Saturn Astra Powertrain...what do you think?

[cloewe08]

I was looking at the new Astra, and frankly, the powertrain doesn't do it for me. Iron block? Belt-drive cams? 4-speed auto? Only 1.8 liters? Why didn't GM put the U.S. ecotecs in the new Astra? Should offer a DI 2.0l non-turbo version of the HHR SS engine. Then offer the turbo on the Astra XR or a Redline version. For a loaded Astra XR that tops $20k, the 1.8l engine is something to laugh at. What was GM thinking? The 2.2l aluminum block, chain cam drive, non-vvt engine in my ION is better that this. What does everyone think?

[caddycruiser]

It could always have more...BUT...from most that have driven it realistically and then all that have bought it, the 1.8L they did use is more than fine. The big reason why is simply because that's an engine offered in the home market, and it left out having to re-engineer, certify, etc. yet another different engine transplanted in.

Doing 2.2L/2.4L like the Ion had would probably be great, and not hurt economy given what they could get, BUT the 1.8L does more than okay for what it is. Has to be revved a bit more, doesn't make as much power, etc., but in real world, it isn't as disappointing as people assume or make it out to be without having driven one.

It just comes down to that already offered vs. would have to be re-engineered, tested, etc. factor, at least for a first model year. And also that the 1.8L isn't a powerhouse...but is more than adequate, and as has been promised, GM and other buyers are going to have to get used to very low displacement engines (but also with turbos and such) in the very near future, on a lot of vehicles.

[SirRaven]

Driving the Astra on a Daily basis now (manual), and even recently taking it on a 1000+ mile road trip I would have to say for acceleration the powertrain is plenty adequite. There is more then enough acceleration for anyone but a racers need, the biggest arguement that I have is that the manual needs a 6th gear to bring down the revs at fast highway cruising. As far as pep and fuel economy in the city it does fine, but the high revs hurt the fuel economy on the highway at 70+. I could rock fuel economy on the highway if it was sitting more in the lower 3,000 range rather than the higher end of the 3,000 rpms.

Like caddycruiser said this is the only engine that could be validated for the US with BOTH an auto and manual tranny from the other current worldwide offerings. Anything else would relate to higher development costs, which would relate to this car costing even more. Everyone complains that they want GM and Ford to bring over a european car and then complain when they do. Trust me, driving this car the powertrain is nothing to be worried about. I cannot speek fully for the auto though, becuase I like to drive manuals and thats what I have.

[montrealvue]

Originally Posted by cloewe08

I was looking at the new Astra, and frankly, the powertrain doesn't do it for me. Iron block? Belt-drive cams? 4-speed auto? Only 1.8 liters? Why didn't GM put the U.S. ecotecs in the new Astra? Should offer a DI 2.0l non-turbo version of the HHR SS engine. Then offer the turbo on the Astra XR or a Redline version. For a loaded Astra XR that tops $20k, the 1.8l engine is something to laugh at. What was GM thinking? The 2.2l aluminum block, chain cam drive, non-vvt engine in my ION is better that this. What does everyone think?

Why don't you DRIVE one and see? Many cars don't look good on paper but prove otherwise on the road. My first Saturn, a '94 SL, only had 85 hp. (others at the time were 100 hp. min.) on the road it was quick and nimble. Don't judge a book by it's cover.

[Koasterking]

I test drove the Astra about a month ago and I thought it had plenty of power. Engine is a bit loud, though.

[coaster.n3rd]

This powertrain is competitive for its class.

[agman25]

If you believe Car and Driver, they wanted to bring the Astra over as soon as possible and at as little cost. The 1.8 is the only engine in the Euro Astra range that had an auto gearbox. So this is the one they shipped. The present Astra is a stopgap till the Delta 2 Lordstown build one arrives in 2010. Hopefully with a Tier 2 Bin 5 diesel 1.7 I4. My only source on the last bit is a Saturn salesman who said that HQ was strongly lobbying for one and it could happen.

[nsap]

I think the 1.8L serves it's purpose, but they need to have an optional powertrain for those of us that would like to have some more power. If the 1.8L got slightly better fuel economy, the power issue would not be such a big deal.

