Do you like the 2008 Saturn Astra?

[jamz]

Cast your vote .. do you like it?

What do you think of the new 2008 Saturn Astra? Cast your vote in the poll!

In just a few days, Saturn will publicly unveil the 2008 Saturn Astra, the rebadged Opel that will be imported from Europe to replace the bizarre-looking Ion. In other markets, the Astra is available in a variety of body styles ranging from a four-door notchback sedan to a slick, sporty hardtop coupe/convertible. This is the part where we eat crow for predicting that GM would send over the notchback, because instead, they've chosen to send a pair of hatchbacks ( 3- and 5-door) to launch the model here in the States. The cars will target formidable competitors like the Mazda3 and VW Rabbit.

Saturn's new trim-level nomenclature is employed, with base XE and topline XR versions for the 5-door. The 3-door will be an XR-only vehicle. All Astras receive a 140-horsepower 1.8L Ecotec four-cylinder underhood, which is mated to a 5-speed manual or an optional 4-speed automatic. Fuel economy numbers aren't available yet, but should come out as the vehicle gets closer to production.

Aside from the obvious Saturn grille and markings, there's no visual difference between the Saturn version and its Opel twin. This is a good thing, because Astra's looks were never an issue. The 3-door XR with its optional 18" rims is particularly appealing to our eyes, though the practical 5-door shod in 17s is no slouch either (and will surely be a tempting morsel for buyers who have kids, dogs, carpool, etc.).

Inside, the full Euro interior is carried over, which makes for some interesting differences in that the GM corporate radio we're accustomed to seeing is replaced with the Opel unit. From the looks of things, the same tabbed display setup is carried over, only with a larger screen that's mounted high on the dash separate from the radio itself. The instrument cluster is attractive and well-organized, dominated by a large speedo and tach. The 3-spoke steering wheel is unique to Astra. The enclosed presskit photo shows the interior done in all grey, which truthfully makes it look really bland. We'd probably choose a lighter color if we were doing the buying.

In terms of amenities, there are many to choose from, including a two-panel sunroof for the 5-door, heated cloth or leather seats, 6 or 7-speaker audio systems, and wheel-mounted radio controls on the XR cars. A full complement of six airbags comes standard, too. We're looking very forward to getting up close and personal with the Astra at Chicago, and we'll bring you firsthand touch 'n feel impressions from the show floor as soon as the cars make their big debut.

[jamz]

More footage of the Astra

[RussGAGT]

looks alright...kinda like a CX-7

[jeremy96gase]

I love that car! Bringing the Astra to the US as a Saturn is a very smart move. Can't wait to drive it.

[SL04P0PR]

like it better than the ion.

[Shadyman]

Astra is SEXY. I'd still buy a Chevy, though.

[ROKTMAN]

Another econobox as far as I am concerned.Doesn`t do a thing for me.

[carey965]

for what it is, its actually a very nice car to drive

i work for onstar and GM brought one over for us to check out, its actually decent to drive and handles pretty good

they only plan on keeping it as a saturn for a few years to fill the gap,

basically how it works is GM needed the assembly plant the ION was being built in for the new chevy lambda (acadia, outlook, enclave) so what they did was bring this over because it is being built in germany to cover the last few years that the ion was supposed to be out and then when the new delta comes out (cobalt, G5) there will be a saturn as well and the astra will be gone

[Danmuzicman]

it would be awesome if they brought over the new astra twin top with the 2.0l turbo motor out of the redline sky and solstice gxp (other gm cars too). that car would outrun the cobalt ss and looks more grown up.