2008 Saturn Astra 3-door XR
Saturn
Keeps Getting Better
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SPECS
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The new-to-the-USA
Saturn Astra is a great little car. Reminiscent (only in looks) of the Saturn
SC Coupe from the 90s, the Astra is a contender of late in Consumer Reports' small car/hatchback category. We thought it a tad overpriced
(our test model ran $21,160 with options), we'd like it better if it hovered
around its starting mark of $15,000. Competing with the Honda Civic, VW Rabbit
and Mazda3, Astra is a solid, well riding and handling car.
On sale this past January,
Astra has been selling well in Europe. As the small car segment explodes and
buyers move away from large SUV's and trucks, Astra should make a dent here.
Options on our Astra
included Premium Trim Package (leather seating surfaces, driver and front
passenger heated seats, leather wrap steering wheel, $745); Advanced Audio
Package (AM/FM Stereo 6-disc
CD player with MP3 format, Audio system, 7 speaker premium sound, $595); and
4-speed automatic transmission ($1,325).
All base
models include six standard airbags, dual stage frontal, seat-mounted thorax/pelvic
and head curtain side airbags, four-wheel ABS and cornering brake control,
tire pressure monitoring system, StabiliTrak, 17-inch alloy 10-spoke wheels,
active head restraints, pedal release system, OnStar with one year of Safe
& Sound plan, 7-speaker AM/FM stereo with CD/MP3, Projector-style halogen
headlamps with automatic lamp control, RainSense windshield wipers, rake and
telescope steering column, cruise, power windows with express down feature,
Driver Information Center, A/C.
While
the Astra's 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine won't win any races, it's rather refined
and quiet. Fit and finish is very good in the Astra, giving it a quiet ride.
Some of the controls are a little confusing and not easily manipulated. Two
versions, 2 and 4-door are both available.
According
to stats in Automotive News, Saturn Astra
hasn't seen a similar uptick in sales like that of Honda Civic and even the
aging Kia Spectra. As of May 1 Saturn had a 236-day supply, while Civic had
a 48-day supply. Kia Spectra experienced a 16.7 percent increase in sales
over last year during the month of April. We suspect it may have to do with
pricing in the case of the Spectra. Civic's pricing has increased in recent
years making it not so affordable as it used to be.
It appears
though that General Motors' plan to get customers to "rethink" Astra as more
of an upscale brand are succeeding. In light of our above comment regarding
the pricing of this great little hatchback, it makes sense. It really is a
notch above in quality and most customers are opting for the XR model over
the entry level XE even though it is some $2,000 more.
We enjoyed
driving the Astra, gave it a thumbs up in handling and comfort. But felt let
down when considering what it would cost to get into one as well equipped
as our test car. We suggest consumers
take a test drive when looking for a vehicle in this category. With its European
design, this Ion replacement is another indicator that Saturn has great things
to offer.
Copyright reserved. Susan
Frissell, Womenwithwheels.com, 2008