GM's European division, Opel, is lending a transatlantic hand to sister brand Saturn with the sharing of its Astra compact car. Unveiled at the 2007 Chicago Auto Show, Astra will take Ion's place in Saturn's lineup and is the fifth new vehicle debuted under Saturn's product renaissance banner. 

Astra rides on a 103-inch wheelbase and will be offered in 2-door hatchback and 4-door hatchback form in XE and XR trim. Standard on both is a 1.8-liter 140-horsepower 4-cylinder engine paired with a 5-speed manual transmission, or optional 4-speed automatic. Saturn estimates Astra will get highway mileage of up to 34 miles per gallon. Also standard are dual stage front airbags, seat-mounted side airbags, roof rail-mounted head curtain airbags, ABS, foot pedals that collapse in the event of an accident to reduce foot injuries, and OnStar. StabiliTrak electronic stability control and 17-inch aluminum wheels are standard on coupes, optional on hatchbacks.

Revised front and rear fascias that comply with North American bumper standards and a bright grille prominently displaying the Saturn logo set Astra apart from its European counterpart. Interior features include a two-panel sunroof (4-door hatchback only), available heated seats in cloth or leather, 60/40 split-folding rear seat, removable cargo cover, and optional steering wheel mounted audio controls. Look for Astra in dealerships in late 2007. Also announced was the Red Line version of the 2008 Saturn Vue, powered by a 250-horsepower 3.6-liter V6.

2008 Saturn Astra and Vue Red Line
Click here for our reviews of Saturn cars and trucks.