Saturn Astra Review Leaves Europe Flair In Practical Package
The 2008 Saturn Astra, built largely from Opel design, offers European cues such as firm seats and a thick steering wheel, with Belgium Belgium Belgium manufacturing links and engines from Hungary Austria and Germany. It starts at 16495 dollars for a five door XE with manual gear and no AC, 17820 with automatic. Compared to the VW Rabbit and Mazda3, the Astra is roomier and more economical, delivering about 25 mpg in city driving with a five speed manual, while automatic drops to 24/30 mpg. The hatchback design yields 12 cubic feet of cargo with seats up and over 37 with seats folded, and headroom of 38.3 inches in back. The engine is a 1.8 liter DOHC four with variable valve timing, adequate but not peppy, weighing under 3000 pounds and offering a balanced if modest performance.