I was really looking forward to the Astra, when the news of its arrival in NA was announced nearly a year ago. However, due to the delay in bringing this product to the market, its shine has tarnished somewhat, particularly in light of more recently offerings from other manufacturers and GM as well, which make the Astra a less compelling choice. In particular, I am thinking of the new VIBE, the VW Rabbit and even the re-priced VW Golf/Jetta City and Nissan Versa, which are offer comparable levels of finish, for about the same price. Factor in the conventional tendency for GM compacts to have dismal resale value, the Astra suddenly doesn't seem like that great a deal.
Oh well, I am sure there will still be a cult following for these, but I can't think of any one unique factor which would set this car apart from its competitors.