I look for them to add more options to it, but that is just my guess.

 

Specifically I'd like to see an aux in option. If they don't have that planned for '09 I might just pick up an '08 later this year.

 

The 2008's have barely been out more than 2 moths. I would not hold my breath waiting for info on the 2009s for a while still. Aux in is rumored to be coming in the next gen, I don't know about 2009.

 

We should be seeing some information soon. I don't expect an AUX port unless they had the radio supplier design a unit with enough inputs for AM/FM/XM/OnStar/AUX, because at the moment that radio does not have enough.

I'd like to see navigation, sunroof, XM, and the panoramic windshield added. Oh, throw in a higher output engine...I'll buy.

 

Wasn't a diesel and redline rumored?

 

When I talked to the lady at the Saturn booth at the NY Auto Show, she said that it's a possibility. I also asked her about the Corsa, but she said nothing in the pipeline for it yet.

 

I'll keep an eye out on Dealerworld for any added options.

My Wish List:
XM
Aux Jack
Bluetooth
Center Console w/ Integrated cup holders
DIC conversion to a more standard layout without Military time.

 

Even the above would be nice. I'd consider one with those options...particularly with gas still climbing.

So what are customer's reactions to the Astra thus far?

 

My only gripe with the car is the somber charcoal interior color scheme. Apparently a charcoal/tan cloth combo is now available but I want a tan or grey leather option. Probably won't happen though.

 

what about a redline version? :drive: anybody know if there are plans for that?

 

what about a redline version? :drive: anybody know if there are plans for that?

I'd really like to see this, but I doubt it will happen. The new Astra is supposed to be out in 2010, so I can't see GM spending money to re-tool a redline version of the car for just one model year (especially when GM spent money on the cobalt SS which will only have a model year and a half run until the new 2010 Cobalt arrives).

That said, the Astra with the cobalt SS LNF, FE5 suspension, brembo brakes and getrag 5-speed would make one heck of a ride. If they did that for 2009 I couldn't get myself to a Saturn dealer fast enough!

Wikipedia states this, but I've never heard anything of it:

"A Redline version of the Astra is expected to hit the market at the end of 2008. It will feature the LNF 2.0L Turbo Ecotec engine, producing 260HP; this engine is also found in the SS versions of the Chevrolet HHR and Cobalt, as well as the Saturn Sky Redline and Pontiac Solstice GXP."

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Opel_Astra

 

coaster.n3rd, I am in LOVE with your avatar. Send me a copy for me to build an altar around and worship!

 

I want to see the Sedan for sale here.

 

for pricing, there wan an article that stated due to the dollar weaking again, that the price is going up $500 across the board. but I wouldn't expect to see any changes with it till the new one hits in 3 years.

 

This car is a complete flop, I have not seen a single one on the road, and I live about 5 miles from a Saturn dealer that has a ton on the lot.

Yes it it does look good, but it does not sell, it's expensive, it does not have enough feautures or hp, the MPG is not high enough and again, it's too expensive, and there is no way to make it cheaper without GM further loosing their a$$ on the car.

This car needs to be made in Lordstown OH or Ramos Mexico ASAP, it needs to be able to get at least 40MPG hwy with a manual, a normal radio, a better looking trip computer that tells time normally and easier to use, an optional navigation system, bluetooth, again ADVERTISEMENTS, a lower base price(hence the US production)some advertising(?I have not seen any commercials for just the Astra) and optional higher performance version, a normal sedan, ADVERTISEMENTS,

 

This car is a complete flop, I have not seen a single one on the road, and I live about 5 miles from a Saturn dealer that has a ton on the lot.

Yes it it does look good, but it does not sell, it's expensive, it does not have enough feautures or hp, the MPG is not high enough and again, it's too expensive, and there is no way to make it cheaper without GM further loosing their a$$ on the car.

This car needs to be made in Lordstown OH or Ramos Mexico ASAP, it needs to be able to get at least 40MPG hwy with a manual, a normal radio, a better looking trip computer that tells time normally and easier to use, an optional navigation system, bluetooth, again ADVERTISEMENTS, a lower base price(hence the US production)some advertising(?I have not seen any commercials for just the Astra) and optional higher performance version, a normal sedan, ADVERTISEMENTS,

Have you driven one?

Didn't think so, try it.

 

Have you driven one?

Didn't think so, try it.

I dont care how it drives, I am sure that its nice, It needs to SELL. Thats the problem, It could be great, fantastic, like if it was touched by the hand of God himself, but if there is no advertising, no sales support and the car is at a price disadvantage because of the EU to $ ratio, then it will continue to fail. Thats a FACT.


Note that I never complained about the engineering or the way the car drove, from what I have read, that is not the issue with the car, and how the car drives and handles has nothing to do with my post.
If its drives so well why are you not an owner?

 

If its drives so well why are you not an owner?

Becuase I just bought a truck in August. If I can get the money together to get one as well as my truck, I would. The Astra and the G8 are the two cars I have on my wish list right now.

 

At least there's hope for the next Astra..since this one is doomed...

Just tryin' to see the light at the end of that long tunnel here.....

 

At least there's hope for the next Astra..since this one is doomed...

Just tryin' to see the light at the end of that long tunnel here.....

