2008 Saturn Astra

coopcj7 · 09-09-2007, 08:46 PM

Well after going to the Saturn Day at the Zoo here in columbus ohio, my wife was able to get comfy in the new 2008 astra.
After all of her choices G6, Mailibu, Aura, and Impala She likes the Astra the best

It was a very nice car and it sat lower than most of the other cars that we have looked at. As soon as I am able to we are going to order one. The 3 door was nice but she liked the 4 door the best. After all the 3 door isn't car seat friendly. here are some pics

jayman · 09-09-2007, 10:05 PM

Not bad at all...is it just me or is the moon-roof really big?

Bopfan · 09-09-2007, 10:38 PM

cool car. reminds me a bit of a Mazda 3.

red line version coming down the pike?

I like the two door version but I can see where it would not be 'kid friendly'. would be tuff getting the car seat (and the kid) in and out of it.

when we they be available?

coopcj7 · 09-09-2007, 10:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jayman

Not bad at all...is it just me or is the moon-roof really big?

the moonroof covers the front and back like the mini coopers do. it is a power retractable dual moonroof. The interior of this car was wonderful the gauge cluster is set up like the sky except it isn't recessed in the dash. they are also going to allow me to use the GM employee discount.

the only problem that I have been told is the first astras that come to the US are all white. It won't be till mid year that you can get color options. I am waiting to confirm this but the misses said that white isn't a problem.

Dan12R · 09-09-2007, 11:22 PM

The sad thing about the Saturn Astra is that it's not going to be the same as the Opel Astra. The Opel Astra (as I understand it) has a bit more power and a better suspension.

**todaresqSL2** · 09-10-2007, 07:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dan12R

The sad thing about the Saturn Astra is that it's not going to be the same as the Opel Astra. The Opel Astra (as I understand it) has a bit more power and a better suspension.

Same suspension... and one of the engines offered in the OPEL is in the Saturn. While there are many varieties for the OPEL... they decided on one engine for now in the Saturn. They sell hundreds of thousands of OPEL Astras... and only plan on about 30 - 40K the first year for Saturn.

TOY4TWO · 09-10-2007, 07:38 PM

I saw the OPEL version driving around here in San Diego a few months back, they look good in person.

OPEL-GT · 10-27-2007, 03:05 PM

Astra is a nice car. I have a company car and the last 3 have been the Opel Astra estate.

These cars come with the "sporty versions" in Euroland

Opel have the OPC version

Vauxhall have the VXR

http://www.vauxhall.co.uk/vx/vxr/flash/index_main.html

Blue04RedLine · 10-27-2007, 05:56 PM

Unfortunately, as far as I've been able to find out, the OPC or VXR versions will NOT be coming over in this model of the astra. So for now there won't be a redline version, which I personally think it stupid because they have the resources and NOW is the time for hot powerful hatches. From everything I've been able to read, the RL version will come out when the entire Astra model is revamped around the 2010 model year. The astra is supposed to undergo a remodeling soon because this "generation" has been out long enough. From what I've read as well, when the next generation Astra is finished production will also start in the US on astras, whereas right now they are all being imported from Europe.

Plastic Fury · 10-27-2007, 07:45 PM

Yeah, that sounds about right from what I have been hearing. It is so frustrating but not suprising with GM's track record on the tuner market as of yet. There is already an aftermarket for this car in Europe and bringing over the turbo model here would be great, as you said now is the time to do so.

They never learn.

ChgoBlues · 10-27-2007, 08:43 PM

I don't think its so much as them 'not learning' as it is finding out how good the response to the car in general will be. Yes, the Astra is very popular in Europe but what sells great there may not sell the same way here. What's the point of bringing over a hot rod for an even smaller niche market if the bread and butter versions don't move to the greater market? Yea, would be cool to have a Red Line version here but let the car get established a bit first before you expand the offerings. The next version is only 2 model years away and I'd rather have a quality build on a car then rushing something to market just be in the market. There is a tuner market but Saturn isn't anywhere near the top of the want list like Toyo, Honda, Mitsu and Mazda are.

Personally, I really liked the car when I saw it at the 07 Chicago Auto Show and decided it will be the next car when the Sky is paid off. After all, with an Ion Red Line and a Sky Red Line, I still need a daily driver.

