Quote:
Originally Posted by Ming
The Astra was introduced in Europe in 2004 with about the same styling as what we only recently got here, if memory serves. 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.
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Point taken. Let's hope the shortened delay between introducing these cars in the global markets versus the U.S. market fairs much better this go around.
In all fairness to the Astra, I think the 2-door hatch is the sharpest looking, non-sports small car in GM's current N.A. stable.
Oh, by the way, your sister and I seem to have been in the same story book. I went to Saturn for the Astra. I came home with a V6 XE Aura because of the great lease deal I got. It also didn't help the salesperson kept pushing me away from the Astra by saying it was under-powered and utilitarian.