2008 Saturn Astra

The precisely executed Euro-style interior does its best to maximize space and comfort. The hood’s center crease continues onto the instrument panel, while a V-shaped center stack complements the design. All models have firm, supportive seats, but the three-door’s offer more aggressive bolsters and lumbar support for spirited cornering. A rounded cockpit binnacle houses a three-dimensional gauge cluster with large speedometer and tachometer dials easily visible through the thick, three-spoke, tilt/telescopic steering wheel.


Astra’s long 103-in. wheelbase and 69-in. width provide surprisingly generous room and storage. Front-seat space is generous, and the five-door’s rear cabin accommodates grown-ups with ease. The three-door feels tighter in back but really isn’t, except for 1.7-in. less headroom. With the 60/40-split rear seat folded flat, the three-door offers 37.8 cu. ft. of storage space, the five-door a more spacious 44.7 cu. ft.

Amenities and Safety

Among the Astras’ significant features are power door locks and windows, six-speaker AM/FM/CD audio; available seven-speaker, multi-disc and MP3-capable radios; steering-wheel audio controls (on XR models); available heated seats in cloth or leather; a largest-in-class, two-panel sunroof (available on the five-door); a large illuminated glove box with a nicely damped door; an auxiliary 12-volt power outlet and an easy-to-remove rear cargo cover. Unfortunate first-year omissions include an auxiliary audio input jack, available satellite radio, back-up camera or warning system and GPS navigation. OnStar’s available Turn-by-Turn navigation provides audio directions but no dash-mounted GPS map. Our only other complaint was unfamiliar European-market icons on some knobs and switches.


Standard safety features include six airbags (dual-stage front, head curtain and front seat-mounted thorax/pelvic), front belt pretensioners and load limiters, active head restraints and a free year of OnStar “Safe and Sound” service. The active head restraints pop forward to reduce neck injuries in rear crashes, while the pedal release system can reduce foot, ankle and leg injuries in frontal crashes. OnStar includes advanced automatic crash notification (AACN), which following a crash immediately contacts an OnStar advisor who can then determine the appropriate emergency help and assist in sending it.


Currently priced in the $16-20,000 range, these fine-looking, fun-driving new Astras deserve a fair chance to succeed. They are unquestionably among the best and nicest small cars available in North America. The Opel Astra three-door, in fact, is the best seller in its class in Europe. But will Americans accept handy hatchbacks today better then they have in the past? And will the increasingly weak U.S. Dollar continue driving the costs of European-sourced vehicles upward to where buyers will reject them, or GM will lose money selling them? We hope not. (www.saturn.com)

About the Author
Former automotive engineer Gary Witzenburg has been writing about the auto industry, its people and its products for major magazines, newspapers and web sites for more than 20 years.