Meet The 2008 Saturn Astra!

tyronebiggums December 7th, 2006 8:13 PM Link

BRING THE VXR OVER PLEASE!!

Dean December 7th, 2006 8:51 PM Link

Oh my yes. Bring ‘em on.

I sell Euro Cars now. The more the merrier, and let’s hope it makes the entire breed better.

JW December 7th, 2006 11:49 PM Link

Sooo, death to Ion, birth to Astra….or will this be the Opel Astra/ Saturn Ion?

Jeff December 8th, 2006 8:59 AM Link

Excellent. I’ve been a longtime fan of Opels and have always lamented that we couldn’t get them here in the States. I’m glad GM is bringing them over as Saturns. The 3-door has a jaunty feel to it, but I prefer the 5-door. Think we’ll get the convertible?

I wonder if they’ll do a Red Line version.

Silex December 8th, 2006 9:51 AM Link

I don’t think they will bring the nameplate VXR, cause it’s a Vauxhall name. Maybe a Red Line version of these will be offered. It would be mouthwatering to see a 2.0 ECOTEC supercharged plus a handling package on one of these…

GM Lovin’ On Opel - Automobile Blog December 16th, 2006 5:02 AM Link

[…] Winding Road reports: Meet The 2008 Saturn Astra! We gotta say, GM botting Saturn designs out and pulling in Opel’s is the best move the company (GM) has done for the Saturn division. Too bad GM couldn’t have just retooled the plant here for these sorts of designs. Anyway, we think the new Saturns are great looking and expect them to do pretty well. That’s assuming they are built better than the GMs of the past. […]

Fullbullet December 27th, 2006 3:22 PM Link

Yes! Bring the VXR/OPC/GTC! Pleassssssssssssssse!

Oblio January 18th, 2007 8:04 AM Link

Saturns to be built in Antwerp, Belgium? Uh-oh.
Anyway…
The interior reminds me of a 1984 Renault Encore and it appears “skinny”. Unless this is an optical illusion, tall overweight Americans will have trouble squeezing into the 2008 Saturn Astra.
In these photos, the wood dash trim is grossly inappropriate for the dime-store looking (cheap) grey interior. Hopefully, the Astra’s interior will make a far better impression in person.
Let’s also hope that with only 20,000 of these things to sell per year, Saturn dealers don’t adopt the snooty “no-deal” attitude that has become the hallmark of Volkswagen dealerships in America. -

Stu January 18th, 2007 2:24 PM Link

Yuck! I have to agree witth Oglio - that weird seat colour with the mostly grey trim and that stuck on wood effect -someone is definitely colour-blind!!
I am about to take delivery of my second Vauxhall Sport Hatch (that’s the 3 door model). No problems to speak of with the first one (5 door) which was first in Scotland and soon be 3 yrs old.

Guenter January 22nd, 2007 4:24 AM Link

Hi, the 2008 Saturn Astra is exact what is sold in Europe under the brand OPEL.
I often wondered why GM is not bringing the more fuel efficient cars into the American market.

It is not pollution, because the law in Europe is much stricter and they require soot filter (DPF) for diesel engines, which by now are cleaner than gasoline engines.
It can’t be safety! Not only only one of the American sold sedans - mid size or full size - would survive a crash test in Europe. Also Toyote is a bad product and only the high priced Lexus brand meets European crash test standards. All European cars are now equipped with 6 air bags.

…the American consumer must demand that EPA and other agencies should go to hell.

Stu February 2nd, 2007 8:13 AM Link

I totally disagree with Guenter.
Toyotas NOT a bad product - I had an MR2 and a Celica and both were beautiful to drive and never had any mechanical problems.
All Toyotas sold in Europe meet European crash standards - othewise they would not be available in Europe!
And contrary to Guenter’s comment - not all cars over here are equipped with 6 airbags. Many manufacturers still look for an extra donation from the buyer before they install 6. Some basic models just have 2.

Vivi February 16th, 2007 6:18 PM Link

Awesome move…

kmil March 3rd, 2007 3:02 PM Link

Does anyone know if the new
2008 Saturn ASTRA will offer an interior color OTHER than gray? I think it will be a major marketing error NOT to offer a BEIGE interior. Does anyone know or think other INTERIOR colors will be offered. If so, please let me know at: kmil123@msn.com

Thanks!

Tugrul March 18th, 2007 3:53 AM Link

Hi, I’m totally dissapointed that a diesel option is not offered. I owned Opel Astra 1.3 Ecotech diesel sport package, believe it or not 700mi/a tank(more than 1100 kmph). This is a real fuel efficiency!! New generation green diesels are enviroment friendly,fuel efficient,have power and extreme performance. So, why is it not offered in states? Because Americans do not deserve it, the OIL companies think. They need to sell fuel to each individuals at least once a week, not once a month! If you want a fuel efficient vehicle, you need to pay double and get Hybrid, which is bunch of BS. When I contacted saturn to find out if a diesel option will be offered near future, i was told that it will not be offered anytime soon because of the emmision regulations in the states, which is another bunch of BS. Because, like Guenter mentioned, Europe is much stricter and they require soot filter (DPF) for diesel engines, which by now are cleaner than gasoline engines. Although, it’s owned by GM, this is a real European car that offers safety,luxury,fuel efficiency.It’s small classy car,designed and built by German engineering, assembled in Belgium.

fraggle March 20th, 2007 9:54 PM Link

I think GM will botch this entry by not giving the US market the choices they deserve- and GM needs - to see these things.

