Inside This Article
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First Look: 2008 Saturn Astra
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We expect Astra to start well over Ion's model-year 2007 base price of $12,300.
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One of several additions to
Saturn's revamped product line, the 2008 Astra brings some European flair to the North American
compact car market. "In Europe, the Astra's combination of style, performance, safety technology, and fuel efficiency have made it a hit with owners and auto critics alike," said Jill Lajdziak, Saturn general manager.
Astra replaces Saturn's compact Ion
sedan and coupe, discontinued for the 2008 model year. Five-door Astras
will be offered in XE and top-line XR trim levels. The XR model will
also be available in three-door form. Power comes from a 140-hp 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine and a five-speed manual transmission or optional four-speed
automatic.
Standard
safety equipment includes front side airbags, curtain side airbags
covering all seating rows, and ABS. Traction control is standard on
three-door Astras; optional on five-door models. Also available is
OnStar assistance, heated cloth or leather seats, steering wheel-mounted
audio controls, and for five-door models, a two-panel sunroof that Saturn
claims is the largest in the class.
The 2008 Saturn Astra shares its basic design with the Opel Astra built by General Motors' European division. "The Astra rounds out our portfolio with a smart-driving, well-equipped small car that shares the European design evident in our new vehicles," Lajdziak said. Astra goes on sale this fall.
GM's European division, Opel, is lending a transatlantic hand to sister brand
Saturn with the sharing of its Astra compact car.
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