2008-2009 Saturn Astra

By Glen Woodcock

HISTORY

The Saturn Astra was a hatchback model introduced at the 2007 Chicago Auto Show and sold here only in 2008 and 2009. It was made in Antwerp, Belgium and was based on the popular Opel Astra from General Motors’ German division.

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The only differences were caused by North America’s different bumper and emissions regulations. Astra four-door came in two trim levels, XE and upscale XR, while the two-door was available only in XR trim. Four-door prices started at $18,390 for XE and $21,425 for XR, and two-door prices at $21,720. The base transmission was a smooth shifting five-speed manual and a four-speed automatic was a $1,350 option. The only engine was a 1.8-litre inline “four.” Even if the Saturn brand had survived, Astra would have likely been discontinued because of poor sales in the U.S., where hatchbacks are not popular.

THE GOOD STUFF

Astras were well equipped and all models included cruise control, power doors/windows/heated mirrors, anti-lock brakes, rain sensing wipers, tilt/telescopic steering, a block heater and six airbags. Electronic stability control and air conditioning were standard on XR models, optional on XE. The two-door has a firm sport suspension in the European tradition, but all models handle well and corner flat. Astra was named 2008’s Best New Small car by the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada. All Astras are still relatively new, so there are few trouble spots.

 

HEADS UP!

When new, Astras were priced a little higher than the competition but have failed to hold their value because Saturn is now an orphan brand. So while prices may be much lower than for a Mazda3 hatchback of the same vintage, you will take your chances on GM continuing to supply parts and support for these vehicles, especially as they grow older. On that note, transmission leaks have been reported on cars with the optional automatic, though there is no record of any manufacturer recalls. Some critics complained of Astra’s tight interior, especially the rear seats, and the hard plastic surfaces. There’s only one cupholder for both front driver and passenger and no MP3 capability. In testing by the Institute for Highway Safety, Astra was rated as “good” in front impact collisions but only “marginal” in side impact crashes. Outward vision is limited in the two-door because of its sloping roofline.

 

OVERALL

Sales never came close to GM’s estimates of 30,000 units a year in the U.S. alone. Over two years, only about 28,000 were sold in both Canada and the U.S. Far more Astras were purchased here in 2008 than 2009, and they are readily available. The 2009 models will prove more difficult to find. Environment Canada rated Astra fuel economy at 8.5 L/100km city and 6.1 L/100km highway.

 

PRICES AT A GLANCE

Note: These are asking prices, not selling prices, in a cross-Canada survey using Autonet.ca.

Year    Approximate price range

2008    $7,795 – $13,495

2009    $9,995 – $13,995

 

VITALS

Engine: 1.8L I4 (138 hp)

Transmissions: 5-speed manual; 4-speed automatic

Layout: front engine/FWD

Bodies: 4-door hatchback; 2-door hatchback

Tags: 2008-2009 Saturn Astra, Chicago Auto Show, General Motors, Opel Astra