Only the 1.8L? No diesel? No “red line”?

They might come, eventually, but it might be too late.

Who makes these foolish decisions, anyway?

rcd March 29th, 2007 10:16 AM Link

Guenter is wrong about everything he typed.

Unaltered European cars do not meet American crash standards or emissions standards. Trust me, I’ve imported two American cars to Europe and I didn’t have to alter a thing because they both well exceeded all European standards for both crashworthiness and emissions.

In 2006 I tried to import a European 525i into the U.S. but I would have had to spend almost $10,000 installing American 5-mph bumpers, replacing all exterior glass, and doing something to improve emissions.

In this case I think it’s an awesome move for GM to bring the Astra to the U.S. I hope their investment pays off and it destroys the stupid perception that small cars don’t sell in the U.S. Hopefully the European Focus and Civic are coming someday too.

Rob April 4th, 2007 1:45 PM Link

Hey all,

If we all want the diesel, why don’t we pay someone over there to ship them over to us, and rebadge them as Saturns, we can only say that “oh hey, they must have made a mistake”, maybe then we can get those bad boys over here and force them to make the choice to bring them here!

Cheers!

Al April 19th, 2007 8:21 PM Link

I’m not too sure about how I feel on this Opel-to-Saturn vehicle. This one will have to wait until I get to see one up-close. As to why the diesels aren’t making it over, it’s because the dielsel that is sold here in America is very poor in comparison to what is sold in Europe. I have a feeling that is why it is not being sold here. However, they need a range of engine sizes, I’ll agree with that!

Sue May 8th, 2007 6:33 AM Link

Own a Vue– can’t wait to dump it! Saturn products don’t last. Parts hard to get at onset. Dealers are far and few- have to travel to get service. Astra looks good– but????

Debbie May 12th, 2007 10:05 PM Link

Can’t wait for this one! But then, I’ve loved every Saturn I’ve ever owned. Wonderfully priced, and they just run and run and run…

David Knight July 10th, 2007 10:14 PM Link

My wife and I have been Saturn owners since 1996 having owned an SL1, SW2, SC1, and currently an ‘03 ION and an ‘04 VUE. All were purchased new and have been dependable, quality vehicles. We have consistently received excellent service at Saturn dealers. We even toured the Spring Hill plant in ‘01 and were impressed with the whole concept of a quality built U. S. car. The new Saturn line is impressive but Saturn is no longer the American product it once was. Maybe this is for the good, but I hate to see the Spring Hill plant no longer building Saturns, the VUE production moved to Mexico and the Astra built in Belguim. No longer is it a “Different Kind of Company, a Different Kind of Car.” And their new slogan, “Think Saturn, Think American?” No longer is there a reason to choose Saturn over a number of other good choices out there, unless it’s for the service. Our next cars will probably be Subarus.

SandraD August 13th, 2007 12:30 PM Link

I also agree with Oblio ^.

The interior looks cheap in the photo.

LOL yes…tall, overweight Americans may indeed have trouble squeezing down into such a low vehicle like the Astra coupe. The new Saturn Aura sedan is also so low, I can’t even get into it without crunching down and straining my neck - and I’m only 6′0 tall (but not overweight).

Seems like Saturn is marketing only to little people with their new cars.

Saturn really needs to produce a tall car under $14,000 - something inexpensive that’s easy to get in and out of, like the Toyota Yaris hatchback or Honda Fit.

–

Ron McGregor August 21st, 2007 9:12 PM Link

Would like to have one if it is towable on 4 wheels as behink an RV. Anybody know?? The Saturn dealer don’t seem to know. Cheers.

Roger Mui August 30th, 2007 11:45 PM Link

I sure hope we get the convertible! Already rode in one in France and I am loving it!!!

Reginaldo December 20th, 2007 9:46 AM Link

Looks great, but my next care will be a diesel.

Opel/Saturn make a diesel version.

Mazda make a Mazda3 diesel version.

There are also diesel versions of Civics, Corollas, all well proven.

As noted, my next care will be a diesel no matter what.

Markus January 8th, 2008 11:44 AM Link

No turbo-diesels. No six-speed manuals. No Panorama roof or Twin-top folding top. No wagons. No redline. Only one engine!! Gees, there is no limit to the stupidity of these GM executive morons. They’ve done everything possible to keep Astra sales in the “also-ran category. And then this delay. Our Saturn dealership still has nothing to show. And it’s over a week into the New Year. This is unexceptable to me.

