Maybe you like the idea of driving a European import but have written off the notion assuming you can’t afford it. Well friend, allow us to introduce you to the new Saturn Astra.
The Astra’s European roots are just one of the surprises this compact hatchback has to offer, however. Built in Belgium and sold throughout Europe under the Opel brand name, the Astra comes to America in three-door and five-door hatchback body styles. All get a fuel-efficient 138-horsepower, 1.8-liter four-cylinder fitted with a choice of a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission.
Though our automatic-equipped test car seemed a bit sluggish around town, it felt a lot perkier on the highway. Top-of-the-line XR models like the one we drove also feature a firmer suspension, responsive steering, and strong brakes that make for a much sportier driving experience.
The cabin’s slick design and unexpectedly upscale materials help the Astra stand out in a crowd of blah subcompacts. The biggest negative here in fact are the oddly-placed, cryptically-marked controls that we found take some getting used to.
Those minor dings aside, we still came away thinking this newest Saturn is the rare automobile that offers European flair on a tight budget.
Strengths:
Top-quality interior
Sporty handling
Lots of personality
Weaknesses:
Somewhat lethargic engine
Oddly-placed interior controls
Bottom Line:
Might be the best small car Saturn has ever offered, but needs more oomph under the hood.
18-inch alloy wheels|Four-speed automatic transmission|lowered, sport-tuned suspension|Air conditioning|Leather upholstery|Heated front seats|Dual-panel sunroof|AM/FM/CD/MP3 stereo with 7 speakers|Six-disc CD changer
Safety features
/*Antilock Brakes:*/|Standard|/*Electronic Stability Control:*/|Optional|/*Traction Control:*/|Optional|/*Multi-Stage front airbags:*/|Standard|/*Side-Impact Airbags:*/|Standard|/*Side-Curtain Airbags:*/|Standard|/*Active Front Head Restraints:*/|Standard|/*Tire Pressure Monitor:*/|Standard
Standard features
/*XE:*/|16-inch steel wheels with wheelcovers|Daytime running lights|Rain-sensing windshield wipers|Rear window washer/wiper|Cloth upholstery|60/40 split-folding rear seatbacks|Driver Information Center|AM/FM/CD stereo with 6 speakers|OnStar with one-year "Safe & Sound" service|/*XR adds:*/|16-inch alloy wheels (XR 5-door)|17-inch alloy wheels (XR 3-door)|Lowered sport-tuned suspension (XR 3-door only)|Front foglights|Air conditioning|Cloth upholstery|Front sport seats (XR 3-door only)|Steering wheel-mounted audio controls|AM/FM/CD/MP3 stereo with 7 speakers
