Vehicle: 2007 Opel Astra 1.8 Panorama
Price as tested: HK$213000

Performance: There are many variants in the Astra range, ranging from high-performance OPC to small 1.6L version. The 1.8L is the mainstay of the family, as it bridges from the smaller 1.6L and the higher performing 2.0L turbocharged version. Interestingly, 1.8L is the 1st engine that GM will bring over as a Saturn. GM’s Ecotec engine series is never known for outright performance nor ultra refinement, however, this little mill comes as a surprise given how rough General’s econocars used to be. With 125 hp and 118 lb/ft of torque, it will not be class-leading performer neither. However, maximum torque arrives at 3800rpm certainly helps a lot. Not to mention Opel’s 4-speed manumatic helps this little unit. It got excellent final drive ratio for proper highway cruising, as well as gear ratio for 1st and 2nd low enough for peppy acceleration. As for refinement, its surprisingly quiet and NVH is very well controlled. With the press of the “sport” button, it quickly transforms this vehicle from a rather staid econocar into a hot hatch. The manumatic will up and downshift in higher rpm for sportier response.

Handling: Opel engineers really have done a marvelous job with Astra’s chassis. It all begins with a stiff and solid chassis, which feels very Teutonic. It doesn’t have the loose chassis flex that is usually associated with GM econoboxes of old. The right setting of suspension geometry, rebound damping and well-weighted steering have given this Astra something that General have never done before. That’s excellent handling dynamics that put smiles on driver’s face. Its sharp steering that provides great feedback and precision, as well as suspension hangs onto itself through every corners would give the class benchmarks a-run-for-their-money. Those are, of course, VW Rabbit and Mazda3 Sport. Its ride quality is equally impressive as it absorbs roughness and washboard pavement that never felt before in GM entry-level cars. Just like the transmission, its suspension would transformed itself into sharper and tighter by the press of a “sport” button on the dashboard. Best of all, its dynamic stability control won’t step in until necessary. In a nutshell, this is by far the best General econocar I have driven in such a long time.

Brakes: Mushy pedal feel and long stopping distance have always been the “trademark” of GM. Not so with this Astra. This puppy really has done exceptionally well in hard braking tests. The pedal feel is excellent while stopping distance is short.

Interior: Our tester is equipped with the optional Panorama sunroof that we aren’t sure whether it will make it across the Atlantic. It creates such an airy feel. It feels like a breath of fresh air in a sea of crappy GM econobox in this excellent Astra. Its interior materials are world-class either. There are plenty of soft-touch plastic abound. The leather on the seats are covered in soft and supple hides. Instrumentation gauges are clear and analog. Opel desingers have done a great job by using knobs for climate control and stereo, which can be used without consulting an owner’s manual. On the other hand, the center console’s information center gives out trip computer and radio infos. However, it tends to wash out during sunlight.

There are enough leg and headrooms on the back seat.

In terms of cargo space, its low cut-over and 40/60 split fold down rear seats provides plenty of storage space for 4 persons on the go.

Conclusion: Times have changed, so does Saturn. Just 4 years ago, Saturn had a rubbish econocar, an unremarkable family sedan and so-so soft-roader. Nowaday, they have a spectacular Aura, an intriguing Sky roadster and this German-made Astra. Just like the Aura, which is the best family sedan GM has ever made. This Astra has to be the best economy car GM has ever made either.

Just how good will Saturn Astra fare on Canadian roads, stay tuned for our full-blown review after we drive it in the next few months.

OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2007 OPEL ASTRA
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Performance: 4/5
Handling and ride/fun-to-drive: 4/5
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 4/5
Fit-and-finish/build quality: 4/5
Cargo/accessibility/layout: 4/5
Value-for-money: 4/5

Overall rating: 4/5