Vehicle Overview The Saturn Astra replaces the Ion compact sedan and coupe, which didn’t enjoy nearly the success of the earlier small models on which the “different kind of car company” is based. The Astra is an experiment of sorts — an unapologetic rebadging of a car sold overseas, the Opel Astra. By using the same model name, GM is celebrating rather than hiding the origin of this car, which is well-regarded in Europe. It sold close to 500,000 units there last year.
The last time GM tried this experiment, a reworked Subaru Impreza was sold as the Saab 9-2X, and it was an abject failure. A car that was supposed to cost more than the Subaru ended up selling for far less, despite arguable superiority. (People who took advantage were wise indeed.)
So why should this be any different? Because this car isn’t sold in the U.S. by anyone else under any name.
Exterior The four-door hatchback comes in two trim levels: XE and XR. A two-door hatchback will be sold only in the higher XR trim. The two-door holds together visually, but the four-door looks a bit awkward. However, when you consider that the car wasn’t built from scratch to be a Saturn, it carries the new Saturn design direction well.
Saturn makes no claims, but it bears noting that there are additional Astra body styles available elsewhere, including a sedan sold in Turkey and a retractable-hardtop convertible in Eastern Europe.
Interior The interior shapes are a little bizarre, and not what Saturn designers would likely have done with a clean slate. The dashboard reminds me a bit of the current-generation Cadillac CTS’ interior — you know, the one that’s garnered rave reviews … for its 2008 replacement.
But remember, this isn’t a luxury model. Apart from the design, the dashboard surface is soft to the touch and the other materials and controls seem pretty high-quality. The car’s European origin suggests that its underlying quality and features will be better than average. A staple in Europe, smaller cars are taken more seriously there by developers and buyers alike. To succeed there is tougher than it is here. Often-overlooked features like glove compartment illumination and heated cloth, as well as leather, seats are part of the offering.
Under the Hood Currently a 140-horsepower, 1.8-liter four-cylinder is the only engine, and a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic the only transmission options. That said, the model offers many other drivetrains overseas, including diesels and turbos. An Astra Red Line perhaps?
Safety In addition to the required frontal airbags, side curtains are standard, as are supplemental side torso airbags for the front seats. Active head restraints — still rare even in more expensive vehicles — are included in the front seats to meet European safety requirements. Saturn also includes OnStar with one year of complimentary Safe & Sound service.