Kurt January 17th, 2008 4:39 PM Link

Thoughts:

This Opel-as-a-Saturn plan was hatched before the dollar became worthless. GM is sure to lose so much money on every sale they would likely be thrilled to sell no Astras here now.

GM has a long track record of importing disguised Opels, screwing them up and implying the problems were with the vehicle’s design, etc. The Pontiac LeManns was an Opel Kadett “E” but shoddily assembled by Daewoo in Korea, with a weak base engine or a very rough optional “sport” engine. They only came to the U.S. in a 2-door hatchback and a 4-door sedan (seem familiar??), no wagon. The Cadillac Catera was a disguised Opel Omega, but weighed down terribly by chassis reinforcements and a spongy ride for fat-bottomed Americans. The 1976-1979 Buick-Opel-by-Isuzu was a Japanese-built Opel Kadett “C”, but only came with a 1.8 liter (familiar?) engine borrowed straight from the Chevy Luv pickup, and the only in 2-door fastback or 4-door sedans, no wagons. The real German Opels imported to the US from 1963-1975 are still driven by obsessive, caring owners who rejoice in finding ways to improve horsepower and drivability since GM couldn’t be bothered to do it before they dropped them from the market.

Early reports indicate the Astra will indeed be the first decent and worthwhile vehicle with a Saturn badge. Without diesels, wagons, Redline engines and 6-speeds I’m afraid they’ll end up like their orphaned Opel ancestors.

Markus January 19th, 2008 2:12 AM Link

Some thoughts to add..

Well versed and deeply steeped in Opelology or is that Opology!? Opel and GM are like men and women, (GM being the fickle woman in this case) can’t live with them, can’t live without them. In Opel’s case i wonder whether they couldn’t just live happily without Mother constantly dragging anchor, impeding forward progress. What not with the stupid name designations around the world, a Holden here, a Chevy there, a Vauxhall here a Saabillac there, even the Insignia concept car was recently whored out to Susuki for some grand vision for the tiny motorcycle brand. I could write a bible on GM’s marketing transgressions. Through it all, Opel somehow has survived into the 21st century. Recently all GM’s European plants were played out against one another. So nothing within GM is ever certain anymore. GM rules still as their guiding principle by cost cutting, shell games and badge engineering. Diluting the worth of particular marques (Saab or Opel) in the process. Only Holden has managed to somehow come into its own after similar confrontations with the Mother ship years ago. Opel’s rear drive legacy resides soley in Australia now. Commodore and all. Go figure.

The Antwerp plant which is currently building the Astra will not get to build its successor. The Belgians are stinking mad about this. What will they get? Well, for one they may lose a shift but they do get to build some low end Chevy. Good thing that robotics rule the day or i wouldn’t be surprised if workers sabotaged their own product just to wipe one out over their GM overlords. This effectivly ends a long time relationship between Belgians to Opels.

Which reminds me of another not exactly brilliant move on GM’s part in France. Opel France had to change to GM France. Since the relationship between France and America is so rosy i suppose. Yeah let’s remind the French that Opels are really American cars, built in Europe. Wow.

Meanwhile Opel gets to build Saabs next 9-3 in its main plant in Ruesselheim along with its own Insignia. But oho here it comes. Saab gets to build the Astra and Cadillacs mad cow BLT version of the 9-3. And that’s just Europe. It gets even madder in Eurasia. With Opel’s Zafira going to Subaru but losing the Japanese market altogether do to poor sales. The Zafira (a best-seller) was never offered in Japan. You had to go to Subaru to get the van. Stupid is as stupid gets.

Meanwhile Benz, BMW could build crap for the next ten years and people would still buy them on reputation, glamour and market prestige alone. VW would be a closer example. Prestige may not be everything. But a good marketing cache certainly makes things a lot easier to sell your metal.

That said, i have visited the Saturn dealership three times thereafter now, and low and behold they have two there finally. Entry level of course no leather or nice wheels on em. But they will come. Its the only vehicle aside from the Sky that even comes with a manual. At least it has that. Will it be enough? The engine seems to make a good case for itself in mileage figures.

The Astra still made a strong impression even with all its shortcomings. The seats are supportive and comfortable. The cabin is nicely laid out and the structure seems tight as a drum.

In two days i will see perhaps the leather versions at Cobo Hall in Detroit. Perhaps they’ll have some more answers for us by then.

I will be arriving by Catera btw. And although it may be a bit heavy or designed for fat bottomed Americans, I can’t say that it wallows. It’s fairly unflappable and serene at speed. The main issue i have with it is the steering’s tendency to wander in lane. Causing the pilot constantly having to do these minor corrections.

Unless the Astra’s engine proves totally anemic or the revs at speeds around 90 constanly buzzing my ears.. a white one with leather, a sunroof and a manual may be close in my Stars. The rings of Saturn are really just Opels. Here’s hoping for the best. ~Markus