Vehicle: 2008 Saturn Astra XR with Sport Handling Pkg
Price as tested: CDN$25360

Performance: About a year ago, we previewed the Astra with Opel badge in “test drive overseas” and came away impressively. In less than a year, we came away equally impressed with the Astra wearing the Saturn badge. As we have said before, Astra has never been considered as the most powerful car in its class. Regardless of which trim level you opt for, Astra is powered by only 1 engine in North America. That’s the smoothest and most refined Ecotec engine application we have ever driven on Stateside. This 1.8 liter DOHC 16-valve always feel torquery, even if it has only 125 lb/ft of torque, which certainly not class-leading when it comes to raw numbers. However, it feels peppy and responsive whenever the driver has the urge to push this fun compact hatchback. When it revs up the high rpm, the roughness we associate with Ecotec of old isn’t an issue with Astra. Its quite willing and smooth when revving, although it isn’t a rev-happy powertrain by any standard. 138 hp certainly gives it a help over the rev range. Thanks to the smooth shifting 5-speed manual gearbox and progressive clutch, the Ecotec is easily keep in a boil along all the engine sweetspot.

Handling: When it comes to driving dynamics, Astra is equally impressive. The electric steering provides excellent driver feedback and precision, without losing the eager response we expect from a German-engineered hatchback. Combined with the excellent suspension geometry, a rock-solid chassis and an uninstrusive stability control; Astra should be considered as the best handling econocar wearing the domestic badge. Its also run rings around class-leaders like Mazda3 Sport, Civic and Lancer. Even if our XR tester comes with stiffer sports suspension from Sport Handling Pkg, it rides amazingly as it combines European suppleness without feeling bouncy even if it wears the larger 17″ wheels. Its surprisingly comfortable without the stereotypical rough-riding quality one expects from a fun hatchback. There is a slight understeer and body rolls are very controlled. A very sweet dynamic package, indeed!

Brakes: Another strong point should be given to Astra’s braking prowess. GM brakes used to feel mushy and fade after hard stops. Astra is the exact opposite. Everything else feel tight and firm, with the ABS system only acts accordingly.

Interior: The use of materials and fit-and-finish are top-notch. Everything else are nicely put together. Everything else from dashboard to switchgears feel tactile and high-quality. The leather seats are firm with plenty of back and thigh support. The center infocenter is useful and logical. With the right color on the background, we don’t feel any washout during sunlight. All the instrumentation gauges, power window switches are clear and analog. Consider Opel is a sensible car maker who always put form-follows-function, it doesn’t come as a surprise that it transforms successfully into a Saturn.

With 60/40 split fold-down rear seats and a low liftover, Astra is a ease when it comes to versatility. Its well-carpeted with proper cargo nets for small items.

Conclusion: Saturn’s transformation from an unremarkable car company into an astounishing one is about to complete with the introduction of the excellent Astra. All they need is to put consumers into the driver’s seat of each of their new vehicle, have them put through the paces and look past the Saturn of yore. If they are able to do that, Saturn should be able to sell each of the Astra they could get from Europe.

OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2008 Saturn Astra
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Performance: 4/5
Handling and ride/fun-to-drive: 4.5/5
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 4/5
Fit-and-finish/build quality: 4/5
Cargo/accessibility/layout: 4/5
Value-for-money: 4.5/5

Overall rating: 4.25/5