No 2009 Astra for U.S. Customers, 2010 Model Due Later this Year with New Options

[Charlie]

A new story entry has been added:

No 2009 Astra for U.S. Customers, 2010 Model Due Later this Year with New Options

If you've been on the lookout for a 2009 Saturn Astra, you can stop looking (that is unless you live in Canada, where Saturn is reportedly selling them). Due to the large number of 2008 Astras still in stock - about 5,500 units - Saturn is canceling plans to build a '09 model for the U.S. market.

[dindak]

Astra needs a sedan model, more power and better fuel economy. That would sell!!

[Robor007]

Astra needs a sedan model, more power and better fuel economy. That would sell!!

I don't understand the love of sedans and dislike of hatchbacks. I know it's not everyone but I've had people tell me that. A hatchback is far more versatile and convenient. :yes:

I want more power and better fuel economy too. Unfortunately, the addition of one usually subtracts from the other. ;) A 6th gear would benefit the manual though.

[manofthefield]

I don't understand the love of sedans and dislike of hatchbacks. I know it's not everyone but I've had people tell me that. A hatchback is far more versatile and convenient. :yes:

My guess is it has nothing to do with practicality and everything to do with what's in style. Why did everyone have to have a behemoth SUV these past 10 years? Cause that's what was "in". For some reason, hatchbacks have never really been "in," in the US anyway. I don't know if it's the history of sedans/spotty history of hatchbacks or if sedans are just perceived as more upscale...

In my eyes, the Astra is one of the better looking cars on the road, but I can see that a lot of people want sedans. I guess they're just sheep. If I was Saturn, I'd want an Astra sedan in the lineup. I bet it would double sales. But I'd still go for the 3dr hatch:yes:

[OPEL Blitz]

I looked at the Astras competitors in the US today and I must say, why GM havent made more of an effort is beyond me.

Take a look at the Ford Focus Sedan for example. It comes with optional ABS brakes. Drums. Even a Dacia (GREAT NEWS) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QqVpLe64dXM) comes with ABS (discs) standard here.
The Astra is playing in a whole different league. As such it's poor sales is suprising, maybe Americans just don't appreciate technology that may save their life? Is it all about the cupholders? I am stumped.

[m100]

Don't understand it either. One the execs at work was looking for a small affordable car for his daughter. Suggested the Astra, as of course he had never heard of it. Showed it to his daughter and she basically said "nope, no hatchbacks", so they are now looking at Aveos and Cobalts instead.

[onefunkar]

i think this is the first time ive ever seen a car miss a model year without an all new one coming to replace it. example no 83 corvette because 84 was all new and came out early. no 09 astra but the 10 is the same car with minor changes.

[cdp326]

I looked at the Astras competitors in the US today and I must say, why GM havent made more of an effort is beyond me.

Take a look at the Ford Focus Sedan for example. It comes with optional ABS brakes. Drums. Even a Dacia (GREAT NEWS) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QqVpLe64dXM) comes with ABS (discs) standard here.
The Astra is playing in a whole different league. As such it's poor sales is suprising, maybe Americans just don't appreciate technology that may save their life? Is it all about the cupholders? I am stumped.

In the U.S. small cars for many manufacturers (namely the big U.S. ones) don't turn much/any profit, so cost-cutting happens. From the consumer standpoint, many don't see a point in spending lots of money for small cars - the whole "economy" image. For example, the original Focus (back when we all got the same one...) didn't offer a lot of equipment the European Focus models did. We didn't get automatic A/C, parking sensors, etc.

The small car market is odd about features. For years Honda only offered ABS on the top level EX Civics, for over $16k, though fortunately they're on a safety push nowadays. Ford offered stability control around 2001-02 on the Focus, packaged with ABS, but at over $1500 it was very expensive for the market, especially when only VWs really had it at the time. On the bright side most every small car does have at least 4-6 airbags standard now.

The Astra really offers a lot of the basic equipment many look for (and in some cases should look for) in a small car I'd say, but since it's standard the base price is higher and many are put off, instead looking for a car with a lower initial price plus the other options.

[marx404]

Is it all about the cupholders? I am stumped.

As I am too. You should see the disinterested look I get when I explain ABS or Stabilitrac to most customers, LOL. What finally gets their attention is when I tell them that those features may save them money on insurance, then they suddenly become attentive. wow.

