CTC Review: 2008 Saturn Astra

[CD_Editor]

Day 1:

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This week I am driving GM's latest European import. Yes, you read that correctly: an import from a domestic company.  The Saturn Astra, a.k.a. the Opel Astra in Europe, brought over by GM to become Saturn's new entry level vehicle. You can tell it wasn't fiddled with too much along the way.  More...

[dorin]

Sweet.  How are the initial driving impressions then?

[carcrazy]

So you got the XE + Options instead of the XR.

Does it have low washer fluid indicator? Can you fit a small bottle of water in the front door pockets?
Can you have a look at the steering column stalks and see how they work; anything unusual? I remember noticing something different about them, but I cannot remember what.

Could you report on tranny, acceleration, handling, brakes, etc.?

[Jameel]

What a great looking car (both inside and outside).  I like the direction GM is taking Saturn.

Wow, I can't believe a car at this price point has rain sensing wipers.  Although it's a bit odd that they only have 1 cup holder in the front. 

I think this is going to be a great selling car.

[Jim89]

Compared to a nicely equiped Mazda3 hatch for about $24K with leather, xenon lights, this car seems a little bit overpriced especially with Mazda's 0% financing. For a 4-5 yr loan, this could equate to a discount of $2-3K.

[Mitlov]

Wow, I can't believe a car at this price point has rain sensing wipers.  Although it's a bit odd that they only have 1 cup holder in the front. 

That's how Germans like cars, apparently.  Everyone complained and complained that GM was altering Opels for the North American market (i.e., Aura), and saying that GM just needed to bring over an unadulterated Opel.  As soon as they do, whoops, not enough cupholders for North American tastes!

[sirAQUAMAN64]

I like this view for your reviews, as it would give an idea of blind spots along with the rear seat... http://www.canadiandriver.com/galleries/images.php?info=2008%20Saturn%20Astra&src=http://www.canadiandriver.com/galleries/2008/images/saturn/2008_saturn_astra/08astra_jb_3-4384.jpg

Rain sensor for the rear wiper as well? That's a new one.

This is a great very German (eeer, Belgian) -feeling vehicle, and am happy to have seen some on the road already (so far, quite a few red 3drs which are hot). Does get a tad pricey against a Mazda3 unless you pick features wisely, but less than a Rabbit and they're all pretty competitive for different reasons.

[intls]

Where is it been built? US or EUP?

[Cortina]

Its an Interesting car which should prove to be reliable. Just how much will the Astra kill the sales of the Cobalt and Pursuit/G5 remains to be seen.

I'm so clad they haven't fiddle with the Astra to much in order to make the Astra more American. My only dislikes is I don't like the colours. Can't wait to hear the driving impression.

I wonder if Saturn would ever add the Station wagon to the line.

Where is it been built? US or EUP?

Belgium. 

[Diesel Advocate]

I love this car. I am so glad that they did not alter it for North American Tastes. If you want more cup holders, then buy them! 

The station wagon would be a great addition. The Zafira however would be an even greater addition to the line up. The Zafira is based on the Astra. I drove one of these in England last year and they drive just like the car, and it holds 7 people.

One last thing. Please bring the diesel versions soon!!

[carcrazy]

The biggest problem with Astra is not the lack of proper cup holders and armrest (there is an aftermarket solution for that), but its price combined with the no-haggle Saturn policy.
The base XR 5-door is very well equipped and it costs $20,480 (manual). A Mazda3 GS (a little less equipment) starts at $22,095 (manual w/ A/C) and the 5 A/T w/Manual Mode for $1100 vs. 4 A/T for $1,350 in the Astra.

You could easily knock at least $1200 off Mazda3's MSRP before even factoring in the finance rates, bringing the price down to Astra's level.

The question is, for the same money, or even less if you finance, which one would you get? Also, with Mazda3 you get a bigger engine and more gears in the tranny, plus class leading handling without any additional (costly) package, good fit and finish, etc.

The “status quo” - it's coming from Euro so it has to be more expensive, doesn't apply for Astra as in the US, the same model, coming from the same factory costs $3000 less. This amount would make a big difference in the equation.

I like Astra a lot and I hope it does well so we can perhaps get more good little cars in North America from the domestics (Euro models).

Oh, Mazda3 Sport with the 2.0L engine is coming out soon too and I think this version would be the main Astra killer.

[sirAQUAMAN64]

I wonder how quickly Canada will get latest Astra if at all. Because it is not long now before the new Astras hits the streets in Euroland.

(Off topic  ) Oooooooooooooooo, need to read that VW Tiguan shootout! 

[Cortina]

I wonder how quickly Canada will get the latest Astra if at all. Because it is not long now before the new Astras hits the streets in Euroland.

[carcrazy]

Is the new Astra officially lauched in Europe?

