Saturn Astra Sport Compact vs. European Opel Astra

Launched in Europe in 2004 as an Opel Astra, Saturn's Astra Sport Compact will be hitting the USA in 2008. Different features will be loaded into the US version, and consumers are anxious to get a look and test-drive of what is purported to be a sporty performance car.

Loaded with a wealth of standard safety features, the new Saturn Astra Sport Compact is more than just another pretty face in the automotive world. Just a few of the standard safety features are Stabilitrack® Stability Control; front, side-impact, and head-curtain air bags; OnStar® (one year of the Safe and Sound plan), and a tire pressure monitoring system.

Available in the 5-door XE, 5-door XR, and 3-door XR trim packages, the 1.4 liter 4 cylinder engine Astra offers a lot of 'bang for the buck'. The base price for manual speed transmission, which comes standard, ranges from $15,995 - $18,495; and the base price for automatic speed transmission ranges from $17,320 - $19,820.

The dimensions of the 3-door and 5-door versions are identical except for the height. The Astra measures in at 170.5" long and 69" wide. The 3-door version has a height of 55.8", while the 5-door version is slightly taller at 57.4". Both list a wheelbase of 102.9".

While many great performance features are available on the Astra, they are severely limited by trim package, and most are not standard. This limits the consumer's ability to get a truly great performance set up at a reasonable cost. This seems to conflict with the initial hype of the car being about 'performance and handling'.

The Astra makes up for it in comfort features, though, with most offered as standard features. Items such as front console cup holder and 12 volt power outlet; driver information center, Rain Sense™ wipers, and 60/40 split folding rear seat are standard in all trims.

The option packages are leather, sport handling, and audio, but are not available for every trim package. Some of the optional equipment available are dual-panel sunroof, alloy wheels, and heated cloth seats. Not all equipment is available for all trim packages. Special sport seats hug the driver so there is no sliding around on the seat when curves are encountered in driving. Motortrend magazine reviewed the European version which is similar to the US version, and describes the interior as having 'ergonomic controls' and 'easy to read gauges'. Early images of the interior reveal clean lines with organized and well-placed controls.

The interior is limited to cloth and leather all in charcoal. Exterior colors are limited to Star Silver, Arctic White, Salsa Red, Twilight Blue, Silver Sand, and Black Sapphire.

Three free podcasts detailing the design and features are available to download or play from the Saturn Astra website by clicking here.

Information not to be found on the website at the time of publication of this article involves horsepower, torque, and gas mileage for starters. Perhaps as the release date looms closer, more information will be available online. There is an option on the website to be 'kept posted' about the Astra, for those consumers who are interested in this new vehicle.

Nationwide, shows and special 'driving events' are being held to allow consumers to see the Astra, or to take a 'joy ride' in it before it hits showrooms. The schedule for both types of events is available on the Saturn Astra website HERE .

Will the Saturn Astra Sport Compact be a hit or a miss with consumers? Only time and sales reports will tell.

.