2008 SATURN ASTRA XR Test Drive

With gasoline prices headed for the stratosphere, many consumers are looking for compact vehicles that bring higher mpg and more function for their day-to-day driving needs. The all-new 2008 Saturn Astra brings all of that plus a decidedly European flavor to Saturn showrooms across the country. It is packed with a wide range of standard equipment and safety features, and delivers sporty performance with very good fuel economy.

 

The Astra is offered in three-door and five-door models, each underpinned by a taut, European-bred suspension that delivers a sharp, responsive driving experience. Power comes from a 1.8 liter Ecotec four-cylinder engine that is both energetic and economical, delivering 140hp and 24mpg/city and 30mpg/highway. Astra’s combination of style, performance, low price, safety technology and fuel efficiency are sure to make it a hit when it comes to Saturn showrooms in the late summer.

 

Saturn offers two trim levels, (XE & XR) for five-door models, and a single trim (XR) in the three-door model, which was created with enthusiast drivers in mind.

 

The standard powertrain combination in all models is the 1.8 liter Ecotec DOHC four-cylinder engine, paired with a five-speed manual. The Ecotec engine is enhanced with VVT to optimize power output and fuel efficiency generating 138hp and 126lb.ft. of torque. That equates to a healthy 77hp per liter. A four-speed automatic is optional.

 

Astra offers new technologies to provide an agile, yet comfortable, driving experience.
StabiliTrak stability control system with traction control is standard on all three-door Astra’s, and available on five-door models. This system works in concert with the standard four-wheel, ABS brake system to help you maintain control during adverse road conditions or during sudden emergency driving situations.

An electro-hydraulic, rack & pinion steering system is standard on all models. This system provides a solid, linear feel of a hydraulic power steering system, but improves fuel efficiency by operating the power steering pump only when necessary.
Five-door Astra’s come standard with 16X6in. wheels, but can be upgraded to 17X7in. aluminum wheels. Three-door models come standard with 17X7in. aluminum wheels, which can be upgraded to 18X8in. aluminum wheels and performance tires.

All Astra models have specifically tuned suspensions with the three-door Astra receiving a sport-tuned setup that includes a 15mm lower ride height, quicker steering calibration, a specific front axle configuration and an electronically aided sport chassis system. This sport-tuned setup is also available on the five-door model. Up front is a strut-type setup with control arms, stabilizer bar and steering rack mounted to the subframe. All of the front suspension’s bushings are designed to minimize noise and vibration. The rear setup features a semi-independent torsion-link axle design, with an axle-beam formed to a double-U-shaped profile. This enhances strength and also serves as a stabilizer bar. The rear control arms also feature integrated wheel carriers that are made from lightweight, one-piece, hollow-cast material. These lightweight control arms reduce unsprung mass, for an increased feel of nimbleness. The hollow control arms are connected to the high-strength rear axle beam via the Opel-developed Magnetarc welding process, which enables high axle loads and a compact package. You’ll really enjoy the Astra’s sharp turn-in and solid feel when traveling at high speeds.

 

Quickly and safely slowing the Astra down from speed are bigger than expected power-assisted steel discs at all four corners. The front vented discs measure 12.2in. and are clamped with dual-piston calipers, while the rear solid discs measure 10.4in. and are clamped with single-piston calipers. Standard ABS keeps you in control on slick surfaces.

 

The Astra has a clean, contemporary design that is infused with Saturn’s signature styling cues including a bold, bright grille bar with a prominent Saturn log. At the sides are strong light clusters behind clear lenses; and below is a deep air-intake with chrome surround; and at its sides are strong round foglamps. From the side you’ll notice the low, sleek design with lower side rocker panels. The rear features a bold bumper, large, wraparound taillights and clear lenses. bright trim bar, spoiler and rear wiper/washer. The proportions on both body styles suggest an enthusiastic driving experience with the wheels pushed to the corners and subtle fender flares wrapped tightly around the tires for a tailored stance.