[JTO]

Hey, at least Saturn has plans for the future. It's looking better all the time :)

I was totally impressed when I first drove the car, the handling dynamics were just what I wanted. Most North Americans want don't appreciate the driving experience much, they prefer a cushy ride over controlled rebound dampening. If Saturn could get more people to look at the Astra I think it would be successful, there are still lots of people who value high quality and engineering. Although another cupholder for the girlfreind would be nice...

[onefunkar]

i dont think anyone is saying its not a good car but it isnt a high volume car. they replaced the ion, which sold tons of cars, for a low volume car. the astra is more of an enthusiasts car and the ion was for the masses.

[AuraDrvr89]

I'm waiting for the Buy one get one free sale!!

[AWDV6]

HEY FOLKS! Look what I found!!!! A 2009 ASTRA :snide:

http://www.cars.com/go/search/detail.jsp;?-%7cE-ALL%7cM-_43_%7cH-%7cD-_8818_%7cN-N%7cR-30%7cI-1%2c7%7cP-PRICE+descending%7cQ-descending%7cY-_2009_%7cX-popular%7cZ-44212&aff=national&paId=300803486&recnum=0&leadExists=true

[cooktxargaflaz]

I really like the Astra, It's really good looking and handles well. It's amazing to me that only 5500 will suffice the entire US for awhile. I am sure the S series probably sold that many in a week during it's prime, not mention the ION.

Although hatchbacks are really versatile, I don't like the small amount crush space provided for the rear seat passengers in the event of a serious collision with the rear of the car. I know that statistics show that's unlikely, but having the space of a trunk to absorb the impact just makes sense from a safety standpoint. I am thinking of those highway patrol dash cam videos where cars like the Crown Vic are totaled in high speed rear end collisions, but the passenger compartment survives mainly intact.

Another downer about hatchbacks (or SUVs for that matter) is the ability of anything in the trunk space to become a cabin projectile in a crash, rollover or otherwise.

After having a conversation with my friend in the highway patrol, I took the aftermarket DVD system off the headrests and I always put the cargo in the trunk now.

[eRic 02sc2]

Don't understand it either. One the execs at work was looking for a small affordable car for his daughter. Suggested the Astra, as of course he had never heard of it. Showed it to his daughter and she basically said "nope, no hatchbacks", so they are now looking at Aveos and Cobalts instead.

Aveo and Cobalt? barf. I sat in a Cobalt and G3 (rebadged Aveo) at the auto show and said "nope". Astra is nicer inside. and hatches are handy! when I first saw a 1991 Saturn SC -- I thought it was a hatch. I consider getting a Acura Integra but was feeling patriotic when I got my 92 SC.

[mdukin]

...And I would like to see hatch Aura ( Vectra )...

[titan12]

I thought the 2010 Astra was completely redesigned.. This makes it sound like they are adding a iPod jack to the version that is over here now and calling it a 2010 model..

[Germane German]

It sounds like pretty thin gruel for the "2010" changes. Will the one we've seen spy pictures of be the 2011 then?

[onefunkar]

id bet the 09 astra in ohio is a grey market vehicle from canada.

[onefunkar]

actually im wrong. the 2009 astra in ohio was a gm pilot test vehicle. build number is 19. so there is at least 1 09 astra in the us. talk about a very rare car. probably 1 of 1 built.

[nababbo]

as someone else said, people in the US perceive small cars as cheap. So when you charge a premium for a small car people don't care about the car. Either they go cheap or, for just a little more money, they can get a bigger and better car. To each his own. I personally like to have a cheap commuter car I can beat up in the city and a bigger and nicer car for trips/leasure.
The Astra doesn't fit either, and I guess it's the same for many other people.

[titan12]

It sounds like pretty thin gruel for the "2010" changes. Will the one we've seen spy pictures of be the 2011 then?


I thought the one in the spy pics was the 2010 model..Maybe its pushed back to a 2011 now... At least they are still giving Saturn some of them.. Thats a good sign..

[Jon Boy]

I want more power and better fuel economy too. Unfortunately, the addition of one usually subtracts from the other. ;) A 6th gear would benefit the manual though.

Except that the Cobalt manages to have more power AND better fuel economy with its four-speed automatic than the Astra has with its five-speed manual.

[marx404]

Except that the Cobalt manages to have more power AND better fuel economy with its four-speed automatic than the Astra has with its five-speed manual.


