2007 Chicago Auto Show: 2008 Saturn Astra

Saturn continues to radically revamp its car lineup. The company revealed more information about the all-new Astra two-door and four-door hatchbacks that will replace the aging Ion in showrooms at the end of the year. The Astra is based on a European make GM produces for sale overseas. That explains the European hatchback looks, but the car will be powered by a more pedestrian 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine producing 140-hp. Based on the current — and less strict — EPA guidelines the car will get 27/34 mpg city/highway.

Only the four-door hatchback will come in two trims, an entry level XE and a better equipped XR. The sporty two-door hatchback will come only in the gussied-up XR model that the company says will be geared more at the driving enthusiast. All Astra’s come with a five-speed manual standard and a four-speed automatic optional. While that may not sound like it breaks any molds, the two-door hatchback comes with traction control and stability control standard, almost unheard of in the class, while it’s an option for the four-door models.

Other safety equipment includes all-wheel disc brakes, active head restraints and six airbags standard.

The company hasn’t released pricing information but we’d guess on the $15,000 – $25,000 range. As always, more photos are below.

Saturn Astra Two-Door Hatchback