fiesta in the Astra's center console.

Additionally, there's a redesigned glovebox with removable compartments for pens and coins, an optional compartment under the passenger seat and ambient lighting piped into the door handle surrounds, gear lever recess and center stack.

Based on the new Delta platform that underpins the Chevrolet Cruze, the new Astra will be available abroad later this year, packing a host of gasoline and diesel powerplants with outputs ranging from 100 to 180 hp. Make the jump for the release, along with a groovetastic video of the Astra's new insides.

Gallery: 2010 Opel Astra

Continue reading Opel pulls the wraps off the 2010 Astra's interior

Opel pulls the wraps off the 2010 Astra's interior originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 18 Jun 2009 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Officially Official: 2010 Opel Astra revealed ahead of Frankfurt debut

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 13 May 2009 14:58:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Europe, Hatchback, GM, Saturn, Opel

2010 Opel Astra - Click above for a high-res image gallery

After yesterday's impromptu internet unveiling of the 2010 Opel Astra, General Motors has finally let the details out on its next-generation compact before its official debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show this September.

The 2010 Astra's design is inspired by the Opel Insignia, sporting all-new sheet metal that takes cues from its mid-size sibling and packages it into a smaller, more fluid shape. The fascia, headlamps and rump remain true to Opel's new design direction, along with the sculpted sides and cab-forward greenhouse.

The same Delta 2 global platform used on the Cruze and Volt underpins the new Astra, measuring in at 174 inches, with a wheelbase that stretches 2.8 inches longer than the outgoing model. The "wing and blade" design employed on the exterior carries through to the interior, and joins ergonomic seats and the new Opel Eye front camera system, which recognizes road signs and warns drivers if they veer out of their lane.

Buyers abroad have the choice of eight different engines, including four CDTI common-rail diesels with displacements ranging from 1.3- to 2.0-liters and outputs between 95 and 160 hp. Another four gasoline-powered mills, with displacements between 1.4- and 1.6-liters, doll out between 100 and 180 hp along with a new turbocharged 1.4-liter that replaces the outgoing naturally aspirated 1.8-liter and puts out 140 hp and 14% more torque, while lowering fuel consumption.

The wraps come off the five-door Astra later this year, while a four-door sedan, three-door hatch and a two-mode hybrid variant are expected to debut in 2010. Sales should begin towards the end of 2009, and although Saturn's future is all but sealed in the States, we wouldn't be surprised to see the General import the Astra to the U.S. to finally provide a credible contender to the Mazda3. All the details, along with a video of the Astra, are available below the fold.

Gallery: 2010 Opel Astra

Continue reading Officially Official: 2010 Opel Astra revealed ahead of Frankfurt debut

Officially Official: 2010 Opel Astra revealed ahead of Frankfurt debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 13 May 2009 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Leaked: 2010 Opel Astra gets early web reveal

Chris Paukert — Tue, 12 May 2009 16:58:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Spy Photos, Budget, Europe, Green, Hatchback

2010 Opel Astra - Click above for high-res image gallery

Opel's Astra hasn't exactly gone down a storm here in the U.S. while wearing a Saturn badge, but the four-cylinder econocar lineup is pivotal stuff in Europe, and the next-generation model could still find its way to America - even if it doesn't wear a planetary badge.

Regardless of whether or not a stateside version is in the cards, the 2010 Astra seen here is massively important. Based on General Motors' Delta platform (whose basic architecture underpins the Chevrolet Cruze and forthcoming Volt), the sixth-generation Astra will take the fight to cars like Volkswagen's Golf and Ford's Focus powered by a range of four-cylinder engines. According to CarScoop, the Astra will be available with a normally aspirated 1.4-liter gasoline inline-four, but turbocharged variants will also be available, offering between 120- to 140 horsepower and 175 to 200 Nm of torque (129 - 148 pound-feet). More power will reportedly come in the form of a 180 hp 1.6-liter turbo motor. Naturally, being a European offering, a range of diesels will also be available, including 1.3-, 1.7- and 2.0 -liter variants. A particularly miserly ecoFLEX variant is also expected in 2010.

If CarScoop's sources are right, the five-door Astra will hit showrooms in the autumn, with a three-door GTC Coupe fastback to follow. A wagon, four-door sedan, and a retractable hardtop model are expected to fill out the range thereafter.