Yes, very true unfortunatelly. The Cobalt (and G6) was on my shopping list last yr as it has a better variation of the ION engine, (even though I am a die hard Saturn Fan). Compared to the Astra for what I got for my money, the Cobalt has a superior engine and transmission but the comparisons end there, especially when comparing fit and finish, comfort and safety features....and cost.

The Astra has much more standard features, 4 wheel disc brakes with ABS with Corner braking control standard on all Astras, plus Stabilitrac available, not available on the Cobalt. Only the SS Cobalt Coupe has the handling of the Astra and it costs a whole lot more (to buy and to insure) than an Astra and is not available in automatic (for those who want auto). Honestly, the only other thing that measured up was a G6 but again...it didnt compare feature and price-wise to the Astra XE.

You won't get any arguement from me that the Astra would have been better off with a 145hp Ecotec paired up with the 4 speed Hydromatic tranny, but I am quite happy with my Astra handling and the consistent 25-27mpg I get in an automatic.

[marcusa]

2010 model will be a...Buick Astra...http://www.gminsidenews.com/forums/f70/buick-opel-get-chummy-74687/

I think Saturn is dead, and GM is about to make the same mistake with Buick that they made with Oldsmobile. Boneheads.

[02OrangeSC2]

The US has never been a hatch market. Market research could have told them that, or just look at the roads and GM's past offerings. I could never understand why they would not sell the sedan here when you can get one as a Chevrolet in Mexico.

[marx404]

2010 model will be a...Buick Astra


I would still buy a Buick Astra if it were true, but as is common with most speculations that are passed off as "fact" by GMInciter.com, it is not true. Saturn is already gearing up to produce the 2010 Astra for the US market. There has been no other US Saturn news other than that GM will be funding Saturn throughout 2013.

[IONfan2]

I wish Saturn would bring the upcoming redesigned 2010 Opel Astra over as the redesigned 2010 Saturn Astra. Why wait?

[SaturnSdn]

The ASTRA needs the 2.2 as the base engine with the 2.4 as an option. Add the 2.0t and things would be looking up if they were to add the sedan to the lineup. How many times have I said that and been bashed for it.
The ASTRA is over priced and under powered, such a nice car other wise. Gas mileage was not improved with the 1.8L ..... on my driving loop to and from work with 9 stoplights and 2 stop signs I'm got average over the last ten fill ups 28.585 with the 2.4 and auto trans.

[SaturnSdn]

Sorry for the typo's, listening to the superbowl things are picking up.


I've got an average over the last ten fill ups of 28.585 with the 2.4 and auto trans.

[darnell89]

The Astra has really become a waste of production for SATURN. I think the car should have been Americanized like the Vue. The car is lacking a lot of features/options people want in a car like horsepower, and better fuel economy numbers. The Aura's power, and fuel economy for 09 is looking so much better than this economy car (Astra) that looks very bad. I think the price is a bit high for the size, and the look. My local dealer already has a used Astra XR5. What does that tell you. I think the ION should have been produced a little longer. The Cobalt is still selling, and it came out a year or so later after the ION, and is doing pretty good compared to the Astra. Why not release the 09 if the 10 is going to be the same body style that is so stupid. Why not redesign the car for 10?

[Toto]

Why not release the 09 if the 10 is going to be the same body style that is so stupid. Why not redesign the car for 10?
The current Astra is EOL and will be replaced 2009/2010, depending on where you live.

[darnell89]

The current Astra is EOL and will be replaced 2009/2010, depending on where you live.

In North America the Astra is keeping the same look it currently has for 2010. It might be redesigned in 2011.

[stoop14]

I have a 09 Astra, but i live in Canada. Their the exact same car as the 08s but with a tweaked steering wheel grip.

[czechers]

Oh Lord, I would kill for an iPod jack!!!

[Germane German]

In North America the Astra is keeping the same look it currently has for 2010. It might be redesigned in 2011.

"And that's why we can't have nice things!"

[marx404]

"And that's why we can't have nice things!"

consider the 2010 model year to be what the 2009 would, thats what we are getting. I think Charlie posted the 2009 Astra specs last year somewhere. I am glad to see they are keeping this body style, I love it!

[Robor007]

consider the 2010 model year to be what the 2009 would, thats what we are getting. I think Charlie posted the 2009 Astra specs last year somewhere. I am glad to see they are keeping this body style, I love it!

