Saturn Astra a "Joy to Drive"

[Charlie]

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[drupal=2822]Saturn Astra a "Joy to Drive"[/drupal]

David Chao for Canada's Surrey Now: In general, cars designed in Europe and modified for North American consumption don't survive the transition very well. That's both unfortunate and fortunate, because the vehicles often lose a lot of what makes them exciting, but gain improved bumpers and other equipment to meet our stricter safety and emissions requirements.

[Robor007]

From the article...

It's a joy to drive, fuel-efficient, and is easily the best small car in GM Canada's fleet.

Yet we still don't see any publicity for it. Why? The lack of cup holders? Confusing (actually just complex) stereo/computer? I just don't get it. Anyone who's driven the competition knows there's no better car in the class of the Astra. Period.

[danger d]

Originally Posted by Robor007

From the article...



Yet we still don't see any publicity for it. Why? The lack of cup holders? Confusing (actually just complex) stereo/computer? I just don't get it. Anyone who's driven the competition knows there's no better car in the class of the Astra. Period.

the stereo computer is not even complex .Its simply different .

[blk06RXC]

Originally Posted by danger d

the stereo computer is not even complex .Its simply different .

Exactly! A lot of people don't like things that are different! Most people want their arm rests, twin cup holders, annoyingly spring loaded seat backs!! Also, people don't want to have to read through the book in order to do most of the things they take for granted. They don't want 'hard' seats, or 'rough' suspensions! If someone decided to try something different, they will most likely like how simply effective it is. Most people do not realize this though, so they stick with the same old same old, like the same old English system. America has become the epitome of conformity. So much so that most are clinging to fossils for our source of food (and transportation ) Ok, I am ranting now...

This is why I like Saturns, because they ARE different!

Sorry for the rant

[danger d]

Originally Posted by blk06rxc

exactly! A lot of people don't like things that are different! Most people want their arm rests, twin cup holders, annoyingly spring loaded seat backs!! Also, people don't want to have to read through the book in order to do most of the things they take for granted. They don't want 'hard' seats, or 'rough' suspensions! If someone decided to try something different, they will most likely like how simply effective it is. Most people do not realize this though, so they stick with the same old same old, like the same old english system. America has become the epitome of conformity. So much so that most are clinging to fossils for our source of food (and transportation ) ok, i am ranting now...

This is why i like saturns, because they are different!

Sorry for the rant :d

x10000000

[Saturn#5]

Really the time that we Americans waste discussing silly issues like how many cup holders, or the armrest issue in the Astra is really funny to watch. I have owed my Astra for about a month and really it is the best handling car by far that I have owned!

The cup holder doesn't bother me in the least...really it's a car not a coffee bar! If you really sit back and think about it the Astra has 4 cup holders...one in the center, two in the rear, and one in the glove box (okay I give you that this one is an odd place for a cup holder). The driver is the only one who needs to have a cup holder that is accessible...that is the center console one.

As far as the armrest...that is a personal opinion...but it seems to be more in the way than a convenience (from what I have heard, I don't personally have one).

The fact is the car is really fun to drive.

[blk06RXC]

Originally Posted by Saturn#5

The driver is the only one who needs to have a cup holder that is accessible...that is the center console one.

My sentiments exactly! The passenger can hold the drink.

'don't spill the drink in my brand new car either!!!!'

The rear cup holder is cool that it is embedded into the rear seat!

[Robor007]

Originally Posted by danger d

the stereo computer is not even complex .Its simply different .

I think a better description than complex is highly configurable. Most cars don't have 9 presets in a single menu or the option of base/treble *and* an equalizer. Definitely different but IMO after a day of use it's no more difficult than any other system.

[BNM449]

I think the term "sophisticated" applies generally to to the Astra.

There are a lot of very cool features stuffed into that handsome little package.

And yes, a few missing -- but you have to remember the mindset of Europe, where a vehicle is not regarded as an entertainment platform on wheels.
Driving IS the entertainment!

~N~

[nathan06a]

Originally Posted by Saturn#5

If you really sit back and think about it the Astra has 4 cup holders...one in the center, two in the rear, and one in the glove box (okay I give you that this one is an odd place for a cup holder).

don't forget about the water bottle holders in the 2 front doors :] i always use mine.

[jon_e_quest]

Originally Posted by Saturn#5

Really the time that we Americans waste discussing silly issues like how many cup holders, or the armrest issue in the Astra is really funny to watch. I have owed my Astra for about a month and really it is the best handling car by far that I have owned!

The cup holder doesn't bother me in the least...really it's a car not a coffee bar! If you really sit back and think about it the Astra has 4 cup holders...one in the center, two in the rear, and one in the glove box (okay I give you that this one is an odd place for a cup holder). The driver is the only one who needs to have a cup holder that is accessible...that is the center console one.

As far as the armrest...that is a personal opinion...but it seems to be more in the way than a convenience (from what I have heard, I don't personally have one).

The fact is the car is really fun to drive.

Actually, there are two more cup holder shapes (soda can sized) in the forward portion of the floor level pockets at either end of the rear seat making for a total of six!

And two different aftermarket arm rests are available for those who need one.

[regfootball]

Originally Posted by jon_e_quest

Actually, there are two more cup holder shapes (soda can sized) in the forward portion of the floor level pockets at either end of the rear seat making for a total of six!

And two different aftermarket arm rests are available for those who need one.

www.ultimatecupholders.com appears to have some options for those wanting more!