 

Bold design, refinement and precise execution are the hallmarks of the Saturn Astra’s interior, which envelops passengers in a contemporary environment that maximizes space, comfort and safety. Details include a continuation of the exterior’s center hood crease on the center of the instrument panel, as well as a V-shaped center stack motif that also complements the design language of the exterior. All models convey the Astra’s sporting character through firm, well-supported seats and a thick, three-spoke steering wheel with tilt/telescoping adjustments for the perfect fit. Ahead of the steering wheel is a rounded cockpit binnacle that houses a large, three-dimensional gauge cluster.

 

The sporty Astra three-door receives specific seats with more aggressive bolsters and lumbar support to keep you firmly in place during spirited driving. Additional interior highlights include an illuminated glove box with damped door actuation, a large, two-panel sunroof, the largest in its class, (only available on five-door models), optional headed seats in cloth or leather, auxiliary 12-volt power outlet, easy-to-remove rear cargo cover, power door locks and power windows all with express down feature, standard six-speaker AM/FM/CD radio and optional seven-speaker sound system, multi-disc and MP3-capable radios optional, dual map lamps, sunglass holder, grab handles above each passenger door, steering wheel mounted audio controls on XR models, A/C with air filtration, manual driver seat height adjustment, dual visor vanity mirrors, floor mats front and rear, driver information center, rear cargo cover and cargo tie down hooks.

 

Options not mentioned above include leather seating surfaces, steering wheel and shift lever.
Astra’s bold proportions, including a long, 103in. wheelbase, a 170.5in. overall length, and a 69in. width, provide exceptional roominess and generous storage capacity. The 60/40-split folding rear seat also folds flat with the touch of a convenient, high-mounted lever. When the rear seat is folded, the five-door Astra offers 44.7cu.ft. of storage space.

 

You are safe thanks to a comprehensive list of safety feature including a rigid body structure with safety cage, front/rear crush zones, high-strength steel used strategically throughout the body structure, six airbags, active head restraints, pedal release system, front safety belt pretensioners/load limiters, OnStar with one-year of Safe & Sound service and a tire pressure monitor system.

 

With fuel prices quickly rising, the all-new 2008 Saturn Astra provides an economical alternative for the growing family with bold looks, plenty of power for getting around slow moving traffic with a nimble suspension, contemporary interior features, a versatile interior for almost all of your needs, and a safe, comfortable environment for you and your family.

Prices for the five-door Astra XR that I tested start at just $16,925.00.

COPYRIGHT:2008:HARVEY SCHWARTZ
Type: Compact Coupe
Where Built: Belgium
EPA Class: Compact Cars

Dimensions

Exterior
Length: 170.5 in. Width: 69 in.
Height: 55.8 in. Wheel Base: 102.9 in.
Curb Weight: 2833 lbs.
Interior
Front Head Room: 37.8 in. Front Hip Room: 51.3 in.
Front Shoulder Room: 53.9 in. Rear Head Room: 36.6 in.
Rear Shoulder Room: 52.7 in. Rear Hip Room: 51 in.
Front Leg Room: 42.3 in. Rear Leg Room: 35 in.
Luggage Capacity: 12 cu. ft. Maximum Cargo Capacity: 38 cu. ft.
Maximum Seating: 5

Performance Data

Performance
Base Number of Cylinders: 4 Base Engine Size: 1.8 liters
Base Engine Type: Inline 4 Horsepower: 138 hp
Max Horsepower: 6300 rpm Torque: 125 ft-lbs.
Max Torque: 3800 rpm Maximum Towing Capacity: 1388 lbs.
Drive Type: FWD Turning Circle: 34.4 ft.

Fuel Data

Fuel
Fuel Tank Capacity: 12 gal.
EPA Mileage Estimates: (City/Highway)

Range in Miles: (City/Highway)