Welcome to TBO.com. Skip directly to: our Keyword Search, Section Navigation, Content.

TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Suncoast Pinellas News

Suncoast Pinellas > News

Saturn revival continues with Astra

The Tampa Tribune

Published: July 19, 2008

THE RIDE: Three-door, five-passenger 2008 Saturn Astra XR compact hatchback.

DOWN THE ROAD: Say adieu to the Saturn Ion and welcome the Astra, which has been a big hit in Europe as the Opel Astra. The European inspiration is evident in the front-wheel-drive car's exterior and interior. The car offers decent acceleration and smooth shifts that result in a comfortable ride and secure handling.

TECH & PERFORMANCE: A 1.8-liter inline four-cylinder engine develops 138 horsepower at 6300 rpm and 125 pounds-feet of torque at 3800 rpm. A variable-valve timing boosts fuel efficiency and the engine's power output. Also helping save gas is the electro-hydraulic rack-and-pinion steering system. Up front is an independent strut-type suspension with stabilizer bar while the rear is taken up by a semi-independent torsion beam with an integral roll control. The Astra is mated to a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic transmission, which conserves fuel when the car shifts into neutral while idle. A 12.2-inch front vented disc and a 10.4-inch solid rear disc take care of the vehicle's stopping abilities.

LOOK & FEEL: Based on a unitized body/frame, a bold and bright chrome bar runs across the front and rear fascias. Body-colored exterior mirrors, door handles and bumpers, along with a sole exhaust pipe, stand out. Slide behind the firm-gripping, three-spoke rake/telescopic steering wheel and the first thing you notice is the cockpit binnacle housing white-on-black fuel, tachometer and speedometer dials. Fold the 60/40 split rear seat and you end up with 44.7 cubic feet of storage space. Also standard is air-conditioning, cruise control, power windows, a driver information center and an AM/FM in-dash CD stereo player with seven speakers.

SAFETY FIRST: Dual front and side air bags, side curtain air bags for both rows, four-wheel anti-lock brakes, stability and traction control, front safety belt pre-tensioners and load limiters, active front head restraints, tire pressure monitoring system and daytime running lights are standard.

OUT THE DOOR: $17,875, plus tax, tag, delivery and destination charges. The $745 premium trim package of leather seats and leather-wrapping steering wheel, and driver and front-passenger heated seats is a wise choice.

BY THE NUMBERS: Tires, 225/45R17 all-season; wheelbase, 102.9 inches; length, 170.5 inches; weight, 2,833 pounds; fuel capacity, 11.9 gallons; highway, 30 mpg; city, 24 mpg.

WHY DIG IT: The Saturn revitalization that began with the Sky roadster, Aura sedan, Vue and Outlook SUVs has trickled down to its entry-level ride, the Astra. Admitted, the car isn't a powerhouse but it does perform adequately with a first-rate interior, ample cargo capacity and affordable price. Welcome to the Saturn gang, Astra.

Nitish S. Rele is an advertising staff writer for The Tampa Tribune.

Share this:

* To:
Your Name:
Your Email Address:
Personal Message [optional]: