2008 Saturn Astra Overview

Introduction

The Astra, already familiar to Europe, debuts this year in the Saturn line-up as the successor to the ION, carrying on its task of providing good value in a compact car.

The Saturn Astra is available as a four-door hatchback in XE and XR trim, or as a two-door hatchback in XR trim only. All Astras are powered by a 1.8-liter, 140-hp four-cylinder engine with either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. Standard safety features include front, side and curtain airbags, active front head restraints, four wheel ABS and electronic stability control (optional on 4-door, standard on 2-door).

The Astra, already familiar to Europe, provides five-passenger seating in a front-wheel drive hatchback design in either a three-door or a five-door configuration.

The Saturn Astra five-door hatchback has two trims: the XE and the XR, and the three-door hatchback comes in the XR trim only. All Astras are powered by a 140-hp 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine with either a standard five-speed manual or with an optional four-speed automatic transmission. The XE trim comes standard with: four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes, projector beam headlamps, 16-inch steel wheels, six airbags, cruise control, a tilt and telescoping steering wheel and power mirrors, windows and door locks with remote keyless entry. The four-door XR trim adds: speed-sensing steering, fog lights, alloy wheels, air conditioning and an upgraded audio system. The two-door XR trim further adds: electronic traction and stability control and 17-inch alloy wheels with performance tires.

For 2009, the Saturn Astra is a carryover.