[CrunkedRL]

Well lets crunch the numbers:

Saturn Astra-138hp
Hyundai Elantra-138hp
Honda Civic-140hp
Toyota Corolla-132hp
Suzuki SX4-140hp
Chevy Cobalt-148hp
Mazda3-148hp

The only car in the Astra's class that is significantly more powerful is the Mazda3 and Cobalt which isn't saying much for the Cobalt considering how it looks and/or how equipped it is compared to the Astra. As already mentioned the Astra is very competitive.

[turbotoad]

I'm sure there is a performance aftermarket presence overseas for the Astra. Hopefully some of that will make it's way over here shortly. I'd bet you could find a few more ponies with a good cat-back exhaust and a cold-air intake. And I'm sure someone will come up with an ECM "flash" to boost power too.

[spencerb]

Originally Posted by cloewe08

I was looking at the new Astra, and frankly, the powertrain doesn't do it for me. Iron block? Belt-drive cams? 4-speed auto? Only 1.8 liters?

I don't care if it's plastic block, rubber band drive cams, 2-speed auto, or 0.8 liters. What I do care is if it feels powerful enough when driving. Numbers and specifications don't concern me.

Didn't Rolls-Royce refuse to release horsepower numbers, only saying that it was "enough?" If consumers weren't so caught up in the marketing, that's the way to do it. Drive the car and decide for yourself.

If the Astra proves to be successful, I bet we'll see more powerful powertrains offered. I believe GM made statements to this affect.

[unkillsam]

Originally Posted by spencerb

I don't care if it's plastic block, rubber band drive cams, 2-speed auto, or 0.8 liters. What I do care is if it feels powerful enough when driving. Numbers and specifications don't concern me.

Didn't Rolls-Royce refuse to release horsepower numbers, only saying that it was "enough?" If consumers weren't so caught up in the marketing, that's the way to do it. Drive the car and decide for yourself.

If the Astra proves to be successful, I bet we'll see more powerful powertrains offered. I believe GM made statements to this affect.

It is important because 4-speed auto's and timing belts are seen as 'cheap' and considering how expensive the Astra is, and the fact that the car is is replacing had a better engine, it matters a great deal.

The Astra should have the 2.2 VVT that is going into the 2009 Cobalt.

[cdp326]

Originally Posted by unkillsam

It is important because 4-speed auto's and timing belts are seen as 'cheap' and considering how expensive the Astra is, and the fact that the car is is replacing had a better engine, it matters a great deal.

Maybe so, but timing belts haven't hurt the Honda Odyssey and Pilot by any means, especially for the models knocking on $30k (I can count on one hand the LX models of either I see vs. EX/EX-Ls), and I guess the new Corolla is SOL with its four-speed auto.

The engine in the ION may have been "better" but then, the Astra is quieter, more comfortable, safer, and possibly more space-efficient. Give one take one.

[unkillsam]

Originally Posted by cdp326

Maybe so, but timing belts haven't hurt the Honda Odyssey and Pilot by any means, especially for the models knocking on $30k (I can count on one hand the LX models of either I see vs. EX/EX-Ls), and I guess the new Corolla is SOL with its four-speed auto.

The engine in the ION may have been "better" but then, the Astra is quieter, more comfortable, safer, and possibly more space-efficient. Give one take one.

I would not use Honda as an example because their reputation is so squeaky clean that people let them get away with stuff that GM cannot get away with.

Consumers will always prefer a timing chain over a timing belt because timing chains don't have to be replaced and timing belts have to be replaced every 60,000 miles.

The new Corolla is SOL with it's 4-speed automatic because the 2010 Cobalt will have an available 6-speed automatic in the compact segment, a first. Toyota is starting to lag behing GM in some respects.

[vsd]

Originally Posted by unkillsam

The new Corolla is SOL with it's 4-speed automatic because the 2010 Cobalt will have an available 6-speed automatic in the compact segment, a first. Toyota is starting to lag behing GM in some respects.

The Corolla has an available 5-speed auto, its no 6-speed, but for the sake of accuracy...