I like the body style as well but if I was looking to buy a redesigned Astra I'd want the rear windows made larger so the blind spots aren't so pronounced. :yes:

[hoodlum]

Here are some more details.

http://www.automotive-business-review.com/article_news.asp?guid=E8703708-EB54-4B7B-B464-F33AAB81C8B1

The company claims that it has a 139-day supply of the Astra car, as of January 1, 2009. General Motors (GM) said that it will resume sales of the Astra only in late summer or early fall as a 2010 model. The company, however, will sell the 2009 Saturn Astra in Canada.

Automotive News quoted Steve Janisse, Saturn spokesman, as saying: "We feel we have adequate stock of the 2008 Astra already. Since there were no major product changes for 2009, we're content with what we have on the ground here."

[marx404]

I like the body style as well but if I was looking to buy a redesigned Astra I'd want the rear windows made larger so the blind spots aren't so pronounced. :yes:

Thank you, thank you, thank you!
That is exactly why I preferred the 5 door over the 3 door. I almost backed up on my bosses foot in a 3 dr, LOL!

However, I had a lady who sat me in her 2000 camaro and she showed me that the visibility of that rear window was almost as bad.

[ChgoBlues]

i dont think anyone is saying its not a good car but it isnt a high volume car. they replaced the ion, which sold tons of cars, for a low volume car. the astra is more of an enthusiasts car and the ion was for the masses.

The Astra is sporty, especially when you look at the 3 door version but I wouldn't put it as an "enthusiasts" car. I'd leave that description more for the Ion and Sky Red Line models.

[KimballGCole]

The Astra has really become a waste of production for SATURN. I think the car should have been Americanized like the Vue. The car is lacking a lot of features/options people want in a car like horsepower, and better fuel economy numbers. The Aura's power, and fuel economy for 09 is looking so much better than this economy car (Astra) that looks very bad. I think the price is a bit high for the size, and the look. My local dealer already has a used Astra XR5. What does that tell you. I think the ION should have been produced a little longer. The Cobalt is still selling, and it came out a year or so later after the ION, and is doing pretty good compared to the Astra. Why not release the 09 if the 10 is going to be the same body style that is so stupid. Why not redesign the car for 10?

Darnell,
I believe that the problem is the fact that Saturn Americanized this Astra. As an Opel over in Europe the car is 12 different trim types, and 10 engine configurations from 1.3CDTi 16v to 2.0i 16v Turbo:drool:. GM Selected the only Astra platform that had both an automatic and manual transmission; the 1.8i 16v VVT:cry:. I believe that this was done because the average American driver does not know nor want to learn to drive a manual.

Now I'm willing to bet that the used XR5 Astras that you seen at the dealer are most likely automatic transmission. I test drove an XR5 with an automatic and it was pretty lethargic, and I would never buy a small car with an automatic. I had my Saturn dealer searching all over the tri-state area looking for the XR5 model that I wanted. I currently own an XR5 with the manual and just love it. I know that I'll never beat a Porsche or a BMW off the line but I can surprise a lot of those tuner boyz with my stock XR5:cool:.

[ChgoBlues]

The ASTRA needs the 2.2 as the base engine with the 2.4 as an option. Add the 2.0t and things would be looking up if they were to add the sedan to the lineup. How many times have I said that and been bashed for it.
The ASTRA is over priced and under powered, such a nice car other wise. Gas mileage was not improved with the 1.8L ..... on my driving loop to and from work with 9 stoplights and 2 stop signs I'm got average over the last ten fill ups 28.585 with the 2.4 and auto trans.

Pricing was something my sales rep and I talked about when I took delivery. He is originally from the UK and priced out a comparably equipped Astra in the European market. The price tipped over 30K for a XR 3 door with premium package, 18" star spoke wheels and advanced audio system. Granted, Saturn originally planned the price point for the vehicle in the 16s but with the economy and exchange rate, that wasn't possible. So in my eyes, for what you are getting in features, vastly improved interior from the Ion, and 32 mpg, I think 21K for a loaded Astra XR 3 door is quite a deal.

[Robor007]

The Astra is sporty, especially when you look at the 3 door version but I wouldn't put it as an "enthusiasts" car. I'd leave that description more for the Ion and Sky Red Line models.

I completely agree... IMO the Astra competes with cars like the Civic, Corolla, etc. It's not made to compete with a true 'sports car'. It just happens to be a more sporty economy car. :)

[pimpin88]

Another '09?

http://cleveland.craigslist.org/ctd/1018290788.html