The 2008 Saturn Astra will replace the Ion in Saturn's lineup. More Photos.

Saturn General Manager Jill Lajdziak posted a story on the GM Fastlane blog today teasing us with a few new details about the brand's replacement for the compact Ion sedan and quad coupe: the 2008 Saturn Astra. The Astra will make its formal debut at the Chicago Auto Show next month. According to Lajdziak's blog entry, the Astra will:

• "Complete the first phase of [Saturn's] product renaissance"

• "Mark the fifth entry into the new Saturn lineup"

• "Be offered in XE (five-door) and XR (three-door and five-door) trim levels, and will bring new levels of style, performance, safety and efficiency to the small car segment in North America"

• "Be available in the fourth quarter this year"

In addition she noted that the Astra has won "critical acclaim" in Europe, where more than a half million were sold last year... second only in the European compact segment to the Volkswagen Golf.

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Source: GM Fastlane Blog