Previously, North Americans never got to see many of the small vehicles designed and built by Detroit’s European arms. Which was weird, because if you’re a small car and can make it there, you should be able to make it anywhere.
And if they did arrive here, there were often watered down.
Not this time. Saturn saw fit to basically airlift the Euro-spec Opel Astra into our midst, to replace the Saturn Ion, and everyone’s the better for it. Saturn even kept the European stereo.
Power is by way of a modern 138-hp 1.8-litre four-cylinder. Typical of European-tuned small displacement engines, the Ecotec is happy to rev, tractable at low revs and fuel-efficient.
Also typical of Euro stuff, the Astra is a capable handler, regardless of what trim level you opt for — the value minded five-door XE, the five-door XR, or the chart-topper three-door XR with sport package and optional 18-inch wheels.
The five-door XR offers an a class-exclusive option — a gigantic two-pane sunroof with sunshades.
There are some quibbles — no auxiliary jack, only three cupholders and none within easy reach of the driver — but this is a neat, little road runner that will surely shake up the small-car market.
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September-October
Saturn Astra
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