Consumer Guide spent 300-plus miles behind the wheel of the new-for-2008 Saturn Astra.
Base Price: $16,925
Optional Equipment: Advanced Audio Package (AM/FM, 6-Disc CD Player w/MP3, 7-Speakers), Sport Handling Package (Stabilitrak Antiskid System, Traction Control, Sport Suspension, 17-inch Wheels), Premium Trim Package (Leather Seating Surfaces, Driver and Front Passenger Heated Seats, Leather Wrap Steering Wheel, Manual Lumbar Driver's Seat), 4-Speed Automatic Transmission, Power Sunroof w/Skylight.
Price as Tested: $21,955
Total Miles Tested: 327 miles
Fuel Economy: 27 mpg
| Editors' Comments |
| Damon Bell: I credit GM with making more-astute use of its international resources to bring the Astra to America, but I fault it for not doing more to make this European-bred compact more palatable to U.S. shoppers. American buyers will likely have plenty of "lost in translation" moments when attempting to acclimate to the Astra's peculiar, Euro-think control layout. Those that can will find a reasonably likeable compact that offers good build quality and nimble handling (at least with the optional sport package). However, this tester's sticker price of almost $22,000 doesn't strike me as a bargain, especially in the highly competitive compact-car class. |
| Ed Piotrowski: Astra is a rather infuriating car because for every one thing I like about it, I can find at least one or two others that I don't. This is a sporty, practical hatchback that's pretty fun to drive and has a handsomely appointed interior. Love the seats, too. On the other hand, the panoramic sunroof is a gimmick, the ride is too stiff (with the sport suspension), and the control scheme makes me pine for iDrive. Finally, it's simply too expensive, but you can't fault the car for that in these times of a weak U.S. dollar and strong euro. Astra strikes me as a hasty cash-in GM had to throw together to give Saturn a small car. Is it better than Ion? Immeasurably. Class leading? Not really. |
| Don Sikora II: Saturn imports the very popular Opel Astra in nearly unchanged form and if you're shopping compacts there is a lot to like. It's a sporty, practical 4-door hatchback that promises decent performance, good gas mileage, and a dash of European style as a daily driver. All is not perfect though because a few details are lost in translation. Ideally, Astra would have gotten schooled on a few local customs by its made-in-Ohio cousin, Chevy Cobalt. Some of the controls--especially the cruise control--are confusing to operate or cryptically marked, and the cup holders won't please very many Americans. Our loaded test car stickered for nearly $22,000, which hurts the value proposition as well. |
The 2008 Astra replaces the Ion in Saturn's lineup.
04.23.2008
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