The 2010 Astra is expected to see its official debut at this fall's Frankfurt Motor Show, where we'll be sure to have our cameras primed and waiting.

Gallery: 2010 Opel Astra

[Source: CarScoop]

Leaked: 2010 Opel Astra gets early web reveal originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 12 May 2009 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2010 Opel Astra hatch, GTC coupe and wagon revealed

John Neff — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 12:59:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Budget, Europe, Hatchback, Opel, Rendered Speculation

2010 Opel Astra renderings - Click above for image gallery

What we have here are reported to be official renderings from General Motors of the next-generation Opel Astra line, including the hatchback, high-performance GTC model and wagon, or what the Europeans call the Estate. Due out in Europe as a 2010 model, the redesigned Astra will feature many design cues from the well received mid-size Insignia sedan, including swept back headlamps, concave surfacing and a more soft appearance than the all-angles current Astra. The GTC model also appears to have shape shifted from its current form as a hatchback to a coupe. The profile of the Estate model, meanwhile, gets some extra rear overhang versus the five-door hatch and a forward-tilting D-pillar.

The big question left unanswered is whether or not the new Astra will be seen on this side of the Atlantic. The current Saturn Astra is a direct import from Opel in Europe, but General Motors doesn't plan to supply Saturn with vehicles anymore after its current lineup's lifecycle. That won't happen until around 2012 and the new Astra should be unveiled in Europe later this year, which means there's overlap there. Regardless, GM is likely not willing or able to spend money on importing a car for a brand it has pledged to shed.

Gallery: 2010 Opel Astra - Renderings

[Source: Carscoop]

2010 Opel Astra hatch, GTC coupe and wagon revealed originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 10 Apr 2009 12:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Is this the next Opel Astra?

Chris Paukert — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 15:29:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Spy Photos, GM, Opel

2010 Opel Astra Spy Shots - Click above for image gallery

Saturn's Astra has been something of a commercial non-starter stateside, but it remains a perennial favorite in Opel and Vauxhall guises in Europe. Thus, even with General Motors' touchy-feely brand on the rocks here at home, it's still a pivotal model overseas that warrants attention, even if we probably won't end up seeing it in America.

Thankfully, then, the folks at Autoblog.nl (no relation) have dug up a set of small images showing what looks to be a pair of production-ready 2010 examples. Details are slim, but the car is expected to eventually be offered in a whole range of models, including hatchback, sedan, wagon, and performance-oriented GTC. Look for it to hit the stand at the Frankfurt Motor Show this Fall.

Gallery: 2010 Opel Astra Spy Shots

[Source: Autoblog.nl]

Spy Shots: Is this the next Opel Astra? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 26 Mar 2009 15:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Vauxhall celelebrates BTCC domination with limited-edition VX Racing Corsa and Astra

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 16:28:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Hatchback, Vauxhall, UK, Specialty

Click above to enlarge

Piloted by Fabrizio Giovanardi of the VX Racing, Vauxhall took all three golden trophies in last year's British Touring Car Championship (BTCC): driver, team, and manufacturer. To celebrate, Vauxhall is making 888 Corsa and Astra VX Racing Editions. The number of the run comes from the name of the race prep firm, Triple Eight Engineering.

Each car will sport the team colors of red and black, Recaro seats, logos on the B-pillars and sill plates, a black rear diffuser, black door trim and mirror covers, and a tinted rear window. When it comes to rubber, the Corsa gets 18-inchers, while the Astra wears 19-inch radials and also gets piano black trim inside.

The package adds at least a couple thousand British pounds to the ordinary top of the line models: The Corsa VXR will run you £17,425 (just under $25k USD) and the Astra VXR goes for £21,445 (around $30,700 USD). That's a lot of coin even when accounting for the UK's inflated market prices, but if you still want to tweak them further, you'll at least get discounts on VXR Performance Center parts. Of course, you should probably be devoted enough to have at least one Vauxhall tattoo if you're going to get into all of that...

