This month, Saturn Corp., a division of General Motors, will be launching the 2008 Astra, its new compact model to further leverage the connection of its parent company with its European sister division, Opel.
Saturn will be adopting the existing Opel Astra hatchback to apply new and rear fascias, execute engine calibration and safety related engineering changes. It will create a US version of the mid-sized Aura sedan, a derivative of the Open Vectra.
Saturn’s general manager Jill Lajdziak believes that such strategy will work even though the hatchback (as a design format) traditionally has a lukewarm reception among U.S. buyers.
Considering that Ford’s Mazda brand was able to successfully capture the interest of younger American aficionados through its Mazda3 compact, Lajdziak foresees that Saturn will also be able to do the same in a similar population.
According to designer Uwe Muller, the distinctive styling will separate the Astra from the crowd. Compared with its main rival, the Volkswagen Golf/Rabbit, the roofline of Astra is approximately one inch lower and the arching side window line “pulls the car down to make it look more sporty while keeping good interior space”. “The car looks like a designer sketch,” he added.
The even practical and spacious five-door Astra is expected to be the best selling version in the U.S. The three-door XR version, on the other hand, will be street credible with its sporty looks and standard 18-inch wheels. Unfortunately, there will be an absence of more powerful engines in US-bound Astra models, making it less attractive for US enthusiasts.
At present, U.S. buyers are only provided with the standard 1.8 L four-cylinder engine that comes with a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission, generating 138 hp. It is decent enough, but short when compared with the Rabit’s 2.5 L, 175 hp powertrain. It is also less thrilling to offer a four-speed automatic at this point where five and six-speed self shifters are the trend. There are just too many criticisms… accounting the interior and exterior angles.
The good thing about the Saturn Astra is that it could be driven on winding backroads, with excellent handling and roadholding.
Provided with impressive standard equipment, the pricing of the Saturn Astra is competitive at a starting of $15,995 (includes destination charge) for the five-door XE model and $18,495 for the three-door XR.
Pointing out the revitalization of Saturn, Lajdziak said, “finally the promise of brand is being delivered. We were wildly successful in early ‘90s, then we hit some bumps.”
Since March, Saturn has rolled out a succession of new models beginning with the Sky roadster, to respond to the need for broadening the brand portfolio. Lajdziak mentioned that the Sky has been significantly successful at conquest sales, with a 54 percent rate. “It has led the revitalization from utilitarian and boring design… There is no better way than with a beautiful roadster,” he said.
After the Sky and before the Astro, Saturn rolled out the Aura and Aura hybrid, followed by the redesigned Vue and Vue hybrid, and the Outlook crossover. Lajdziak said, “We have design consistency that we didn’t have before … and we are competing in three new segments and new price categories. We are pointing in the right direction.”
Lajdziak’s observation is supported by the year-to-date sales that surged by 7.9 percent – the best performance of any GM division in North America. The company is looking forward on keeping up the momentum. Well let's just hope things go as planned for Saturn.
Meanwhile check out these quality Acura Integra fenders if you're looking for replacements.
Saturn will be adopting the existing Opel Astra hatchback to apply new and rear fascias, execute engine calibration and safety related engineering changes. It will create a US version of the mid-sized Aura sedan, a derivative of the Open Vectra.
Saturn’s general manager Jill Lajdziak believes that such strategy will work even though the hatchback (as a design format) traditionally has a lukewarm reception among U.S. buyers.
Considering that Ford’s Mazda brand was able to successfully capture the interest of younger American aficionados through its Mazda3 compact, Lajdziak foresees that Saturn will also be able to do the same in a similar population.
According to designer Uwe Muller, the distinctive styling will separate the Astra from the crowd. Compared with its main rival, the Volkswagen Golf/Rabbit, the roofline of Astra is approximately one inch lower and the arching side window line “pulls the car down to make it look more sporty while keeping good interior space”. “The car looks like a designer sketch,” he added.
The even practical and spacious five-door Astra is expected to be the best selling version in the U.S. The three-door XR version, on the other hand, will be street credible with its sporty looks and standard 18-inch wheels. Unfortunately, there will be an absence of more powerful engines in US-bound Astra models, making it less attractive for US enthusiasts.
At present, U.S. buyers are only provided with the standard 1.8 L four-cylinder engine that comes with a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission, generating 138 hp. It is decent enough, but short when compared with the Rabit’s 2.5 L, 175 hp powertrain. It is also less thrilling to offer a four-speed automatic at this point where five and six-speed self shifters are the trend. There are just too many criticisms… accounting the interior and exterior angles.
The good thing about the Saturn Astra is that it could be driven on winding backroads, with excellent handling and roadholding.
Provided with impressive standard equipment, the pricing of the Saturn Astra is competitive at a starting of $15,995 (includes destination charge) for the five-door XE model and $18,495 for the three-door XR.
Pointing out the revitalization of Saturn, Lajdziak said, “finally the promise of brand is being delivered. We were wildly successful in early ‘90s, then we hit some bumps.”
Since March, Saturn has rolled out a succession of new models beginning with the Sky roadster, to respond to the need for broadening the brand portfolio. Lajdziak mentioned that the Sky has been significantly successful at conquest sales, with a 54 percent rate. “It has led the revitalization from utilitarian and boring design… There is no better way than with a beautiful roadster,” he said.
After the Sky and before the Astro, Saturn rolled out the Aura and Aura hybrid, followed by the redesigned Vue and Vue hybrid, and the Outlook crossover. Lajdziak said, “We have design consistency that we didn’t have before … and we are competing in three new segments and new price categories. We are pointing in the right direction.”
Lajdziak’s observation is supported by the year-to-date sales that surged by 7.9 percent – the best performance of any GM division in North America. The company is looking forward on keeping up the momentum. Well let's just hope things go as planned for Saturn.
Meanwhile check out these quality Acura Integra fenders if you're looking for replacements.
