2008 Saturn Astra XE four-door. Click image to enlarge
Review and photos by Greg Wilson
Photo Gallery: 2008 Saturn Astra
Vancouver, British Columbia - I agree with Chris that this Saturn-ized Opel is a big step up from Saturn's previous entry-level cars, notably the Ion. I like the fact that the Astra is available in a practical hatchback bodystyle with an easy-to-open hatch, and a roomy, carpeted cargo area. All this utility is wrapped in a very stylish body; next to the Mazda3 Sport and VW Rabbit, I think it's probably the most stylish compact hatch on the market.
Its European roots are evident in its excellent handling and high-speed stability, firm but comfortable ride, responsive steering, good brakes (standard four-wheel discs with ABS) and solid body. I also liked its firm, comfortable and supportive front seats, and roomy cabin with enough headroom and legroom for four adults. The front seat is manually height-adjustable and the steering wheel tilts and telescopes.
2008 Saturn Astra XE four-door. Click image to enlarge
For its $17,900 MSRP, even the base XE model is well-equipped with things like standard 16-inch tires, AM/FM/CD stereo with six speakers, power windows with express-down on all windows, power heated mirrors, power door locks with remote entry, cruise control, and one year of OnStar service.
Six airbags are standard: the Astra's front side airbags are designed to protect both upper and lower torso, while the curtain airbags protect the heads of front and rear passengers.
The Astra's interior features some European-influenced features such as front active head restraints; three height-adjustable rear head restraints; front seat warmers with three temperature settings; a central door locking button on the dashboard instead of the doors; heated outside mirrors; and optional stability and traction control.
2008 Saturn Astra XE four-door. Click image to enlarge
A unique, optional two-panel glass sunroof has a sliding sunshade which rolls back to let the light in for front and rear passengers, a fancy feature for an entry-level car like this. The front glass panel tilts up, but doesn't slide back.
I do have some criticisms of the Astra: as Chris pointed out, there isn't an auxiliary jack for music players, only one cupholder for front passengers, and no steering wheel controls in XE models. The centre display - an orange and black LCD screen that shows time, outside temperature, radio station or CD track, and odometer - has a rather low-grade appearance. The automatic transmission shifter lacks an on/off overdrive button although it can be shifted awkwardly into third by squeezing the shifter release and pulling back. And the folding rear seatbacks don't fold perfectly flat.
Perhaps my biggest concern is the performance of the138-hp "Ecotec" 1.8-litre four-cylinder engine - or perhaps more accurately, its performance in conjunction with the four-speed automatic transmission - which as Chris pointed out, can be reluctant to shift down. Even with the engine's sophisticated variable camshaft timing, some drivers will find this car feels underpowered when equipped with the automatic transmission.
If it wasn't for the excellent competition in the compact segment, the Astra might be a runaway hit - but when you've got competitors like the Toyota Matrix, Mazda3 Sport, VW Rabbit, Hyundai Elantra, and even the Kia Spectra5, the Belgium-built Opel has its work cut out for it in the Canadian marketplace.
