Saturn Astra

Starting MSRP:$15,375
Vehicle type: sedan and coupe
EPA fuel economy: NA
Available engines:
140-hp 1.8-liter I-4
Available transmissions:
five-speed manual
four-speed automatic

European style comes to U.S. compact market
from Saturn

The new 2008 Saturn Astra brings a decidedly European flavor to the North American compact-car market. It is packed with a wide range of standard equipment and safety features and delivers sporty performance with good fuel economy.

The Astra is offered in three-door and five-door models, each underpinned by a taut, European-bred suspension that delivers a sharp, responsive driving experience. Power comes from a 1.8-liter Ecotec four-cylinder engine that is both energetic and economical, delivering 140 horsepower.

"In Europe, the Astra's combination of style, performance, safety technology and fuel efficiency have made it a hit with owners and auto critics alike," said Jill Lajdziak, Saturn general manager. "Now, Saturn brings the newly restyled Astra to North America and marries it with our celebrated customer experience."

The Astra is the latest product in a complete revamp of Saturn's lineup. In fact, when the Astra hits showrooms, the oldest vehicle in Saturn's portfolio will be the Sky roadster, which debuted in March 2006.

Saturn offers two trim levels (XE and XR) for the Astra five-door model and a single trim (XR) in the three-door configuration.

The Astra offers technologies to provide an agile yet comfortable driving experience. The StabiliTrak stability-control system is standard on all three-door Astras and available on five-door models.

A five-speed manual transmission is standard in all models and helps the Astra deliver great fuel economy. An available Aisin electronically controlled four-speed automatic is renowned for its low noise, high durability and smooth shifting.

When the rear seat is folded, the five-door Astra offers 44.7 cubic feet of storage space.