[Jules]

I am sorry, but this Saturn is not complete and needs more work.

1) Saturn made their reputation selling cars with plastic panels. Not available with an Astra.
2) Saturn made their reputation selling cars for which it's engine had a timing chain: timing belt with the Astra.
3) Saturn made their reputation selling cars with modern engines: Astra's engine has a cast iron block with an aluminum head.

What Saturn needs to do is continually improve the product over time. The hatchback is a nice feature and the styling is great. However, don't water down the product.

I would buy the Astra if: it had the 2.2 litre ecotec engine - much more modern with a timing chain and aluminium top to bottom. Additionally, plastic panels were a novelty and a great feature that differentiates the product.

VW has handling. Mazda's is fun to drive; Honda has reliability and great gas mileage. What does the Astra do better than these cars? Bring something new to the table...not just something different.

My two cents.

[canrockies]

Coming to Canada in December as either a three- or five-door model, the Astra is an Opel mainstay in Europe, selling up to half a million cars annually.

Going strong in Europe since '04, this Astra (same name here and in Canada) has the benefit of an '07 update, which was undertaken in the GM/Opel design studios here in Germany with the knowledge that it was heading overseas (there are additional models, like a wagon, which we don't get).

[AstraAwesome]

Saturn was known for it's plastic panels, except they didn't sell well.. at all. This is direct competition to the rabbit (in europe), so it's probably similar in quality and how it drives?

[spg1601]

I'd advise anyone considering purchasing a Saturn product to go elsewhere. 

The Astra may be a fine product, but as an owner of a 2006 Saturn Ion 3, I am appalled at the level of quality and non-existent customer service offered by Saturn/GM Canada. My Ion 3 regularly malfunctions despite regular maintenance by the dealer. In fact I have not had a single day of ownership without something being broken on my vehicle.  GM Canada, doesn't seem to care and when I call their customer service department, their objective seems to be a mix of blaming the dealer for my problems (the car is a piece of junk and its not the dealer's fault) and to get me off the phone as quick as possible.

I purchased a Honda last year, and unfortunately am still stuck with my Ion 3. The difference in quality between my Honda and Saturn is very apparent. Nothing breaks on my Honda either.

If the Astra is a better vehicle than the Ion, Saturn/GM will have to prove it to me. Unfortunately for them, I'm never going to give them the chance to do that. 

[jcon]

I'd advise anyone considering purchasing a Saturn product to go elsewhere. 

The Astra may be a fine product, but as an owner of a 2006 Saturn Ion 3, I am appalled at the level of quality and non-existent customer service offered by Saturn/GM Canada. My Ion 3 regularly malfunctions despite regular maintenance by the dealer. In fact I have not had a single day of ownership without something being broken on my vehicle.  GM Canada, doesn't seem to care and when I call their customer service department, their objective seems to be a mix of blaming the dealer for my problems (the car is a piece of junk and its not the dealer's fault) and to get me off the phone as quick as possible.

I purchased a Honda last year, and unfortunately am still stuck with my Ion 3. The difference in quality between my Honda and Saturn is very apparent. Nothing breaks on my Honda either.

If the Astra is a better vehicle than the Ion, Saturn/GM will have to prove it to me. Unfortunately for them, I'm never going to give them the chance to do that. 

Don't tell Barrie this, Saturns are perfect (like all GMs) in his mind!


Seriously, this is an Opel, not a Saturn. They just changed the badge. If you look at the history of this car in Europe, you'll see a long list of positive, long-term reviews.

[2latecrew]

I'd advise anyone considering purchasing a Saturn product to go elsewhere. 

The Astra may be a fine product, but as an owner of a 2006 Saturn Ion 3, I am appalled at the level of quality and non-existent customer service offered by Saturn/GM Canada. My Ion 3 regularly malfunctions despite regular maintenance by the dealer. In fact I have not had a single day of ownership without something being broken on my vehicle.  GM Canada, doesn't seem to care and when I call their customer service department, their objective seems to be a mix of blaming the dealer for my problems (the car is a piece of junk and its not the dealer's fault) and to get me off the phone as quick as possible.

I purchased a Honda last year, and unfortunately am still stuck with my Ion 3. The difference in quality between my Honda and Saturn is very apparent. Nothing breaks on my Honda either.

If the Astra is a better vehicle than the Ion, Saturn/GM will have to prove it to me. Unfortunately for them, I'm never going to give them the chance to do that. 

Don't tell Barrie this, Saturns are perfect (like all GMs) in his mind!


Seriously, this is an Opel, not a Saturn. They just changed the badge. If you look at the history of this car in Europe, you'll see a long list of positive, long-term reviews.

Yes but his point is still valid. It doesn't matter if its an Opel, Saturn or Seaking Helicopter. GM/Saturn Canada still provides the service/customer service which spg has found terrible.