Trim Levels
Base: XE
Mid-level: XR
Up-level: RL
Body Styles: Sedan, 3-Door Hatchback, 5-Door Hatchback
Introduction
As Saturn continues to grow in the future, the next generation Astra will be a key component of that growth within the Saturn lineup, accomplishing higher volumes and expanding the lineup in the U.S. RIA's Astra is positioned as a "value" Audi A3, competing on a similar level with the Mazda3, and the Audi A3 more directly in XR guise. The RL model (and indeed, the Astra line as a whole) is best defined by the 3-Door Hatchback body style. Competing in the "hot hatch" segment, the RL should prove very successful in reaching Generation Y. A real attention getter in both style and in specifications, Astra RL will help build excitement and interest in the Saturn brand, and maybe even get some of the car magazines excited. And why not? Astra RL is fast, European and is an excellent value. RL competes against the Mazdaspeed3, Dodge Caliber SRT-4 and Impreza WRX. Astra's real forte is it's style, besting it's competitors with it's beautiful design. In Europe, with it's car market mature and developed, has ch ampioned the small car, due to gas prices, emissions issues, taxes and the like. Because of this, customers have desired for luxurious small cars, available with features of full-size luxury cars. America has seen a change and a niche in the market has opened up for these types of vehicles. Astra takes advantage of that and offers unprecedented levels of elegance and luxury in a small car. Features available across the Astra lineup include an available navigation system, SmartKey and standard Bluetooth (XR, RL).
While the top line RL is a hot hatch, the whole lineup is sporty offering a great price/performance ratio. XE is powered by a 2.4L 200HP Ecotec 4 w/Direct Injection, besting the HP of the top level Honda Civic Si and providing lots of pep for the price. XR is powered by a 2.0L 245HP supercharged Ecotec 4 with Direct Injection. The model with Euro-flair, the signature color combo for this model is ebony wood with the special Morocco leather color and amber interior lighting. Outside, XR has a luxurious look, lots of chrome bright work and premium wheels. RL, the top of the lineup is powered by a 265HP Ecotec Turbo w/DI. XR has an aggressive face and sports tuned suspension and the requisite red interior lighting. Expect the next generation production Astra to debut in calendar year 2010 as a 2011 model.
Specifications Sheet
Vehicle Type: Compact 5-Passenger 4-Door Sedan and 3-Door Hatchback
Size Comparison: Mazda3
Competitors: VW Jetta/Rabbit, Honda Civic, Mazda3, Audi A3 (XR), Subaru Impreza, Mazdaspeed3, Dodge Caliber SRT-4, Subaru Impreza WRX (RL)
Base Platform: Delta II
Drive Wheels: FWD, AWD Option, AWD Aero/Viggen
Engines:
XE: 2.4L 200HP Ecotec 4 w/DI - Starting at $21,000
XR: 2.0L 245HP Ecotec Supercharged 4 - Starting at $24,350
RL: 2.3L 265HP Ecotec Turbo 4 w/DI - Starting at $26,000
Transmissions: 5 speed Manual (Standard: XE), CVT (Optional: XE/XR/RL), 6-Speed Manual (Standard: RL), 6-Speed Automatic (Standard: XR)