Quote:
Originally Posted by GAIntrigue
This sounds vaguely familiar to me. Wasn't the Astra supposed to be an out-of-the-ballpark hit for GM?
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The Astra was introduced in Europe in 2004 with about the same styling as what we only recently got here, if memory serves. Actually, I think they had multi-toned leather interiors with Navigation as well (not sure if our Astra has those colors now). Imagine how well 4-year-old models of ours would do, exported overseas. Especially with poor advertising to back them.
I remember drooling over photos of the "new" Astra way back when. Since then, the impact had long worn off as cars like the Mazda 3, etc. came over here and the Astra's styling no longer looked so amazing for a compact car.
I distinctly recall comparing concept-production auto show photos of the "new" Astra back then to the Cavalier and Sunfire and being appalled. You might find a thread or two if you dig way, way back here at GMI.
In addition to the limited dealer network and the value-packed 4-cyl. Aura that slots right on top of upper trim Astras
(my sister went to buy an Astra and ended up in an Aura because of pricing and options), I've never seen anyone mention how the Astra had to build on the awesome success of the ION...