[Source: Vauxhall]

Continue reading Vauxhall celelebrates BTCC domination with limited-edition VX Racing Corsa and Astra

Vauxhall celelebrates BTCC domination with limited-edition VX Racing Corsa and Astra originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 27 Feb 2009 16:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Next Vauxhall Astra caught in the buff

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 15:32:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Europe, Hatchback, GM, Saturn, Opel, Vauxhall

The next Opel/Vauxhall Astra - which may or may not make it to the States as a Saturn - has been caught outside General Motors' testing facility in Germany. The singular spy shot reveals a new greenhouse design, hatch, taillights and rear wing. The Opel Insignia's influence is apparent from the side, where the chunky creases of the current model have been dropped in favor of a smooth swage line that runs the length of the two doors and terminates ahead of the rear wheel arch.

The new Astra's sheet metal sits atop GM's new Delta platform, shared by the Chevrolet Cruze, Volt and upcoming Vauxhall Ampera. The suspension should carry over from GM's other mid-size offerings, with a MacPherson design in front and a torsion beam mounted in the rear. Expect a thoroughly revised interior inspired by the Insignia when the new Astra goes on sale late next year.

[Source: AutoCar | Image: BurlappCars]

Spy Shots: Next Vauxhall Astra caught in the buff originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 10 Feb 2009 15:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Saturn Astra goes away for 2009

Chris Paukert — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 12:27:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Plants/Manufacturing, Hatchback, Saturn

If you've been looking to spec a new Astra like Autoblog reader ramirez8167, you may have noticed that you can't build or locate a 2009 model on Saturn's website. That's because there isn't one.

With plenty of dealer stock on-hand for the slow-moving Opel-based hatch, General Motors has simply decided to sell through their existing inventory of 2008s instead of creating a parking lot with additional 2009 model year stock. We spoke with Steve Janisse, group manager for Saturn communications this morning, and he confirmed that while there will be no 2009 model, a 2010 is scheduled and on track for a spring roll-out. Given this unfortunate economic environment and GM's ~~rude~~ poor health, of course, we'll wait to "call the ball" until 2010s are on dealer forecourts. In any case, no major changes are planned for the 2010 model, although minor items like the availability of new paint colors are expected.

Until then, Astra prospectives can still kit out a 2008 model of the tidy-handling hatchback on Saturn's website and probably get a solid deal on what they are looking for through dealer transfers.

Gallery: Review: 2008 Saturn Astra XR

Saturn Astra goes away for 2009 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Jan 2009 12:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GM gives very early sneak peek at next-gen Astra

John Neff — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 11:28:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Europe, Hatchback, GM, Saturn, Opel, Vauxhall

Click above for high-res gallery of fourth-gen Astra sneak peek

We just told you about Bob Lutz' comments that the Saturn Astra is too expensive and not making any money in the U.S., but that may change when the next iteration arrives. Of course, the next Astra will debut in Europe first as an Opel (and Vauxhall in the UK), but we suspect that GM will offer it in the U.S. again, especially if the automaker can build it locally so that it's not dogged by a weak currency exchange like the current model. Though not scheduled to debut until late next year at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show, the fourth-gen Astra is making an appearance today in a couple of sketches released by General Motors Europe. The design is said to take direct inspiration from the new Insignia, which itself will become the next-gen Saturn Aura. The all-new Astra will be based on the Delta II platform with vehicles like the Chevy Cruze and Volt and feature a new range of fuel efficient engines, clever packaging solutions and trick technology like the Insignia's Front Camera System that recognizes road signs. Check out the sneak peeks in our gallery below.

Gallery: Fourth-Gen Astra sneak peek

[Source: GM]

Continue reading GM gives very early sneak peek at next-gen Astra

GM gives very early sneak peek at next-gen Astra originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Sep 2008 11:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Review: 2008 Saturn Astra XR

Chris Shunk — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 11:58:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, In the Autoblog Garage, Hatchback, GM, Saturn, First Drive

2008 Saturn Astra - Click above for high-res image gallery

Enthusiasts here in the States have long wondered why they couldn't buy Ford and GM small cars from Europe, and at least part of the answer has been that Americans don't want to pay big bucks for premium small cars. Spiking gasoline prices have quelled that argument, and fuel economy is now towards the top of shoppers' lists when looking for a new car or truck.

