Is Astra Worth $16.5K Price Tag?

There is no mistaking tight, responsive German chassis tuning. It was only three corners into our early morning, two-lane country road test route when we were pleasantly reassured that Saturn hadn't softened the Astra's underpinnings for the American market. And why mess with a formula that has become a best selling car in Europe? Aside from trim additions to identify it as a Saturn, the Astra is a direct transplant of the European Opel Astra. The Astra is a true world car platform GM sells as the Opel Astra, Vauxhall Astra, Chevrolet Astra, Opel Kadett, and Holden Astra in other markets around the globe.

The Astra is a long overdue replacement for the Ion at the low end of the Saturn line. Offered in both three and five door hatchback body styles beginning at $16,500, the Astra is a right sized car competing in the EPA compact car segment. Saturn is currently importing the Astra from the GM production facility in Antwerp, Belgium. It is offered in a base XE trim level on the five door and up-market XR on both the three and five door models, which offer sporty 17 inch five spoke alloy wheels. Don't be surprised to see a turbocharged Redline version of the Astra in the near future, which should be a hit with sport compact enthusiasts.

This car will pleasantly surprise green car buyers who appreciate the direct road feel prevalent in European cars. Simply, the Astra is a blast to drive on roads that throw a few curves at you. Point the Astra down a favorite canyon road or twisty country lane and it will reward by carving a clean line with the precision expected of a German automobile. This agility is complimented by GM's StabiliTrak electronic stability control system with traction control, which is standard on the three door model and available on the five door. The ride is decidedly German too, which translates as firm and taut but not what we would consider harsh.

Power is provided by a 1.8 liter Ecotec double overhead cam four cylinder that produces 138 horsepower at a lofty 6,300 rpm, with 125 lbs-ft of torque at 3,800 rpm. This engine benefits from advanced variable valve timing and four valves per cylinder. The continuously adjustable camshafts work independently though an engineering feat called double continuous variable cam phasing, or DCVCP. The result is improved power and lower emissions due to more complete combustion. Acceleration is about average for the sporty compact segment, with 0 to 60 mph covered in 8.6 seconds. Our best highway mileage was 33.2, driving conservatively. Astra has 2008 EPA fuel economy numbers of 24 mpg city and 32 mpg on the highway cycle.

Saturn is offering the Astra with either a five speed manual or four speed automatic in the North American market. Our choice is the manual, for both the fun-to-drive factor and the ability to make the best use of the engine's power, which at times would benefit from a bit more torque. While only offering four gears, the automatic does benefit from a feature called Neutral Idle technology, which automatically shifts the transmission into neutral at stops to eliminate fuel robbing torque converter drag.

The interior has a decidedly European feel as well. The Astra's dash layout, for example, is straightforward and logical. The driver is greeted with a large tach and speedometer, a fat three spoke steering wheel, and audio and climate controls with rotary knobs instead of perplexing up-down buttons that can distract the driver. It's roomy and comfortable, with a split-back rear seat that allows flexible cargo and passenger handling. That sense of spaciousness can be complemented by a huge two-panel sunroof on five door models.

General Motors engineered the Astra with world-class safety features. Six air bags are standard - dual front airbags, roof rail head curtain air bags, and side air bags offering thorax and pelvic protection. In addition, the Astra also comes with active head restraints and a pedal release system. We would love to see a Green Line rendition of the Astra like GM offers in the Vue. As either a Green Line electric hybrid or super efficient clean diesel, Saturn's fun-to-drive hatchback would be a sure winner in today's market.

The Good: Tight, responsive European handling yields high fun-to-drive factor
The Bad: Four speed automatic needs another gear
The Rating: 7.5 (out of 10)