SkyBaby · 10-27-2007, 09:09 PM

That is cool... Does she get a trunk-monkey too? SkyBaby

MidniteBlues · 10-27-2007, 09:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by coopcj7

Well after going to the Saturn Day at the Zoo here in columbus ohio, my wife was able to get comfy in the new 2008 astra.
After all of her choices G6, Mailibu, Aura, and Impala She likes the Astra the best

It was a very nice car and it sat lower than most of the other cars that we have looked at. As soon as I am able to we are going to order one. The 3 door was nice but she liked the 4 door the best. After all the 3 door isn't car seat friendly. here are some pics

In away I am surprised your wife preferred the Astra over the Aura, especially with small children involved. Al tho the Astra is nice, it has no trunk? Plus the rear doors open farther out than a standard 4-door, which would be great with babies and car seats. I would think she would want a bigger vehicle and some storage room in the back in the trunk. I did drive a Malibu for 2 weeks in California, not a bad little car. Had more power than I expected. But, hey, get mama what she wants--Finally I know the costs with the Aura, (they also have their "green" version), what do astra go for? Never have looked them up--

coopcj7 · 10-28-2007, 12:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MidniteBlues

In away I am surprised your wife preferred the Astra over the Aura, especially with small children involved. Al tho the Astra is nice, it has no trunk? Plus the rear doors open farther out than a standard 4-door, which would be great with babies and car seats. I would think she would want a bigger vehicle and some storage room in the back in the trunk. I did drive a Malibu for 2 weeks in California, not a bad little car. Had more power than I expected. But, hey, get mama what she wants--Finally I know the costs with the Aura, (they also have their "green" version), what do astra go for? Never have looked them up--

one of the main reasons she went with the astra is she is only 4' 11" yea she is short. the aura's dsh sat to high for her stature and she feels like she s driving a boat. It was too big for her. I honestly would go for the new malibu but this is her car. the astra that she likes actually has a decent trunk. She does cakes and decorating on the side so the height of the trunk is amazing. ga mileage is the best amongst all of them. the astra startes at 15,500 and the most expensive XR around 21000 I liked the interior as well compared to others that I have seen

ChgoBlues · 10-28-2007, 07:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by coopcj7

I honestly would go for the new malibu but this is her car.

What about the Malibu do you like over the Aura?

1Man1Sky · 10-28-2007, 08:29 PM

Reminds of the Vibe...which I think is very cool looking.

Blue04RedLine · 10-29-2007, 02:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1Man1Sky

Reminds of the Vibe.

Same thing I thought looking at that model.

autofan · 10-29-2007, 01:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by coopcj7

one of the main reasons she went with the astra is she is only 4' 11" yea she is short. the aura's dsh sat to high for her stature and she feels like she s driving a boat. It was too big for her.

That's refreshing to read. Many women, despite their dimunitive size, prefer something along the lines of a Yukon XL or Land Rover. I can't tell you how many tiny women I see driving those behemoths!!

I really like the Astra. The only deal breaker for me is that it is only available with one interior color option - charcoal. No thanks. Too hot, too boring looking and too dark.

coopcj7 · 10-29-2007, 01:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChgoBlues

What about the Malibu do you like over the Aura?

looks exterior and interior ithink more time and design was put into the new malibu since its old design was suffering

power is the same
Aura V6, 252-horsepower engine
Malibu V6, 252-horsepower engine

MidniteBlues · 10-29-2007, 01:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by autofan

That's refreshing to read. Many women, d

09-09-2007, 08:46 PM	#1 (permalink)
coopcj7 Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: My Very Own Trunk Monkey Posts: 910 My Photos: (0)	2008 Saturn Astra Well after going to the Saturn Day at the Zoo here in columbus ohio, my wife was able to get comfy in the new 2008 astra. After all of her choices G6, Mailibu, Aura, and Impala She likes the Astra the best It was a very nice car and it sat lower than most of the other cars that we have looked at. As soon as I am able to we are going to order one. The 3 door was nice but she liked the 4 door the best. After all the 3 door isn't car seat friendly. here are some pics Attached Thumbnails __________________ Chili Pepper Red #3060 3 Stainless Pedals 1 plastic foot rest Black Top/Leather Interior LSD 6 Disc Monsoon Flowmaster Dual Exhuast Redline Gauges Bullet Door Locks WERKS Stage II Turbo "FOUNDER OF CENTRAL OHIO CUSTOM KAPPAS"

09-09-2007, 10:05 PM	#2 (permalink)
jayman First 2000 Sr. Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Tucson, AZ Posts: 1,830 My Photos: (0)	Not bad at all...is it just me or is the moon-roof really big? __________________ Silver Graphite '07 : red interior, tint, chrome rims, li'l chromies, chrome wipers, chrome domes, chrome vanity,chrome valve stems, chrome antenna, chrome sack... "I must obey the inscrutable exhortations of my soul" C&H RED SOX NATION

09-09-2007, 10:38 PM	#3 (permalink)
Bopfan Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Worthington, Ohio Posts: 112 My Photos: (0)	Astra cool car. reminds me a bit of a Mazda 3. red line version coming down the pike? I like the two door version but I can see where it would not be 'kid friendly'. would be tuff getting the car seat (and the kid) in and out of it. when we they be available? __________________ won it in a contest late October ordered 10/31/06 picked up 2/10/07 Red Line 3 pedals Forest Green/Tan/Tan Spoiler, LSD Leather package Other rides: '06 Saturn Vue Specialized M3 Team Airborne Ti Manhattan Project