While Ford is still more than a year away from bringing over the Euro Focus and Fiesta, GM has made the cross-Atlantic jump by importing the Opel Astra to our shores. The Astra is a hot-selling hatch in Europe with high-end amenities and very good fuel economy, and the model is shipping to the U.S. differentiated from its Euro twin by some Saturn logos and little else. We were itching to get our hands on an Astra to see if it were as good as advertised, and our tester came equipped with everything Saturn could throw at the vehicle. Hit the jump to see how the 2009 Saturn Astra fared in the Autoblog Garage.

Gallery: Review: 2008 Saturn Astra XR

Continue reading Review: 2008 Saturn Astra XR

Review: 2008 Saturn Astra XR originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 Apr 2008 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Saturn expected to be source of GM growth

Michael Harley — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 07:32:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Saturn

It is tough to keep up a winning streak, as Saturn may soon realize. After boasting a 12.6-percent increase in retail sales, and average transaction prices up by $7,000 compared to the previous year, GM expects their Saturn division to continue their growth for the next five years.

It most likely won't be that easy. Last year, Saturn presented an entirely new model line responsible for the fresh faces pouring into showrooms. This year, things are a bit different. The Saturn Outlook, the slowest selling of GM's three Lambda CUVs, heads into its second year having to compete with now a fourth Lamda-platform crossover, the Chevrolet Traverse. The Saturn Aura, perennially living in the shadow of the Chevy Malibu, carries over with just minor changes for 2008. Even the all-new Saturn Astra, fresh from Europe where it is sold as an Opel, may fight for domestic sales if American buyers don't warm to its Euro-designed interior.

There is hope. As Saturn is GM's "green" outlet, there are a couple of innovative vehicles on the horizon. We can expect to see a Two Mode hybrid Vue by the end of this year which should be followed by a plug-in Vue by 2010.

[Source: Automotive News]

Saturn expected to be source of GM growth originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 22 Feb 2008 07:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GM's new ad campaigns focus on small cars, SUVs

Chris Shunk — Thu, 03 Jan 2008 09:58:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Marketing/Advertising, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GM, Saturn

With oil hitting $100 per barrel and customers clamoring for more fuel-efficient vehicles, GM is dropping coin to showcase its smaller transportation. Now is a good time for the General to tout its lighter fare, as the Detroit automaker has some real winners in its stable. The new Chevy Malibu and Cadillac CTS have received critical praise from the automotive press, and early sales receipts show that both vehicles are a hit with the public as well. In fact, GM is looking to increase Malibu production in a soft market due to brisk demand at Chevy dealers around the country. Saturn will also receive ad dollars, as newer products like the Vue could use a boost, and the hot new Astra will benefit from a coming out party.

GM is also concentrating more of its cash on web advertising, and it will also pony up ad dollars to tout Chevrolet as its environmentally friendly brand. While automotive enthusiasts know GM has come up with a string of solid vehicles, the general public may not be as informed. Nothing spreads the word quite like money.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

GM's new ad campaigns focus on small cars, SUVs originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Jan 2008 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SEMA 2007: Saturn Astra Tuner Concept

Alex Nunez — Mon, 29 Oct 2007 00:01:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, SEMA Show, Hatchback, GM, Saturn

Click image for photo gallery

The Saturn Astra Tuner concept that GM is bringing to SEMA is cool, but it's also a bit of a tease. The bodywork and wheels are upgraded thanks to accessory parts from OPC, Opel's in-house go-fast shop, and they all look really good. Unfortunately, the show car doesn't have the Euro market Astra OPC's 240-hp 2.0L turbo Ecotec. Instead, the Astra XR's NA 1.8L four gets a 20 horsepower bump to 160 for SEMA duty.

The car we want to see in Saturn stores is basically this, but with a Red Line badge on the tailgate and 260 horses from the DI 2.0 turbo that's seeing a lot of action lately. Since all Astras are imports, however, we'd settle for the Euro-spec 240-horsepower version of said engine. Saturn can keep those Recaros, too. We don't fancy sitting on something whose deco pattern could realistically be called "rusted shipping container." Make 'em a solid color, however, and we're all good. Follow the jump for the full mod list from the General.

