2009 Saturn Astra review

[darek_dade]

Exactly a month ago I bought a 2009 Saturn Astra and I think I am ready to write a short review of the car. I was looking for a good looking 3-door hatch. The only other competitor was VW Rabbit but it turned out to be too expensive.

Firstly, a couple of numers.
2009 Saturn Astra 3-door ..................................... 21,720
heated leather seats ............................................ 1345
18" rims with performance summer tires .............. 645
GM cash incentive ................................................ -4500
dealer rebate .................................................. .... -750
total .................................................. ................. 18460
total paid (includes tax, freight, pdi)...................... 22950

Important equipment:
- 8 airbags
- esp
- rainsense wipers
- cd player
- foglights
- power windows, power heated mirrors
- air condition
- cruise control

Exterior:
Judge yourself, here's a couple of pictures
http://img37.imageshack.us/img37/7546/59470389.jpg

http://img30.imageshack.us/img30/7086/48467210.jpg

And more...
http://img515.imageshack.us/img515/9681/dscf0503.jpg
http://img186.imageshack.us/img186/8550/dscf0504v.jpg
http://img2.imageshack.us/img2/1809/dscf0505.jpg
http://img245.imageshack.us/img245/4789/dscf0506.jpg
http://img231.imageshack.us/img231/3154/dscf0507t.jpg
http://img228.imageshack.us/img228/4495/dscf0508.jpg

In my opinion the exterior is very hot. The car gets a lot of looks, it's still quite rare on canadian roads so driving it is not like driving civic, corolla or even rabbit. It definitely has this unique, european look.

Interior:
Well, if you can't live without 4 cupholders in the front then this is not the car for you. The quality of assembly is very high, quality of plastic materials is also high (much better than civic and corolla). Styling is what I would call "different" (http://www.saturnsales.ca/~saturnsales/tipe/pictures/vehicle_images/2008_Astra/08astrainterior.jpg), people either like it or don't like it. Seats are very comfortable, and have extremely good side support, leather interior gives the car luxury look and feel, noone who sat in the car believed that it cost only 23k otr. Things people don't like is unintuitive audio system and onboard computer steering. I do agree with that - it's not the easiest systems I have seen, but as long as you are not mentally challanged you should figure out the buttons in 5 minutes. Saturn also provided an additional book with instructions (with pictures, yay) as how to use audio and computer.

It's a 3 door car but accessing rear seats is not hard because doors are very wide and front seats can move all the way to the front when you fold the backrest. There is enough room at the back, traveling with 4 people onboard is not tiring for anybody. As for the cupholders, there is one behind the handbrake lever (you have to reach quite far for it), 2 smaller ones in the doors (small bottle of water fits in there) and 2 at the back hidden in the seat (it's possible for driver and front passanger to use it). Glove compartment is huge but overall number of clever spots for keeping your stuff is rather small. Having said that, I figured out how to use every possible place in the car to keep my cellphone, change, notes etc. so I cant complain.

Standard sound system is surprisingly good. I heard that advanced audio doesn't perform exceptionally well so I wouldn't pay extra 1000 bucks for it, I'd rather build some custom system. It's very easy to find a good driving position for the driver because you can adjust the steering wheel in all four directions.

Driving impressions:
If you finally get rid of people asking you questions about the car on the parking lot and you will drive the car the frist thing you will notice is how well this car corners. Driving it is such a pleasure,
everytime I am taking a ramp to the highway I can easily drive with a speed two times higher than the one suggested on the sign without feeling that the car will fall off the road in any second. I never got the tires to squeak on the corners.

The 1.8 enging pulls out 140 hp. It's not a lot but together with manual gearbox they can do quite surprising stuff. One time I was merging in on the third gear with speed of ~60 just off the ramp, I hit 130 on the same gear in no time. From what I heard automatic tranny is sluggish so stay away from it and learn to drive stick - it's not as hard as you'd imagine. The only bad thing about the manual tranny is that it could have 6 gears, travelling at 130km/hr is quite noisy as rpms hit 4000.

Fuel economy is not bad. Driving in the city gets me 8.5l/100km (exactly what Saturn says) and I'm driving usually in high traffic. One time I decided to be very gentle with the accelerator and I was getting 7.5/100km on average. Saturn says that Astra consumes 6.2l/100km on the highway and I do confirm that.

