2008 SATURN Astra

[Red AH SRI T]

http://img371.imageshack.us/img371/816/saturnastrakj3.jpg

Yes, Saturn in the US will start selling the Astra next year!


pic from carspyshots.net

[CJB]

ahhhhhh... that's awesome.


One step closer to AH domination over the world :D

[180HOA]

...but the front bumper... it looks like a cheap aftermarket one - and doesn't agree with the lines of the rest of the car at all, IMO... what is this American thing where they try to ugly-up all the imported cars?

[jerrypufflewell]

I reckon it looks alright, maybe it doesn't look right to you because you're used to the aussie / euro ones?
But then again they have to try to make them less attractive otherwise they lose their manufacturing jobs ;)

Finally the americans get to drive a decent car :p

[Shaun]

...but the front bumper... it looks like a cheap aftermarket one - and doesn't agree with the lines of the rest of the car at all, IMO... what is this American thing where they try to ugly-up all the imported cars?

Are you Kidding your self?

Its looks no different to what our next AH ugrade is going to be with the exception of the Lights in the side bumper.

[rjastra]

I am thinking the release of the Saturn Astra (or whatever it is called) is the reason we can now get a 2.2L direct inject Astra SRi. Am I correct to assume that will be the standard engine in the US version?

[Red AH SRI T]

...but the front bumper... it looks like a cheap aftermarket one - and doesn't agree with the lines of the rest of the car at all, IMO... what is this American thing where they try to ugly-up all the imported cars?


The front bumper is exactly the same as the one which we will get on the AH facelift, which is the same as what we have now except for the refined area around the fog lights. Only difference is the extra orange indicator strip.

It may also be missing the cut out for the numberplate at the front, but i cant be bothered looking.

[cyclonic]

Awesome!
Will show that to my in-laws in Vancouver.. might try to convince them to trade out of their Chevy van into something more their size.

[180HOA]

The front bumper is exactly the same as the one which we will get on the AH facelift, which is the same as what we have now except for the refined area around the fog lights. Only difference is the extra orange indicator strip.

It may also be missing the cut out for the numberplate at the front, but i cant be bothered looking.

...well then I don't like it; it's too smoothed and roundy and I think conflicts with the detailing on the rest of the car. I thought we were getting the same upgrade as the Euro versions - and it is different on those - more angular, has more attention to detail and basically just looks like it matches the rest of the car.

[digifish]

...well then I don't like it; it's too smoothed and roundy and I think conflicts with the detailing on the rest of the car. I thought we were getting the same upgrade as the Euro versions - and it is different on those - more angular, has more attention to detail and basically just looks like it matches the rest of the car.

Indeed...the Americans always seem to 'pox up' car designs :)

Here's thr 2007 Euro Astra AH

http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2006/11/215.jpg

I actually prefer the current model...

http://www.westcityholden.co.nz/mwdata/WestCityHolden/files/AH%20Astra%20CDXi.JPG

the ribs in the lower grille are nicer than the cross-hatch cheap looking plastic.

[Shaun]

There is Sweet **** all difference between the Satun and the Opel Version.
I think the Satun as good as the Opel .

[MatsHolden]

There is only a subtle difference between the two, but nevertheless it is a definate difference. There is less detailing on the Saturn and it's a lot more rounded, particularly around the bottom of the bumper where there is also no grey plastic skirt. I think it still looks quite ok though. Definately gives it a Saturn family face. Also the reason that American's appear to 'ugly' up imported cars front ends is also due to the strict front impact design rules that are in place in America. The Monaro (Ponitac GTO) comes to mind, as they had to make the front bumper (nose) longer to accomodate the foam behind it. This affects the overall visual impact as it throws out the proportion slightly, and it only has to be slightly to notice a difference.

[CJB]

I like the alloys in that first pic of the euro astra. They were nice. :)

[Red AH SRI T]

I like the alloys in that first pic of the euro astra. They were nice. :)

They are now an Option in Australia.

They are 18's.

[CJB]

They are now an Option in Australia.

They are 18's.
are they??? I do prefer the turbo wheels, but, they are quite nice.

[Red AH SRI T]

NEW PICS! This time its the production model.

http://www.carphotosite.com/data/media/235/2008_Saturn_Astra_XR_3-door_001.jpg
http://www.carphotosite.com/data/media/235/2008_Saturn_Astra_XR_3-door_002.jpg
http://www.carphotosite.com/data/media/235/2008_Saturn_Astra_XR_3-door_003.jpg
http://www.carphotosite.com/data/media/235/2008_Saturn_Astra_XR_3-door_004.jpg
http://www.carphotosite.com/data/media/235/2008_Saturn_Astra_XR_3-door_005.jpg
http://www.carphotosite.com/data/media/236/2008_Saturn_Astra_XR_5-door_001.jpg
http://www.carphotosite.com/data/media/236/2008_Saturn_Astra_XR_5-door_002.jpg
http://www.carphotosite.com/data/media/236/2008_Saturn_Astra_XR_5-door_003.jpg
http://www.carphotosite.com/data/media/236/2008_Saturn_Astra_XR_5-door_004.jpg
http://www.carphotosite.com/data/media/236/2008_Saturn_Astra_XR_5-door_005.jpg
http://bp0.blogger.com/_D52XcATHzos/RcV1OpLTQOI/AAAAAAAAAX8/S9gh-ZmolXw/s400/Saturn+Astra+1.jpg

*SCREAMS*

YAY! no GMNA Corporate radio!