[Source: GM]

Gallery: SEMA 2007: Saturn Astra Tuner

Continue reading SEMA 2007: Saturn Astra Tuner Concept

SEMA 2007: Saturn Astra Tuner Concept originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 29 Oct 2007 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Frankfurt Preview: Details on Opel E-Flex concept with diesel range extender

Chris Shunk — Mon, 03 Sep 2007 15:54:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Green, Hatchback, Chevrolet, Saturn, Opel

The Chevy Volt concept that debuted this past January in Detroit has generated more buzz than any concept in recent memory, mainly because of outrageous gas prices, coupled with the fact that GM is working its tail off to get one built by 2010. To generate the same level of buzz across the Atlantic, team GM is prepping an Opel version of the battery-powered green-machine. The two models will vary in design, and the Opel will likely produce electricity via a diesel powerplant instead of a small gasoline engine. The European model will also charge in about half the time of the Volt, as its 220v capability can take twice the juice as our sorry American 110v infrastructure.

Since the Volt and Opel variant are both built on GM's next generation global small car platform, there is a strong possibility that the Opel version will give hints at the design of the next generation Astra. That's important to us here in the States due to the fact that Saturn will likely sell an exact duplicate of the small car. You may have to take a few days off if you plan on keeping up with the progress at Frankfurt at the end of September, there will be a lot of news, and we plan on covering all of it.

[Source: AutoblogGreen]

Frankfurt Preview: Details on Opel E-Flex concept with diesel range extender originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 03 Sep 2007 15:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Opel unveils Astra OPC N�rburgring Edition

Alex Nunez — Tue, 28 Aug 2007 16:04:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Europe, Hatchback, Opel

Click image for photo gallery

Opel pulled the wraps off the Astra OPC Nürburgring Edition at Round 4 of the OPC Race Camp, a competition that will ultimately produce a driver team the Automaker will send to next year's Nürburgring 24-hour race. Opel and the Nürburgring go way back, with test stints on the Nordshcleife a standard part of production models' development process. The Astra OPC Nürburgring Edition is a nod to the legendary track. Like its "regular" Astra OPC kin, the Nürburgring Edition is a 150-mph hatchback powered by a 240-horsepower turbo four mated to a six-speed manual.

The special edition is finished exclusively in white with an offset checkered-flag graphic that runs along the hood and roof and fades away on the hatch lid. A high-mount spoiler, carbon fiber accents on the b-pillars and mirrors, and lightweight white wheels complete the visual. Inside, the full-leather interior is accented with an embroidered track map on the headrests and special numbered badging on the glove box.

Meanwhile, all we think while looking at this is "Saturn Astra Red Line." Please make this happen soon, General.

[Sources: GM, Autoblog Spanish]

Gallery: Astra OPC Nurburgring Edition

Continue reading Opel unveils Astra OPC N�rburgring Edition

Opel unveils Astra OPC N�rburgring Edition originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 28 Aug 2007 16:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Saturn Astra pricing hits the net

Chris Shunk — Thu, 23 Aug 2007 10:03:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Coupe, Europe, Hatchback, GM, Saturn

The Saturn Astra may be the most exciting all-new small car to hit US shores in some time. The Opel version of the Astra is one of the most popular compacts in Europe, which is saying something when you consider all the great small cars available overseas. While Europeans are OK with paying a premium for smaller vehicles, we in the US tend to equate value with size or performance, so price point is key.

To see if the Astra is priced right for you, go no further than the Saturn website, where a mini-brochure awaits your perusal. While priced higher than entry vehicles from Honda, Toyota, and Ford, the Astra will focus on refinement and features instead of volume. The base XE five-door will sell for $15,995, the upscale XR five-door retails for $17,545, and the option-rich three-door stickers at $18,495. Options include 18' rims (three door only), stability control, and a dual panel sunroof. The entry price is still a little higher than the competition, but with gas prices affecting buyer's decisions, now is as good a time as any for the General to unleash the Astra on the buying public. From everything we've heard, the Astra should be far superior to any small car GM has ever produced for US consumption, and that's a good thing.

[Source: Saturn]

Gallery: 2008 Saturn Astra

Saturn Astra pricing hits the net originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 23 Aug 2007 10:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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C&D crowns Saturn Astra safest car under $25k

Chris Shunk — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 09:38:00 EST

Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, Coupe, Europe, Safety, Hatchback, GM, Saturn

The Saturn Astra hasn't even hit production, but Car and Driver has already named the three-door version of the small hatch the safest car in the US under $25,000. This point becomes interesting when considering that NHTSA hasn't even crash tested Saturn's still unreleased model, but the European NCAP has. While the NCAP testing is worth precisely zero here in the States, the Opel version of the Astra was named the safest small car in all of Europe, beating, among others, Volkswagens that scored a Five Star NHTSA rating for side impact collisions. Since the Opel and Saturns are identical save for different badges and tires, the General has scored a PR victory before the first Saturn Astra left the assembly line.

