Saturn Astra – Incredible! by Casey Williams www.car-data.com If Saturn had brought us the Astra five years ago instead of the Ion, I would have been impressed.  But, look at what Saturn had done since. The first-generation Vue was upgraded with improved quality and a Honda V6 engine. An Opel-derived second-generation model sets the standard for compact crossover refinement, technology (hybrid), and style – not to mention its smooth Cadillac-derived 3.6-litre V6 engine. The Aura mid-size sedan not only looks and drives great, but also won the coveted North American Car of the Year award at the Detroit auto show in 2007. The Saturn Outlook is among the best full-size crossovers ever conceived. All this before Saturn tapped Opel again for the Astra.

All of us enthusiasts who complained for years that American automakers leave the best stuff in Europe and hand us leftovers, can just shut up. With the exception of a U.S.-spec bumper and rearview mirror with OnStar button, the Astra we get in America is exactly the same Astra you can buy from Opel or Vauxhall in Europe. All models come down the same assembly line in the same Antwerp, Belgium plant.

Admittedly, not everybody will like the firm suspension, quick steering, and high-end gearing. They can buy something else. Drivers who prefer a pure German driving experience will make the most of the Astra’s quick-ratio speed-sensitive power steering, solid chassis, road-gripping 17” wheels, and strong four-wheel antilock disc brakes. In case they get over confident, or reach the limits of adhesion in slick weather, StabiliTrak vehicle stability control system and traction control, electronic brake force distribution, and cornering brake control will keep you out of the weeds (or ditch). 

European buyers can get an array of diesel, hybrid, and four-cylinder powertrains, but American versions only come with a 1.8-litre DOHC four-cylinder engine that generates 138 horsepower at 6,300 rpm and 125 lb.-ft. of torque at a low 3,800 rpm. Especially with the five-speed manual transmission, the engine produces low-end grunt to launch off the line, reserving some very big lungs for cruising energetically at speeds we must not discuss publicly. Much like the VW Rabbit, the Astra possesses a deep reserve of gusto as speeds climb. Fuel economy is rated a frugal 24/32 mpg city/highway.

Chiseled three-door exterior styling is deceiving. An arching windowline gives the impression of a tight coupe and draws your eye away from the longer roofline that takes the form of a small station wagon. From the front, it is easy to recognize the Astra as a member of the Saturn-Opel family with projector lamps, chrome grille accent, and upswept lenses. The rear features large taillamps that curve into the sides. Superior design details can be seen in how the plastic under the taillamps lens has corrugation that echoes the body curves. Very cool. The Astra’s exterior betrays its origins – it is German and looks it.

Same is true of the interior. Some journalists are complaining about the German-style control markings that are unusual. Who cares? They are easy to figure out and add to the car’s unique character. GOD himself may have designed the thick three-spoke steering wheel, firm sport seats, and soft touch dash and door materials. As expected in a German touring machine, the doors close with a bank vault thunk. On the highway, the car feels like a dump truck couldn’t move it one millimeter off course.  I love it.

Saturn must start advertising the Astra. Nobody knows what the car is, and as a result, few are seen on the roads. It is by far the best domestic-branded compact ever sold in America. If Saturn can get people behind the wheel, they’ll sell piles.   All that matters now is that selling the Astra was an incredible decision - because it’s an incredible car! At a tested price of $19,090 makes Astra competitive with the Honda Civic, VW Rabbit, Mazda 3, Volvo C30, and MINI Cooper.