[Alix]

YAY! no GMNA Corporate radio!


Hmm. Ever so slightly different from my MY07 CDTi though. CD slot is below the volume/on/off knob, where mine is above. Must be a revision update.

Read somewhere or other that the US version won't be released with a diesel motor - apparently the US hasn't got the better quality diesel we picked up last January.

[Red AH SRI T]

Hmm. Ever so slightly different from my MY07 CDTi though. CD slot is below the volume/on/off knob, where mine is above. Must be a revision update.



Thats because the stereo shown isn't the CD30 MP3 in the CDTi but is actualy the CDC40 Opera out of the CDX, SRi T and TwinTop ;)

[Alix]

Thats because the stereo shown isn't the CD30 MP3 in the CDTi but is actualy the CDC40 Opera out of the CDX, SRi T and TwinTop ;)

Oh, I feel so cheap now! ;)

[digifish]

Amaaaazing. For once the Americans appear to have managed NOT to pox-up an import :)

Looking nice, well done GM

digifish

[Red AH SRI T]

Amaaaazing. For once the Americans appear to have managed NOT to pox-up an import :)

Looking nice, well done GM

digifish


Make that two times.

Check out the pics of the new Pontiac G8 (VE Commodore)

[MK]

Oh, I feel so cheap now! ;)

not sure but apparently the CDC40 cannot play MP3 files but has the ability to control a 6 Cd stacker...is this true?

by the way, the Saturn looks good...

[rjastra]

Read somewhere or other that the US version won't be released with a diesel motor - apparently the US hasn't got the better quality diesel we picked up last January.

Thats no the case at all. Its because the diesel models can't pass the new stringent US emission laws.

Just about every diesel car model was omitted from the 2007 model year as manufacturers developed new engines to pass these laws. Merc brought out bluetec. NOX Catalysts, particulate traps, urea injection.

VW return with diesel engines in 2008 model year.

[rjastra]

GM Corporate radio? Doesn't look too bad actually

http://www.chevrolet.com/i/pic/cobalt/2007/photogallery/int_gallery06.jpg

http://www.chevrolet.com/i/pic/impala/2007/photogallery/int_gallery04.jpg

http://www.pontiac.com/images/gallery_v2/g5/int_console_lg.jpg

http://www.buick.com/images/gallery/lucerne/int/image_2.jpg

[dieselhead]

not sure but apparently the CDC40 cannot play MP3 files but has the ability to control a 6 Cd stacker...is this true?

that's correct, no MP3 but 6 CD stacker. I had a CDX Wagon for a year so I know it well. CDC40 also has more powah than the CDC30, so it sounds better, too. however, I must admit the MP3 option is quite handy since there's room for more than 6 CDs on a disk. plus, I am getting the thrills from the diesel beast that roars behind the firewall rather than from the audio system, hehehe :D

don't really get it, why the 1.9DTi engine, the 110kW version, wouldn't pass the yank regulations? i mean, a V8 or a V6 that burns 15L/100km is OK, but not a diesel at 6.5L?! sure, there's more CO2 per litre of burnt diesel, but still a 4 cylinder turbo diesel is way greener than any V6 or V8. these engines are good enough for the Europeans. Since when USA is leading the way in pollution cutting? there must be something else here, and it's called protectionism. if the americans find out that you can get better economy than 20mpg while still having a big smile on your face behind the wheel, GM and Ford are screwed. well, they're screwed anyway, aren't they? :)

[Alix]

Its because the diesel models can't pass the new stringent US emission laws.


Actually, I think we're both wrong, but we've both got hold of the opposite ends of the same issue.

I spent a bit of time looking at the EPA and Californian EPA (they'd have the tightest emissions controls) sites last night, and there was no mention of new emissions laws for 2007 that I could find, for diesels or petrol cars.

It looks like the new ultra low-sulfur diesel that we got on 1 Jan last year started coming in late last year for the yanks too. There were two deadlines - a majority-must-have-it in about September (target was 80% availability, they hit 90% from what I read), and a everywhere-must-have-it of 1 Jan 2007.

