[Uzzy]

Originally Posted by IAMCANADIAN

I haven't driven an Astra, however I've sat in one and there are things that the VW is better at and there are things that the Astra is better at. Both of them have nice interiors with nice finishings. The Astra IMO has much better seats than the VW's. Also, the Astra is more affordable and gets better fuel economy. However, the VW kicks the Astra's butt in the engine department. If the Astra came with diesel and turbo options and a more powerful base engine, it would stand a much better chance against the VW.

You gotta drive one! But I can't argue on the rather sad engine choice, or lack of choice here. The was adequate, I guess is the best way to put it. I drove a 5-door XR demo car and I was very impressed by the handing. "Riding on rails" is the term that comes to mind. I can only imgine how a 3-door XR with the sport handling package would do. Thow in a more fercious engine and VW would not stand a chance.

If you've driven older Saturns (S-series) the Astra has more get up and go than the SOHC cars and not as much as the DOHC cars had. Or at least that's the way it felt with me. I've driven many of the older Saturns. They handled pretty good themselves, but the Astra blew them away.