If you have any questions don't hesitate to ask!

[Engi-Nir]

well, you insulted Civic/Corolla, you will be banned on RFD :evil:

[y2chuck]

I just drove a 3-door XR today, came away very impressed. Very fun to drive and felt like an extremely well put together car. The seats are fantastic and it handles great.

Lack of cupholders wasn't really an issue as much as an overall lack of any storage in the front seat area was. There was nowhere to put my phone except in the door map pocket and no armrest? The one I drove didn't have the advanced audio so the stereo sounded terrible.

Nice pics by the way, the Astra is a sweet looking car and a thrill to drive!

[Talamasca]

Nice review. I like the Astra and it is fairly rare. I think I've only ever seen two of the 3-door models on the road. Enjoy your new ride!

[darek_dade]

Lack of cupholders wasn't really an issue as much as an overall lack of any storage in the front seat area was. There was nowhere to put my phone except in the door map pocket and no armrest? The one I drove didn't have the advanced audio so the stereo sounded terrible.

Did you try to put your phone below the handbrake? That's where I put it ;) I actually like the way the basic audio system sounds... Did you listen to radio or cd?

[y2chuck]

Did you try to put your phone below the handbrake? That's where I put it ;) I actually like the way the basic audio system sounds... Did you listen to radio or cd?

My PDA has a bulky battery so I could stuff it in there kinda sideways, it was a CD I was listening to. Our CX-9 has the 9-speaker Bose surround with subwoofer so my ears are used to that setup! Still tho, I'm debating putting those nitpicks aside and getting an Astra for our 2nd car.

[ES_Revenge]

I There was nowhere to put my phone except in the door map pocket and no armrest?
Yeah no armrest blows, I dunno what's up with those Delta cars with the optional (or not-even-an-option) armrest :confused:

The one I drove didn't have the advanced audio so the stereo sounded terrible.
That goes for the majority of stoctory audio systems out there.

Our CX-9 has the 9-speaker Bose surround with subwoofer so my ears are used to that setup!
Wait a minute, you have a car with Blose and you're saying the Astra sounds terrible?!?! LMAO. So in other words your ears are used to the horrid "sound" of Blose, so anything that actually sounds normal, sounds bad? I guess that's the Blose effect for you LOL :lol:

Anyway nice review darek. One thing I never liked about the Astra was that they make the 5-door look like crap compared to the 3-door. That and I'm not the biggest fan of the weirdo Ecotec in there. It's too bad an Astra Redline will never see the light of day. This vehicle with the LNF engine, now that would be sweet!

[y2chuck]

there's a pretty sweet deal on an Astra XR 3-door on leasebusters:

http://www.leasebusters.com/en/details.asp?ID=78033

[chrome_dout]

Congrats on your new car. Any reason why you didn't consider a used RSX type S, or GTI?

[darek_dade]

Congrats on your new car. Any reason why you didn't consider a used RSX type S, or GTI?
Those are really nice cars indeed, but maintenance costs like insurance (I'm 20 years old), gas and service would kill the deal in the long run. Now I have a new car (I love the smell inside ;)) with 6 years/100kms bumper to bumper warranty so hopefully I'll have no worries for a loooong time.

[dmoss]

We got a real similar 2008 in February: silver XR 3-dr, 5spd, 18" wheels. Got a smokin deal with free 5yr service that you just won't want to hear about:cheesygri

Didn't really start driving it til April as we didn't get winter rubber right away but I've since found a barely used set of 16" Astra rims with sensors and got a new set of 205/55 Nord Frost 5 from a dealer's end of season sale. Got that covered now as well at a great price. I feel like the king of deals!

Now, to the point - this is a super car to drive, the best I've been behind the wheel of. Loves to go fast in turns. It drives in a straight line with tremendous ease whereas other cars can be a constant struggle of wandering and corrections. Adequate pep from the 4. Fits me fine (and I'm 6-5) once I'm in but getting in and out is a bit of a chore. We were really looking at typical [boring] small 4dr cars but we got this one with a lot more options/features for less $ and this one looks and drives wayyy better. I'm yet to find the limits of its handling - it's a very reassured confidence inspiring drive.