Prior to the introduction of ULSD car manufacturers would have been restricted to the older diesels which could handle the extra sulfur, but were more polluting - the newer ones are able to have cats that get rid of additional crud. Seems much like the lead-to-unleaded transition all those years ago. The older engines couldn't match the emissions laws in some states. The newer engines, with the better fuel, are able to pass the existing emissions laws.

This Consumer Reports article seems to sum it up the best: http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/cars/pricing/alternative-autos-and-fuels-1105/diesels/index.htm

I suspect the US could start to see an explosion of euro-sourced high-tech diesels now they have fuel that will run them, much like Australia did last year. Well, until the Euros change their fuel regs again (which I wouldn't be surprised to hear) and the rest of the world has to play catch-up.

If demand for diesels does start to show itself in the US in 2007 then I'd guess the more mainstream manufacturers, like GM, will bring out cars like the Saturn Astra with a diesel engine option. I reckon they're just a little bit risk-adverse right now though.

[rjastra]

but not a diesel at 6.5L?! sure, there's more CO2 per litre of burnt diesel, but still a 4 cylinder turbo diesel is way greener than any V6 or V8. these engines are good enough for the Europeans. Since when USA is leading the way in pollution cutting? there must be something else here, and it's called protectionism.

Pollution.. in cities is NOX, CO, hydrocarbons. This is what pollution measures on cars reduce. Not C02.

YOu do realise it was the Yanks who first implemented pollution reduction measures on cars... the europeans we quite slow to do this.


This Consumer Reports article seems to sum it up the best: http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/c...sels/index.htm

That article says that the proposed emission standards were lowered for diesel cars. A shift to ULSD would not preclude the sale of diesel vehicles (even the old tech ones) for nearly an entire year unless the emission standards had changed.

See this article to see that diesel cars sold in the USA have to reach a much higher standard than those sold here.

http://www.caranddriver.com/previews/12424/first-drive-2008-volkswagen-jetta-tdi.html

[digifish]

YOu do realise it was the Yanks who first implemented pollution reduction measures on cars... the europeans we quite slow to do this.

Moot point :)

The average fuel consumption of a US car is like 23MPG

The average fuel consumption in Europe is 38.

US may be leading in introducing measures but it is absoluely a disaster in the actual output/km driven.

digifish.

[Alix]

See this article to see that diesel cars sold in the USA have to reach a much higher standard than those sold here.

http://www.caranddriver.com/previews/12424/first-drive-2008-volkswagen-jetta-tdi.html


I can't see anything in there about higher standards than here. I spotted the reference to the higher standards in five states - but just that they're stricter than the other 45 states. They're also the same 5 states listed in the Consumer Reports article, which was from June 2006.

The March 2006 changes to diesel emissions standards that the Consumer Reports article refers to can be found here: http://www.epa.gov/tier2/amendments/420f06027.pdf. They're not mandatory standards, rather additional optional ways of gaining compliance to existing emissions regulations, for a specific time period, to allow technology to develop.

EDIT: I'm still of the opinon we're just feeling opposite ends of the same elephant here.

[rjastra]

They're not mandatory standards, rather additional optional ways of gaining compliance to existing emissions regulations, for a specific time period, to allow technology to develop.


What I am trying to say is that diesel vehicles that are readily sold and complied for the EU and Australia cannot at present pass the emission levels outlined in Tier2 and that can be easily met by a "gasoline" engine.

The amendment cited shows that temporary excemptions have been put in place so that technological advances may in the future allow diesel vehicles to meet the same levels as a petrol car/truck.

[Red AH SRI T]

GM Corporate radio? Doesn't look too bad actually

http://www.chevrolet.com/i/pic/cobalt/2007/photogallery/int_gallery06.jpg

http://www.chevrolet.com/i/pic/impala/2007/photogallery/int_gallery04.jpg

http://www.pontiac.com/images/gallery_v2/g5/int_console_lg.jpg

http://www.buick.com/images/gallery/lucerne/int/image_2.jpg

Looks like it came from a daewoo

[platypus]

i think we have all forgotten the important thing here...

if the yanks get it, we can expect to see a much higher demand for aftermarket parts, goodies and various toys for the astra here!


and US market being what it is they will be v. inexpensive!!

[dieselhead]

oh, i already dream about a Brembo set for my tractor little... c'mon America, buy a couple of million Astras ASAP! :D

[rjastra]

if the yanks get it, we can expect to see a much higher demand for aftermarket parts, goodies and various toys for the astra here!


Hmmm. not sure that Saturn is a brand that people modify... sorry

[dieselhead]

well, with the Astra it might become just that :)

[EL BURITO]

Hmmm. not sure that Saturn is a brand that people modify... sorry
some one will always want to be different. but there dose need 2 be more than just a few to result in cheaper poroducts

[EL BURITO]

Hmmm. not sure that Saturn is a brand that people modify... sorry
http://www.saturnperformanceclub.com/