Spied: 2010 Astra

[GMusa]

Originally Posted by dindak

I hope a sedan is coming, Saturn is loosing sales by only having a hatch back.

My friend just traded an SL1 for an Escort because of just that reason!

I thought i was the only one who that they needed a sedan!! I couldnt agree more... they need to bring the sedan over here instead of the 5-door hatch!

[steve333]

Originally Posted by Andonis

i dunno if its new or not
http://www.motorauthority.com/news/h...rior-revealed/

All-new spy shots of General Motors’ next Astra have been captured, and though the car is still wrapped in camouflage, some new elements have peeked out. Due for launch next year, the car, which will likely be shared across GM’s global array of brands, has already been captured in testing, revealing its interior. These new photos reveal details about the car’s exterior styling not previously seen.

The images of the exterior reveal a steeply curved rear-hatch, a swooping roof profile and new shape headlights with LED detailing. The tail lights are seen fairly clearly for the first time, revealing their final shape. Side indicators in the front fenders are visible, as is a greater degree of detail in the front fascia. Chrome strips in the door handles and the A-pillar window beside the side mirror pods round out the details in this latest round of shots.

Am I the only one who can't see text on that site?

[steve333]

Originally Posted by GMusa

I thought i was the only one who that they needed a sedan!! I couldnt agree more... they need to bring the sedan over here instead of the 5-door hatch!

If they had the sedan with the Cobalt's engine I would have bought one right away.

[spidge]

Originally Posted by GMusa

Ya since they Saturn Astra came out.. i have only seen 1 commercial! Nobody (besides us car nuts) know about this car! Ask a normal person what a Astra is they wouldnt know.

Ask a SATURN EMPLOYEE AT THEIR DETROIT HEADQUARTERS what an Astra is, as I did last year, just before their launch, and THEY didn't know!

I have YET to see one on the road here in the Bay Area since its release. Even the new old Ford Focus sells here, probably because of its Microsoft SYNC system.

[roteague]

Originally Posted by windvale

I know I'm a moron, but remind me...why is GM developing both a new Astra and the Cruze ?

Real simple ... it's called "consumer choice".

[The Law]

Originally Posted by steve333

If they had the sedan with the Cobalt's engine I would have bought one right away.

Cruze or Pontiac will have the sedan for you.

Saturn is Gm's Opel euro brand why should they have a sedan when most Europeans prefer hatches?

there would be no global id there if they just make doubles-triples of each platforms.there needs to be something to separate them.if your looking for a sedan chevy or Pontiac will be available; maybe Buick or Saab with different trims or features.

Saturn will mostly like just have opel's: Corsa, Astra,Insignia,Vue or Cue and the mini van.

Chevy will have the trax,groove,cruze etc

Buick from invicta ^UP

Pontiac will fill in gaps until they find its id.

[The Law]

Does any1 see were the Insignia side design is or would fit in on here?
I see that it fits well with the Corsa having the bump on the side before the rump.but none of the swish.

[Aprime]

Still sells well in Canada, saw 3 in 30 minutes of cruising, which isn't bad considering what models they're sending over.

[igotzzoom]

Originally Posted by dindak

I hope a sedan is coming, Saturn is loosing sales by only having a hatch back.

My friend just traded an SL1 for an Escort because of just that reason!

No disrespect, but after having owned 2 hatchbacks, I wouldn't go back to a "regular" sedan unless I was making a substantial move up in terms of size and/or status. And now, with the new CTS wagon, I don't even have to do that!

It still puzzles me why Americans gravitate to notchback compacts and spurn handy 3 and 5-doors.

[GM_RU]

Come on, guys.

Cruze and astra. Why do we need both?

Don't you see?

They are both on one platform. With many interchangeable parts.
Astra goes HB5 first, cruze goes sedan first. Cruze is cheaper - astra is little more expensive. Cruze is more look like, "luxury" (and it does), astra loooks like more "sporty". They will have the same engines, exept 2 liters turbo 240 HP which goes later to Astra HB3. And deep inside this is the same car. After that will appear Cruze HB5 and differents astras - SW, sedan. So we hit all segmernts with ONE (in general car). - classic and sport sedans, HB5, Sw, and sporty hot HB3.
Some people like chevy, some like OPEL. but the car is the same. Cost cutting.

[steve333]

Originally Posted by The Law

Cruze or Pontiac will have the sedan for you.

Saturn is Gm's Opel euro brand why should they have a sedan when most Europeans prefer hatches?

there would be no global id there if they just make doubles-triples of each platforms.there needs to be something to separate them.if your looking for a sedan chevy or Pontiac will be available; maybe Buick or Saab with different trims or features.

Saturn will mostly like just have opel's: Corsa, Astra,Insignia,Vue or Cue and the mini van.

Chevy will have the trax,groove,cruze etc

Buick from invicta ^UP

Pontiac will fill in gaps until they find its id.

1. This isn't Europe and Americans prefer Sedans
2. Opel has an Astra Sedan
3. If Saturn wants the Astra to be successful it has to have a Sedan and it has to have a larger engine.
4. At this point if my Cobalt is going to be called a Cruze (ugh) I would prefer to buy an Astra.

[steve333]

Originally Posted by igotzzoom

No disrespect, but after having owned 2 hatchbacks, I wouldn't go back to a "regular" sedan unless I was making a substantial move up in terms of size and/or status. And now, with the new CTS wagon, I don't even have to do that!

It still puzzles me why Americans gravitate to notchback compacts and spurn handy 3 and 5-doors.

Quieter interior
More attractive to many folks
More secure cargo area

[spidge]

Originally Posted by steve333

Quieter interior
More attractive to many folks
More secure cargo area

Can't disagree about the secure cargo area. My own parents are averse to hatchbacks for this very reason. I suppose Europe doesn't have the same problem with car theft and burglary to the extent that North America has. But at the subcompact size, I wouldn't say sedans are more attractive than hatchbacks in general. Some, like the Nissan Versa, look like the third box was added as an afterthought.

[b4z]

Astra needs a 6spd. Spinning a little fast at 70-80mph.
That would also go for the HHR and cobalts too.

[prototype66]

Originally Posted by b4z

Astra needs a 6spd. Spinning a little fast at 70-80mph.
That would also go for the HHR and cobalts too.

Yep!
Across the board for all GM passenger cars.
DI, VVT and active fuel management where applicable.
Could a 4 banger run on two cylinders at cruising speed without feeling like a Briggs rider if its balanced properly?
Any of you real engineers out there could answer this I bet.