The look of the silver 18s with the silver car is absolutely marvelous but I allow those who have other colours to love theirs almost just as much. I'm worried about scraping the rims though as they stick out further than the rubber.

My fuel economy observations are weak for highway driving but I guess it'll improve in time. First few tanks are all about 8.4l/100km with mixed driving. My highway stints while observing instantaneous consumption are not better than this. 3500rpm cruising is surely problematic: IMO, wider gear spacings to get it under 3000 wouldn't have hurt performance and would probably yield 5-10% better FE. Mind you, we drove a 6spd Sentra and the extra gear was ill-advised there (and the car disliked straight line driving) so be careful what you ask for. Probably best to err on the high rpm side.

Getting our first oil change today (just over 3000km). We also asked them to look at the AC which is refusing to blow cold air. No other glitches.

Okay, now the real problem with the car. We got it for the missus. Driving my 06 Escape has become an absolute horror by comparison. I have to figure out how to get her to switch with me. And of course, she won't drive it anywhere near it's potential - I did the 40kmh onramp at 80 yesterday with ease and she yelled at me from the passenger seat:twisted: I'm ok with that. I just need and appeciate the car more than she does. Still, we really need something SUV-like as a second car for greater utility. It's just that now that I've sampled this fine drug, I must have it everyday!

As for other criticisms I've seen written about the car, I'm not really bothered by them. You get used to the controls (in fact I like the signal and wiper controls very much). What missing armrest? Limited visibility - use your mirrors. Crappy audio - I listen to CBC at low levels or usually prefer nothing to focus on driving so what odds. Everything is a compromise - I love this car for what it does right far more than what it may lack.

Well done Dade. Well done.

[goleafsgo5]

dad bought one 3 door black LOVES IT!

[karlb]

Unfortunately the bad thing with the Astra is that it is a Saturn.

The number of dealers (in the GTA) is down drastically.

With GM having sold Opel (the Astra is an Opel built in Belgium) and Saturn also being sold off by GM, the future does not look good. The Astra is definitely now an orphan car with no future. Resale values will be terrible just because of this.

Too bad, the (Opel/Saturn) Astra looks like a great little car. So just have fun with it and enjoy it!


...karl

[KawaiiTentacleBeast]

Yeah no armrest blows, I dunno what's up with those Delta cars with the optional (or not-even-an-option) armrest

It might be different with the new generation, but last time I checked Honda Fits only get armrests on the JDM model. Apparently Honda doesn't think North Americans need armrests so it's not even an option. Guys who own them here have to literally overnight them from Japan and install it themselves. :lol:

[ES_Revenge]

With GM having sold Opel (the Astra is an Opel built in Belgium) and Saturn also being sold off by GM, the future does not look good. The Astra is definitely now an orphan car with no future.
:confused: Yes the Astra is built overseas but it's a Delta car, it's not like GM has sold off Delta. Perhaps there will be no more overseas-built Astra, and perhaps even Saturn will get axed like Pontiac, but that doesn't mean they can't build another hatch Delta car. The Delta-II Cruze could always be made in a hatchback variant if the General so chose.

Not to mention the Delta-II-based Chevy Orlando is sort of along the lines of a hatch; and, the similar Saab 9-1 should have a hatch variant (though whether that will get sold here either as a Saab or otherwise, remains to be seen).

Resale values will be terrible just because of this.
Not really sure what this should have to do with resale but yeah this is the exact problem with resale values in general. They are based on perception, perception based on strange/weird reasoning and other nonsense. So yeah resale may suffer I guess. : shrug :

[mr_raider]

Unfortunately the bad thing with the Astra is that it is a Saturn.

The number of dealers (in the GTA) is down drastically.

With GM having sold Opel (the Astra is an Opel built in Belgium) and Saturn also being sold off by GM, the future does not look good. The Astra is definitely now an orphan car with no future. Resale values will be terrible just because of this.

Too bad, the (Opel/Saturn) Astra looks like a great little car. So just have fun with it and enjoy it!


...karl

Expect some variation of the Delta platform to show up in a chevy. GM doesn't have a decent small car platform, so they will be using Opel tech for the foreseeable future. The deal with Magna allows them to share components.

