Saturn Astra

[100KSW2]

If Saturn does the Astra right then it will very likely change my mind about my next car being a Scion. Scions are reliable, fun to drive, high value - and sell for a fixed, no-haggle price. If you don't like that, then you must be new around here. They also generate the kind of owner enthusiasm (and on-line forums) that Saturns have.

If GM pulls a Ford Focus move, and takes all the goodness and quality out of the Astra in bringing it here, then I'm gone!

(Note to the marketing department: I was born in 1949.)

P.S. The Astra wagon is the one I really want to replace my SW2!

[SkyVue]

Could the Opel Zafira be next? Would make sense to bring it over here and compete against the Mazda 5, But please bring it over with a five speed transmission!! Saturn/ GM are you listening?

[saturn_69]

Some pictures I found.....good ones of the interior.

[TCL]

Originally Posted by saturn_69

Some pictures I found.....good ones of the interior.

Good find. The interior looks better to me in these photos than it did in the press release photos.

[GR898SL2]

Nice photos saturn69! The blue 3-door is to die for. I just had to use one for my new avatar!

[saturn_69]

Originally Posted by TCL

Good find. The interior looks better to me in these photos than it did in the press release photos.

I don't know who takes the photos for GM, but if someone with a camera phone can take better ones than the GM guy, he needs to be fired. Apparently, the interior has a soft, rubbery feel like VW or Honda, unlike the AMT/ERTL feeling of the Ion and Cobalt. That's good news.

[TCL]

This photo from another site shows what looks like aluminum colored trim on the dash. Maybe this car has different trim than the one in the press release.

http://jalopnik.com/photogallery/SaturnAstra3/868420

[saturn_69]

Here is an article on the 1.8L engine in our Astra:

[lordkosc]

ugh ,that center console looks horrible... what are the 4 holes in the console corners, are they screw holes?

[saturn_69]

Originally Posted by lordkosc

ugh ,that center console looks horrible... what are the 4 holes in the console corners, are they screw holes?

No, they are the holes you insert the radio removal tool into. You don't have to tear the dash apart to upgrade the stereo, kinda like Ford does. I think the center stack looks pretty good. Better than that black and red boom-box/Pontiac throwback in the Mazda 3. The Astra interior also comes in several colors other than silver. Piano black, woodgrain, spun aluminum, brushed aluminum, carbon fiber....depends on the trim level.

[SkyVue]

I like it! Simple yet functionable. Kinda like Sweedish furniture. LOL, Saturn_69 seems so far you and I are about the only ones liking the Astra. Oh well just goes to show you , You can't please everyone. I for one can't wait to get mine!

[Citation84]

Is that a timing belt in that picture ??

[Citation84]

Originally Posted by saturn_69

I don't know who takes the photos for GM, but if someone with a camera phone can take better ones than the GM guy, he needs to be fired. Apparently, the interior has a soft, rubbery feel like VW or Honda, unlike the AMT/ERTL feeling of the Ion and Cobalt. That's good news.

Finally a decent description of what the element of difference is between cheap plastic in one car over cheap plastic in another [and I don't mean that to be sarcastic].To me it's always been plastic no matter how it's presented and I could never see what the issue was. You've explained it very well, Saturn 69. Thanks.
The interior looks good and any step toward ease of repair or replacement in a dash board is a plus. I really like this car. But no blue bubble dash trim option ????

[db55]

GM rebadging opels as saturns is smart. opels have style and sophistication. The Ion will be easily forgotten. My girlfriend has an Ion and although it is a reliable car it is one of the most boring vehicles I have ever driven. So long Ion, hello Astra!
The new Pontiac G8 being shown at the Chicago show(rebadged Holden Commodore) looks good too. However, I hope it will be avialable without the in your face hood scoops.

[TCL]

Originally Posted by Citation84

Is that a timing belt in that picture ??

Looks like it. Do any of the Ecotecs have chains?

[PaulGraz]

Originally Posted by TCL

Looks like it. Do any of the Ecotecs have chains?

Someone will correct me if I'm wrong, but I'm pretty sure the early Ecotec 4's used in the L-series had timing chains.

I prefer a chain - but belts are quieter, cheaper, and more profitable (since we have to change them more often)

[saturn_69]

Originally Posted by TCL

Looks like it. Do any of the Ecotecs have chains?

All 2nd Gen Ecotecs have chains; the 2.2, 2.4 and 2.0. The 1.8 isn't a 2nd Gen.

[TCL]

Originally Posted by saturn_69

All 2nd Gen Ecotecs have chains; the 2.2, 2.4 and 2.0. The 1.8 isn't a 2nd Gen.

Thanks. Another reason to wait for an optional engine.

[lordkosc]

Originally Posted by saturn_69

No, they are the holes you insert the radio removal tool into. You don't have to tear the dash apart to upgrade the stereo, kinda like Ford does. I think the center stack looks pretty good. Better than that black and red boom-box/Pontiac throwback in the Mazda 3. The Astra interior also comes in several colors other than silver. Piano black, woodgrain, spun aluminum, brushed aluminum, carbon fiber....depends on the trim level.

I like the red/black look in my Mazda 3, but to each his own, the Astra center dash needs to get rid of the phone pad number control system, I think thats the part I really dislike. Otherwise the layout isn't bad, I personally don't like the 4 holes for radio removal... I am a stock radio kinda guy....