So, considering all the time we collectively spend complaining about Ford's refusal to globalize their lineup, I'm a little surprised nobody's said anything about the new Astra Saturn is pushing as the replacement for the Ion. From what I can tell, they did what Ford did in 2000 with the Focus, we have a pre-engineered european car, adapted very slightly to mesh with our market. No stupid torsion beam rear axle, it's actually got a multilink rear. I expected them to tone down the euro in the exterior, they havent at all though.

Some time ago, top gear tested the Astra VRX against the Mk5 GTI and some French hatch. The Astra is quicker and cheaper, but not as refined (as I recall). Would make for an interesting entry in the $20k hot hatch market here as a Red Line trim. Anyway, we get the 1.8l version for MY2008, I'll be interested to drive one when they show up.

Autoblog's coverage: http://www.autoblog.com/2007/02/07/chicago-auto-show-live-unveiling-of-the-2008-saturn-astra/

this car is looking impressive... they just need the Red Line version (though the base model isn't bad). and it's a German engineered Opel, so you don't have to feel bad about buying a Saturn with plastic fenders! haha I never thought I'd be impressed or even consider a Saturn... amazing. GM is getting their shit together in a hurry (pontiac G8 GT anybody?)... too bad Ford is still dragging their feet...

I hope this succeeds so well that Ford can't help but notice.

I hope this succeeds so well that Ford can't help but notice.


posted this long time ago...

^^ I'm slightly in love with the G8 GT, I'll be interested to see how it's received as well. Once you can get the LS6 with a manual gearbox, that is.

Yup, i really must give credit to GM, lots of people dont like them and hate on their quality, but at least they saw they were in a slump and are really trying to get things back together. They are definitly on the right track. Saturn, well theres not much to say but night and day since the debut of the SKY. All there cars look amazing and are so much better then before. And now a awesome looking sporty 3 and 5 door hatch....why does it seem that everyone is bringing hatches to the US and ford is getting rid of them. I cant wait for the redline version, it is going to be one sick car. Everyone will have something, Honda Si, Mazdaspeed 3, VW GTI, Chevy cobalt SS, Saturn Astra Redline...list goes on. But whos not included....FORD...you morons.

GM has their ish together. If I was in the market for a new car, this would get serious consideration. Or maybe that G8.

Holden, Australia's GM subsidiary sells the Astra, and it's definitely one of the highest selling hatches in the country, very good car. The top spec VRX has monstrous power, but lacks the chassis or set up to handle it, according to clarkson in Top Gear, it torque steers like a mother when you put your foot down. Would be a lot of fun though, I hope the Astra isn't spoilt to much before it's on sale in the US, for your sake!

Chevrolet sell that same car, with the same name (astra) in mexico, the only diference is that the have the 2 doors hatchback and the 4 doors sedan... very nice car...

But whos not included....FORD...you morons.



direct and to the point.....i love it!!!

Looks to be a really nice car. more competition for ford..

damn that thing is [:)][:)][:)][:)][:)][:)]g RAD. If they make a redline version it may just be my next car!!

My only complaints are the chrome hatch strap and the dash-integrated stereo. Otherwise it looks like a solid little hatch.

I like how they didn't over de-Euro-ize it like Ford did with the MkI Focus in 1999...like keeping the city lights in the highbeams, for example.

not suprising when you think about it....the Solstice started life as an Opel, and the new GTO was a Holden....GM gets some of the picture anyway....but Ford's head is too far up it's own ass....

Ford doesn't care they will stick with what they know and keep shoveling Trucks and Mustangs out for aslong as people will still buy them year after year. The 08 focus is ugly? the 08 taurus is ugly? oh well they'll still all get sold as fleet cars.