09-09-2007, 11:22 PM	#5 (permalink)
Dan12R Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 41 My Photos: (0)	The sad thing about the Saturn Astra is that it's not going to be the same as the Opel Astra. The Opel Astra (as I understand it) has a bit more power and a better suspension. __________________ -Dan On order: '08 Sky (named Chuck) MT rear wing black To replace: Focus 3 door hatch with, AT no power windows or locks understeer like whoa

09-10-2007, 07:38 PM	#7 (permalink)
TOY4TWO First 2000 Sr. Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 458 My Photos: (0)	nice car I saw the OPEL version driving around here in San Diego a few months back, they look good in person. __________________ Send me a Private Message to rate/view your Saturn Dealer on the USA Map.

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10-27-2007, 03:05 PM	#8 (permalink)
OPEL-GT Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Germany Posts: 110 My Photos: (0)	Astra is a nice car. I have a company car and the last 3 have been the Opel Astra estate. These cars come with the "sporty versions" in Euroland Opel have the OPC version Vauxhall have the VXR http://www.vauxhall.co.uk/vx/vxr/flash/index_main.html __________________ Saturn Sky RL Triple Black Total Opel GT conversion kit (factory fitted) wind deflector stumpy antenna

10-27-2007, 05:56 PM	#9 (permalink)
Blue04RedLine First 2000 Sr. Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Orlando, Fl Posts: 227 My Photos: (0)	Unfortunately, as far as I've been able to find out, the OPC or VXR versions will NOT be coming over in this model of the astra. So for now there won't be a redline version, which I personally think it stupid because they have the resources and NOW is the time for hot powerful hatches. From everything I've been able to read, the RL version will come out when the entire Astra model is revamped around the 2010 model year. The astra is supposed to undergo a remodeling soon because this "generation" has been out long enough. From what I've read as well, when the next generation Astra is finished production will also start in the US on astras, whereas right now they are all being imported from Europe. __________________ 2004 Saturn ION Red Line Mods: K&N Typhoon CAI Billetflow 2.7" pully (in blue) GM Stage Injectors (42.5# Lucas) GM Stage Tune B&G Springs Central FLorida RedLine Association (CFLRA) - Member #5

10-27-2007, 07:45 PM	#10 (permalink)
Plastic Fury Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Fort Lauderdale, Fl. Posts: 24 My Photos: (0)	Yeah, that sounds about right from what I have been hearing. It is so frustrating but not suprising with GM's track record on the tuner market as of yet. There is already an aftermarket for this car in Europe and bringing over the turbo model here would be great, as you said now is the time to do so. They never learn. __________________ Sixthsphere.com -- Home of the STC. -1993 SC1.5 Hail to the REDSKINS

10-27-2007, 08:43 PM	#11 (permalink)
ChgoBlues Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Boston, MA Posts: 594 My Photos: (6)	I don't think its so much as them 'not learning' as it is finding out how good the response to the car in general will be. Yes, the Astra is very popular in Europe but what sells great there may not sell the same way here. What's the point of bringing over a hot rod for an even smaller niche market if the bread and butter versions don't move to the greater market? Yea, would be cool to have a Red Line version here but let the car get established a bit first before you expand the offerings. The next version is only 2 model years away and I'd rather have a quality build on a car then rushing something to market just be in the market. There is a tuner market but Saturn isn't anywhere near the top of the want list like Toyo, Honda, Mitsu and Mazda are. Personally, I really liked the car when I saw it at the 07 Chicago Auto Show and decided it will be the next car when the Sky is paid off. After all, with an Ion Red Line and a Sky Red Line, I still need a daily driver. __________________ 2008 Sky Red Line Midnight Blue/Black/5 spd Splash Guards Opel Antenna 2006 Ion Red Line Pacific Blue/Black/5 spd Stage 2/Extrudehone Exh Manifold Front Grille imSaturn:http://www.imsaturn.com/profile/Rob41

10-27-2007, 09:09 PM	#12 (permalink)
SkyBaby First 2000 Sr. Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Somewhere In The SKY! Posts: 7,549 My Photos: (13)	That is cool... Does she get a trunk-monkey too? SkyBaby __________________ Whats NOT to Love??? www.kappascoasttocoast.com www.kustomkaps.com http://www.myspace.com/skybabymissy

10-28-2007, 08:29 PM	#16 (permalink)
1Man1Sky Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Michigan Posts: 303 My Photos: (0)	Reminds of the Vibe...which I think is very cool looking. __________________ ' '08 Chili Pepper Red/Black Leather Red Line/Auto Monsoon w/6 Disc Changer Chrome Wheels LSD Add Ons: Lil' Chromies Windrestrictor got sky? Decal Opel GT Antenna Tinted Windows 50% RED LINE Third Brake Light Overlay