The stylish and fun to drive (based off the Opel) Saturn Astra has almost been a forgotten launch for GM, with the release of the updated CTS and Malibu, but this small car represents a huge win for GM and its customers. It also magnifies the fact that we still can't get the European Focus Stateside.

[Source: Car and Driver]

Gallery: 2008 Saturn Astra

C&D crowns Saturn Astra safest car under $25k originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 21 Aug 2007 09:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Astra Ruminations

Alex Nunez — Mon, 21 May 2007 16:33:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Europe, GM, Saturn

Click image for an Astra TwinTop Gallery

GM has released the Vauxhall Astra TwinTop Exclusiv Black edition (above) in the UK. It's essentially a loaded-up TwinTop with a few optional goodies thrown in as standard equipment. The extras include the pictured 18" alloys, leather, heated seats and cruise control, and the full package comes in at a lower cost than the Astra TwinTop Design trim upon which the Exclusiv Black is based.

For our overseas friends (in the UK, in this case), this is all well and good. For us, the TwinTop is just a tease of what the future could hold for us in Saturn stores. With the Astra hatchbacks set to arrive later this year following their big debut at the Chicago Auto Show, we can't help but speculate on what other tricks the General has up its sleeve regarding the model. Of all the existing variants, including wagon, sedan and panorama roof editions, the TwinTop is high on the list of ones we want to see in Saturn duds. The Saturn Sky is sexy and great fun, but incredibly impractical at the same time -- much more a 3rd car than a primary or secondary vehicle. If Saturn were to field the TwinTop in addition, however, we think it'd connect with buyers right away. A stylish, usable all-season 4-place coupe/convertible would fit the brand nicely and could easily be marketed as a legit everyday vehicle, assuming it was priced right. Part of us wonders whether GM would worry about it taking sales away from the Pontiac G6 convertible, but since the General doesn't shy from overlap (see Lambda crossovers), we think the two could and should coexist.

We feel that a strong Astra Red Line should be the first expansion of that model's range here in the States, but the Twin Top would make a great round two. What do you think?

[Source: GM]

Gallery: Opel/Vauxhall Astra TwinTop

Continue reading Astra Ruminations

Astra Ruminations originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 May 2007 16:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Saturn kicking butt and taking conquests

Chris Shunk — Tue, 24 Apr 2007 06:57:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Marketing/Advertising, GM, Saturn

Saturn has gone from "A different kind of car company" to a much better car company faster than anybody has the right to expect, and all the new products being introduced are starting to result in improved sales numbers. Within one year, the Sky, Aura, and Outlook were introduced, and the Aura provided the cherry on top when it won the 2007 North American car of the year award at the Detroit Auto Show. Once the new hot to trot Astra replaces the asthetically-challenged Ion, the Sky will be the oldest product in Saturn's lineup.

The resulting numbers for Saturn have been very impressive indeed, with a 20-percent bump in 1st quarter 2007 sales versus Q1 2006, and now people that previously didn't give Saturn a thought are buying into GM's newest lineup. In a recent interview with The Car Connection, Saturn General Manager Jill Lajdziak pointed out that Sky owners have an average family income of over $100,000, while the typical Aura customer is pulling in $79,000 per annum. Those numbers are in stark contrast to the overall lineup, which stands at $63,000 per year. Lajdziak is looking for more success in the second quarter, and with the vastly better-looking than the original Vue coming out very shortly, the news is only getting better for Saturn.

Saturn still has a long way to go in winning over customers, as Aura and Outlook sales haven't exactly been setting the world on fire. After driving the Aura, we'd guess that the biggest obsticle for the COTY is a lack of customer awareness, and additional marketing dollars should help a lot. We've long thought that the Opelization of the Saturn lineup was a great idea, and now it looks like it's actually panning out for GM.

[Source: The Car Connection]

Saturn kicking butt and taking conquests originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Apr 2007 06:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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