Myride Video: Saturn Astra

[91 s-10baja]

Not as Positive
http://community.myride.com/kickapps...5845/3898.html

[Rocket 88]

Seems like a pretty honest review.

You would think with so many engine choices in Europe, GM could easily add an option for something with more ponies here. I'm starting to think they're just damaging the Astra's image until the replacement gets here.

[steve333]

I thought it was a very fair review. He basically said more HP and more logical controls and the Astra is at the top of its class. He's right.
Unfortunately GM can just never get it right-Here we have the Cobalt with a decent powertrain but a lacking interior and poor steering, then we have the Astra with a comfortable interior (controls notwithstanding) and a weak powertrain.
GM just needs to combine the 2 best traits-
The Cobalt needs the Astra's suspension, steering, seats, and telescoping steering wheel, while the Astra needs the Cobalt's engine and better ergonomics.
Its not rocket science, GM.

[Buick City]

Americanize the Interior? That is the main selling point of the car! The interior i think is much more sophisticated and upscale feeling then it's chevy and pontiac counterparts. I for one like it. If only they didn't "Americanize" the Aura interior, then i might consider one of those as well. I always liked Opel interiors, and I am glad to see it stayed on the Astra. Now if only they had good, or at least some sort of incentives on the Astra, then I would buy one.

[goatgary]

Originally Posted by Buick City

Now if only they had good, or at least some sort of incentives on the Astra, then I would buy one.

You DO realize that with the devaluation of the dollar they are losing $$$ on every one?

[IAMCANADIAN]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but doesn't the Astra offer the 2.0L Ecotec turbo L4 from the Saab 9-3? I know it did when it came out a few years back in Europe and I think that would be a great engine option to offer because it gets great power with decent fuel economy.

[Saturn69]

Originally Posted by Rocket 88

Seems like a pretty honest review.

You would think with so many engine choices in Europe, GM could easily add an option for something with more ponies here. I'm starting to think they're just damaging the Astra's image until the replacement gets here.

When they began the Federalization process, the 1.8L was the only engine that could be paired with both a manual and an automatic and meet the U.S. emissions requirements. Some of the other Astra engines are available only with autos, some with manuals and some of the autos/manuals are only available with larger engines and/or diesels and/or smaller engines. Too much variety can be a bad thing. Saturn was probably also counting on the lack of interest of most Americans to research the home market alternatives/variations for the Astra.

[Saturn69]

Originally Posted by IAMCANADIAN

Correct me if I'm wrong, but doesn't the Astra offer the 2.0L Ecotec turbo L4 from the Saab 9-3? I know it did when it came out a few years back in Europe and I think that would be a great engine option to offer because it gets great power with decent fuel economy.

Different EcoTec entirely, but yes they sell an Astra with 240hp L4/6sp manual, and the reason we don't get it is Americans are wusses and someone, somewhere would want an automatic for it and they don't make one. And it would cost $38,395 (19,720 BP) to buy one and no one here would do that considering how much they're b!tc#ing and moaning about the $18K price.

[genjy]

Maybe the Astra should have been brought over as a hot hatch, not as an economy car. It could have been Saturn's GTI.

The 1.8L is neither frugal nor powerful enough to classify the Astra as an economy hatch or a hot hatch, respectively.

[YupYupYup]

Seen a few around...I haven't driven any...The sedan is boring looking. The coupe is nice and certain colors make it stand out. The interior is too Euro-cold in my opinion. Too many small buttons and a really useless looking screen. Do we really need a screen if it is going to be bright orange and dated looking? And for those that think it is so different from the Cobalt, I find it quite similar...The dash lines (except for the screen) follow a Cobalt horizontal theme. Materials might be a tad better, but nothing that sets it apart.

If they could somehow transfer the touches that make the Malibu so nice to be in, albeit a little bit cheaper to match the class and in a Saturn way, it would be nice.

[Ttple]

I personally think the G6 dash is a million times better than the cold Astra dash.

[Saturn69]

Originally Posted by Ttple

I personally think the G6 dash is a million times better than the cold Astra dash.

Don't Bogart the can...man.