Author Topic: 2008 Saturn Astra (Read 9375 times)

Dante · « **on:** May 23, 2007, 11:53:51 am »

What do you guys think about the new 2008 Saturn (Opel) Astra? It seems like the latest additions to Saturn's line-up, Vue and Astra, are pretty interesting. Especially the Astra which seems to have the least American influence (only minor front/rear bumper changes).

superukr · « **Reply #1 on:** May 23, 2007, 01:09:06 pm »

should be nice car if engine is right.

Dante · « **Reply #2 on:** May 23, 2007, 02:32:46 pm »

The engine is ECOTEC 1.8L, 140 hp with a choice of 5-speed manual and 4-speed auto. The weight is a bit less than 2,800 lb.

Ex-airbalancer · « **Reply #3 on:** May 23, 2007, 09:45:29 pm »

this is what it should have http://microsite.spprod.com/opel/diesel/ie/shell.html

auto_enthusiast · « **Reply #4 on:** May 23, 2007, 11:52:36 pm »

For an economy car, I think it's one of the more nicer designs out there. When I first saw it at the autoshow, I thought it was cleanly styled and had the right proportions. The interior was also pretty nice and the fit and finish looked pretty decent. I think they'll sell well.

If they ever put the Sky Redline engine into it, I think they would have a hot selling pocket rocket too.

Mitlov · « **Reply #5 on:** May 24, 2007, 11:27:08 am »

Quote from: auto_enthusiast on May 23, 2007, 11:52:36 pm

If they ever put the Sky Redline engine into it, I think they would have a hot selling pocket rocket too.

I bet they'll do that for 2009 with the three-door. An Astra Redline just seems so obvious, particularly given that they've had an Ion Redline for years.

Dante · « **Reply #6 on:** May 24, 2007, 12:21:37 pm »

I think if GM keeps the Opel Astra's interior intact (add cup holders though - I read somewhere that they were missing) and price it right, it should sell well despite the badge. Opel Astra has some nice 10 spoke wheels that it looks like they didn't make it here, but other than that it should be a sharp entry in the compact car segment IMO.

jww · « **Reply #7 on:** May 24, 2007, 12:44:32 pm »

We are expecting a new Astra as our rented vehicle in our upcoming trip to the UK - I'll post driving impressions after we return later this summer.

Wolverine · « **Reply #8 on:** May 24, 2007, 12:45:43 pm »

I find it a very nice car. We have the Chevrolet Vectra here which has almost the same external design of the Saturn Aura, but the interior is way different and cheaper .

Dante · « **Reply #9 on:** May 24, 2007, 01:25:27 pm »

Yeah, with the Aura, even though GM/Saturn kept the exterior design pretty similar with the Opel Vectra, they've totally changed the interior and unfortunatelly not to my liking to the point where I wouldn't buy it even I would be shopping the midsize familly sedan segment. It's still a step up for Saturn, I agree, but I like the Vectra's interior way better.

Wolverine · « **Reply #10 on:** May 24, 2007, 02:31:41 pm »

Quote from: carcrazy on May 24, 2007, 01:25:27 pm

Yeah, with the Aura, even though GM/Saturn kept the exterior design pretty similar with the Opel Vectra, they've totally changed the interior and unfortunatelly not to my liking to the point where I wouldn't buy it even I would be shopping the midsize familly sedan segment. It's still a step up for Saturn, I agree, but I like the Vectra's interior way better.

I can notice that you didn't see the brazilian Vectra interior, ehehehehehe.

Mitlov · « **Reply #11 on:** May 24, 2007, 05:27:26 pm »

Quote from: carcrazy on May 24, 2007, 01:25:27 pm

Yeah, with the Aura, even though GM/Saturn kept the exterior design pretty similar with the Opel Vectra, they've totally changed the interior and unfortunatelly not to my liking to the point where I wouldn't buy it even I would be shopping the midsize familly sedan segment. It's still a step up for Saturn, I agree, but I like the Vectra's interior way better.

I read somewhere that the Saturn Astra, unlike the Saturn Aura, would retain the Opel interior. Can't remember where I read that though.

infinitime · « **Reply #12 on:** May 24, 2007, 05:58:20 pm »

Seems like a contender, except for the fact that it uses a torsional rear suspension set-up, similar to the one found in the Cobalt and Pursuit (G5), and a 1.8L engine, instead of the 2.2 and 2.4 Ecotec variants.

With respect to the suspension, a torsional beam set up puts it behind the Civic, Mazda3 and Lancer, while the ride is not seriously affected by this, handling prowess is notably less so.

The 1.8L engine might seem adequate for this class, but it lacks the torque found in the 2.2 and 2.4 variants. Puzzling why GM would choose to put the lessor engine in this model, when the cheaper Cobalt on the same platform uses a more powerful engine.

safristi · « **Reply #13 on:** May 24, 2007, 06:13:41 pm »

does the SATURN Astra have RINGS around the BORE_HOLES............

Mitlov · « **Reply #14 on:** May 24, 2007, 08:19:26 pm »

Regarding the interior, here's a shot from the Saturn USA webpage:

Pretty nice for the class.

Mitlov · « **Reply #15 on:** May 24, 2007, 08:23:25 pm »

Quote from: infinitime on May 24, 2007, 05:58:20 pm

The 1.8L engine might seem adequate for this class, but it lacks the torque found in the 2.2 and 2.4 variants.

Most cars in this class lack torque (remember the Civic makes 140 hp, 128 ft-lbs), and the 1.8L is probably much more fuel-efficient than the 2.2 and 2.4L variants. Given all the hubbub about gas prices and fuel efficiency, I think the 1.8L was the way to go. Especially if they eventually release a turbocharged Redline for the speed freaks.

infinitime · « **Reply #16 on:** May 24, 2007, 08:35:12 pm »

Sweet! Now I actually have a car for all those GM points I've accumulated over the years!

Quote from: Mitlov on May 24, 2007, 08:19:26 pm

Regarding the interior, here's a shot from the Saturn USA webpage:

Pretty nice for the class.

Dante · « **Reply #17 on:** May 25, 2007, 01:32:54 am »

I know that the interior is supposed to be identical with the Opel's, but I don't believe it until I see it.
This is the best looking interior in this class, at par with Mazda3 IMO.
Now, if I could only get Opel badges to replace the ill-fated Saturn ones.....
Seriously, if GM prices it right, it should sell well. The good thing is the car is designed, engineered and manufactured in Europe and the only Saturn contribution was to stick their badge on it.
I read few reviews on the European websites and the car was very well received there and it sold quite well, sometimes outselling the Golf and Focus, which is a remarkable achievement.

jww · « **Reply #18 on:** May 25, 2007, 07:57:11 am »

Astras are all over the place in Europe and the UK. I have driven a number of variants from hatch to estate, along with a couple of different engine sizes. I think I like the diesels versions the best. They do corner very nicely for a compact car. The only real downside on the current models is the way the sides of the hatch cut away into the rear opening when loading gear. But - you can live with that so long as you aren't loading wide stuff all the time (read full set of golf clubs & bag).

Scaerio · « **Reply #19 on:** May 25, 2007, 01:21:56 pm »

Astra info here:

http://www.gmcanada.com/ss/gm/conceptOverview.do?model=astra&lang=en_CA&brand=saturn&adv=71637