2008 Saturn Astra Preview

Saturn Astra Preview – 2007 Chicago Auto Show: Saturn is officially cool. Yeah, we can hardly believe it either. Great styling, European driving dynamics, competitive pricing, and a terrific warranty coupled with Saturn's traditional no-haggle sales philosophy and excellent customer service make the emerging lineup of Saturns undeniably appealing. The 2008 Saturn Astra is the latest in a string of home runs, replacing the awful Ion with smart three- and five-door hatchbacks that look great and promise an entertaining drive. The five-door model can be had with XE or XR trim, while the three-door is available only in XR trim. Standard equipment includes power windows, power door locks, a CD player, and a 60/40 split folding rear seat. Six airbags are standard, and the Astra also includes OnStar with one year of free Safe & Sound service.

Why It Matters

Blame globalization if the domestic auto industry regains its footing and stands tall against the threat posed by Asian automakers. The Detroit 3 plan is to design, engineer, and build vehicles that can be sold all around the world, and Saturn is the first American brand to wholeheartedly embrace this approach. The Saturn Astra, more than any other car in the lineup, is essentially an Opel with different badges, and it is charged with helping lead Saturn to renewed success after years of corporate neglect and missteps.

What's Under the Hood

Every 2008 Saturn Astra is equipped with a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine paired to a standard five-speed manual transmission or an optional four-speed automatic. This powertrain makes 140 horsepower and 126 lb.-ft. of torque, competitive if not class-leading figures. Saturn estimates 27 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway. Electro-hydraulic steering and four-wheel-disc ABS are standard; the XR includes stability control and 17-inch wheels. Three-door models can also be equipped with 18-inch wheels wearing 225/40 performance tires.

What it Looks Like

Undeniably handsome, the 2008 Saturn Astra possesses a chiseled Euro-chic appearance that will lend it instant credibility with Gen Y buyers whose tastes are not defined by geographic boundaries. In XR trim, the Astra is especially appealing thanks to attractive wheels, wide tires, and an aggressive stance.

What's Inside

Don't look for the typical GM parts bin switchgear inside the Astra. Instead, enjoy the same bits and pieces Europeans get, like a unique tilt and telescopic steering wheel with a thick rim and cutouts for thumbs, nicely integrated air vents, clear gauges, and somewhat daunting stereo controls. Cargo capacity registers 44.8 cu.-ft. for the five-door model, which is also available with a large two-panel sunroof. Heated front seats, leather upholstery, and premium sound systems are among the Astra's options.

What Saturn Says

Jill Lajdziak, Saturn's general manager, said: “In Europe, the Astra's combination of style, performance, safety technology, and fuel efficiency have made it a hit with owners and auto critics alike. Now, Saturn is bringing the newly restyled Astra to North America and marrying it with our celebrated customer experience.”

What We Think

Congratulations, Saturn. You've finally figured out how to battle the imports – with imports. The 2008 Astra is good looking, class competitive, and has a certain “it” factor that Ford's Focus and Dodge's Caliber lack. The Astra's main competition is the more powerful and more sophisticated Mazda 3, but if the price is right and this Saturn proves just as fun and functional as the Mazda, it can win sales. At the very least, it's a huge step forward. Photos courtesy of General Motors