Confirmed: Astra to replace ION in late '07

[gmhashope]

Saturn Astra; Coming Soon!

High-Resolution: http://www.gminsidenews.com/forums/g...500/astra1.jpg

Saturn Astra To Join Lineup In Late 2007

New small car to complete turnover of vehicle lineup in less than two years


DETROIT - Saturn confirmed today that it will add the Astra compact car to its lineup late in 2007, marking an important stage in its product revitalization plan. When the 2008 Astra joins the Sky, Aura, Outlook and all-new Vue, no Saturn will have been in the market more than 20 months, giving the brand one of the freshest product lineups in the industry.

"The Astra is a great fit for Saturn, with its European style and driving dynamics," said Jill Lajdziak, Saturn general manager. "It also signals our efforts to get new vehicles to market quickly and reinvent the entire Saturn product lineup with unprecedented speed."

The Saturn Astra will be nearly identical to the 2007.5 Opel Astra, unveiled this week at the Bologna Motor Show in Italy. It will be sold in the United States and Canada in three-door and five-door configurations.

The Astra is part of the larger collaboration between Saturn and Opel. By sharing resources from throughout GM's global network of design and engineering centers, the two brands can develop strong, broad product lineups that will attract buyers to the brands both in North America and Europe. Early examples of this collaboration include the Saturn Sky and upcoming Opel GT, as well as the Opel Antara and 2008 Saturn Vue.

"The Astra enables Saturn to occupy a unique position in the marketplace and to strategically broaden its appeal with consumers who usually have import brands on their shopping lists," said Lajdziak. "Saturn's partnership with Opel is a natural way to expand our lineup with relevant products that will attract new buyers into our showrooms."

More information will be available when Saturn unveils the 2008 Astra at the Chicago Auto Show in February 2007.


From ... http://www.media.gm.com/servlet/Gate...=2&docid=31143

[gmhashope]

Notice the picture has the Saturn badge on it now also. Great news for GM.

[civilzues]

YES! i need to start saving right now.

[gmhashope]

I had a feeling the Astra would be unveiled at Chicago as I heard the other day Saturn would have something special there.

http://detroitnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll...DATE/612070470

"The Astra will be assembled in Antwerp, Belgium, where the Opel version is currently built, Brockman said."

[Quickening]

So do we get the sedan or the amazing hatch..

[5 watt]

The 3 door I understand but the 5 door seems odd. I guess they are trying to be different than the cobalt. It will be interesting to see how the interior will change if at all.

[Sparta]

Excellent, now get that OPC version here at launch.

[jbartley]

HOORAY! it's like an early x-mas gift!

i really hope that windsheild/glass roof option comes over as well.

[nascarnate326]

A redline version would be nice to see at an upcomming autoshow. Generate some buzz.

[gmhashope]

We will get the 3 and 5 door versions. Both look very nice. If I had a GM media pass I'd post the pictures, but I don't

[Slack]

If GM doesn't stop soon, critics will have a hard time finding something to complain about. Maybe they'll (gasp) go look at Toyota.

[Kappa]

I just read the same article on Autoweek.com and real glad to see it coming to the states soon. Its good some good engine choices to with I think the 6-speed man. and auto. So it seems to be good news all around.

[montrealvue]

I like the "family front end/grillework" GM has given all Saturns. It will be nice to see what the whole line up looks like on the showroom floor at the end of '07. Distinctive looks that are agressive yet stylish....IMO. I wouldn't be surprised in a couple years that Saturn gives the competition a serious run for their money.

[big swede]

Wow Saturn seems to be taking this car business stuff seriously.

[FoMoCo Fan]

Originally Posted by Slack

If GM doesn't stop soon, critics will have a hard time finding something to complain about. Maybe they'll (gasp) go look at Toyota.

GM is on a roll. Though I will say the sedan looks a bit too much like the Cobalt sedan. Love the hatch though.