I'm not sure how you can say this already, the thing is only two months old. Maybe it's just my area, but I've got two 5 doors on my street already and I'm strongly considering an XR for myself.

 

I finally saw one in traffic today. Otherwise the same cars have been sitting at the Saturn dealership I pass each day for a very long time.

 

Any news on the 2009s? Does the weak US dollar compared to the euro have anything to do with them hesitating announcing what will happen with 2009s?

 

I was just looking at the inventory report at Automotive News. As of May 1st, Saturn reported 8300 Astras at dealers. Divided by the sales rate, that translates to a 236 days supply. I think Saturn could skip the 2009 model year all together and go straight to the 2010 in January when the last of the '08's are sold.

 

Has anyone heard anything on the 2009 Astra yet? I have not...which is becoming curious to me.

 

No, me either, as it's still left out of the GM ordering guides online.

They've been out for a few months, and you'd think SOMETHING would at least be posted for now...unless they have screwy plans to run a very long 2008 model year and keep it out of sync with the rest of GM. The G8 is already straightened out in that regard, so I would expect the same of the Astra but no news yet.

Any Saturn dealer news...coaster.n3rd?

 

Will the 1.4 DI Turbo 14 be ready for the '09 Astra. I'd be sold on an Astra if they added it as an option even if it cost $1500 more.

 

How about a switch to the more efficient and more powerful 2.2L 5 speed Cobalt powertrain?

That would be pretty cool.

 

Look at Opel's present stable, if they have a 2.0 Ecotec, that'd be fine.

 

I'm hoping by August Saturn offers huge rebates to get rid of the '08 Astras. If the '08 and '09s are the same, I'd like to get a nearly loaded 3 door for under 20k.

 

Cheap f... :v

It has features not even the Malibu has and yet you're still unhappy with the asking price.

 

I like to save money. If you don't want $3k you can gladly send it to me. It has a lot of great features and it's priced closely to the competition, but I like to wait and save money and get great deals. Right now they're giving almost $2k off the Astras near me. I personally hope GM does a $2.99 gas deal with rebates by midsummer.

 

I am wondering as well, I sent emails to Saturn & my local dealership, will let you know if I hear anything.

Like it said in the other thread, I like just about everything about the car, except for the fact of no AUX (Wireless FM is ****!) and no armrest, so I've got my fingers crossed if there is a 09

Those are my main things. I like the gas mileage, so it isn't AS important, but more horsepower wouldn't hurt. And maybe one of those shiftronic transmissions (manual is too much of a pita for me to enjoy it, and I've never had a car with one, but heard people who like the shiftronic)

 

I agree the FM transmitters are crap.

Here's an aftermarket armrest - I think it costs around $200-$300

http://www.astraarmrest.com/

 

Thanks! Well, that solves that, now just have to think over the MP3 jack.


They actually emailed me back:

The 2009 ASTRA is scheduled to begin production on August 18, 2008. Vehicles generally begin arriving at retailers about 6 to 8 weeks after the start of production. Please keep in mind that production dates are preliminary and subject to change. Your preferred Saturn retailer will be able to advise you when they are anticipating their first shipment of vehicles.

Currently, the options you seek do not appear to be available for the 2009 ASTRA. However, there are a couple months between now and August, and because of this, we suggest contacting us back before production of the vehicle begins so we can provide you with the most up-to-date product information. We apologize for any inconveniences this has caused.

I just listed like 5-6 things I was just throwing out there, but main question I asked them was if they had the MP3 input on the newest one, maybe I'll ask again for just that option

 

I know that if you get really desperate, you can "install" your own mp3 jack in most cars.

You just need to order the CD changer option (or even a single disc CD player with a little more creativity), and then do some soldering, and run a headphone jack extension from the back of the stereo to somewhere in the cabin.

I looked into doing it on my current car but decided not to because I'll probably sell it soon. Here's the link: http://saabauxin.blogspot.com/

Needless to say I think this would void any warranty on the stereo.

 

hopefully they put the 2.0L SIDI turbo thats in the 2008 Chevy HHR ss (yuck) & 2008 cobalt ss turbo!!! there cant be a better car that deserves this wonderful engine!!!!

 

Astra new models Saturn is OPEL in europe, so if you search for Opel in germany or maybe in sweden my country you will find info, soon.
In england it is named Vauxhall.
I have som Opel astra a station vagon and a 5 door one with a 1,6liter 4 cyl 103 hp very nice driving and pretty good milage, the other one is a turbo Diesel 1,3 liter 90 hp, 6 gear,
both are stickshift, because of better milage.
A diesel is like 55 miles per gallon and the 1,6 gasoline is about 25 percent less in milage.
This car is good in quality, much better then the wolksvagen Audi group, I know the wolksvagen has a very good engine but the electronic is hasseling a lot.
I have also Ford Focus with 1,6 gasoline engine, this car is my favorit, the only bad thing is the motors rpm it could have an extra gear.
So to the Astra Diesel, this car with the 1,3 is strong and good when it drives over 2000 rpm, under that is the engine like a dead fish. It seems that the germans have buildt the car for Autobahn, driving in 80-100 miles per hour in that speed is the Astra diesel excellent. it has around 2000 rpm at 60 miles.
If you are looking after an Saturn Astra diesel so will i strongly recommend the turbo 1,9 liter engine for better comfort, the milage is only some less then for 1,3.