[z24driver1986]

I love the Astra, took it for a spin to see what its like... I love it... Also if you push unlock/lock buttons all the windows open....

GM was asked to bring over the Astra just the way it is no changes... in Europe people do not drink pop while driving hence no cup holders. Also the clock on it is 24 hr again not a North American standard.

The Cobalt and Astra share the same platform basically called the Delta. The Cobalt drives much like the Astra but has a bigger engine. I am really anxious to see the new Cruze which will be alot closer to better quality.

[Emancipated]

Looks great, OP. I''m waiting to see if they will bring over the 2010 Astra. Looks like the first generation Mazda3 with a little more refinement and a touch of European pinache.

I can't believe I'm actually excited about a GM car. Some one pinch me.

http://www.motorauthority.com/gallery/2010-opel-astra/2010-opel-vauxhall-astra-002.html

[Piro21]

That 2010 one looks really good, it's just too bad we won't be getting one.

GM announced that there will be no 2009 production of the Saturn Astra, due to slow sales of the 2008 model. On June 5th, 2009, GM and Penske reached a deal with the Saturn brand. When Penske buys Saturn, only three vehicles, the Aura, VUE, and Outlook will remain in production. The Saturn Astra will not restart production

OP, do you know if you can actually get an armrest for your Astra? They aren't really worth much used, so it'll be really good value if I can pick one up.

[darek_dade]

OP, do you know if you can actually get an armrest for your Astra? They aren't really worth much used, so it'll be really good value if I can pick one up.
http://www.astraarmrest.com/

:)

[Emancipated]

That 2010 one looks really good, it's just too bad we won't be getting one.



OP, do you know if you can actually get an armrest for your Astra? They aren't really worth much used, so it'll be really good value if I can pick one up.

A little peice of me just died inside. WHY?!

I hate American appetite for big SUVs and Sedans. You ca haul a lot of cargo with a hatch! I guess it's impossible or nye on impossible to import one? Just about the only one with "European" design cues is the Nissan ...? name escapes me right now but it's just not as nice as the Astra.

[Piro21]

Well, we can hold out hope that Magna buys Opel. They're bound to start selling Astras here then, just not with a GM badge on them.

[KawaiiTentacleBeast]

By the terms of the agreeement Magna is forbidden from selling cars in North America.

[darek_dade]

Haha, there is so many information about future of GM and none of it might be true.

From what I know, Magna agreed not to sell cars under Opel brand in US (US government wanted that). On the other hand, Buick wants to start selling Astras in 2011 (they may be a little bit different from those sold in Europe, starting 2010). Again, it's all unofficial, but gives hope.

oops, KawaiiTentacleBeast was quicker.

[w3ss]

I know there are a few Astras left in my area. Seems like a pretty good buy with $7000 incentive now.

Just concerned about parts/maintenance in the future.

Good thing it comes with a 5 year warranty. But if something needs to be fixed how long will a part take to come in?

Don't know if I should buy this or a similar used vehicle.

[darek_dade]

It's hard to say. With Saturn going under you will need to take your car to any other GM dealer for any fixing. They will probably not hold a lot of parts in the shop - most of them will be shipped from Europe.

So far I had one problem with my Astra; rear seat was moving back and forth slightly because of a broken latch. They said that they have to order the latch from Europe and that it could take anywhere from 1 to 2 months. But all parts came in after 2 weeks so right now I am pretty confident that I shouldn't be concerned about parts in the future.

[w3ss]

It's hard to say. With Saturn going under you will need to take your car to any other GM dealer for any fixing. They will probably not hold a lot of parts in the shop - most of them will be shipped from Europe.

So far I had one problem with my Astra; rear seat was moving back and forth slightly because of a broken latch. They said that they have to order the latch from Europe and that it could take anywhere from 1 to 2 months. But all parts came in after 2 weeks so right now I am pretty confident that I shouldn't be concerned about parts in the future.

I like to do my own repairs and maintenance so I think I can find an OPEL Astra handbook somewhere. I'm pretty good with Honda's and Toyota's but Astra is a new beast to me.

I will go to the dealership and take a look anyway.

Thanks for your help.

[zivan56]

By the terms of the agreeement Magna is forbidden from selling cars in North America.

Nope, just the United States. They can sell in Canada...there was a story about it on the news a few days back.