Saturn/Opel/Vauxhall/Holden Astra

[Canadian Turbo]

I am starting to look at some prospects for a new car that I may expect to pickup next year and something I keep coming back to is the Saturn Astra 3 door XR. Now I know some of you are going to shake your head, but the car is made in Belgium so pretty Euro, looks fairly nice (in 3 door trim) and with it being sold as a domestic has the potential to be a massive deal, especially since the auto market is poor and the Astra is not selling well at all.

I know the 1.8 has only 140hp but I am coming from a car with 60 so I am not exactly looking at a rocket ship, but I am looking for something fairly cool, hopefully Euro, economical and a little more practical then the Smart. I would love to pick up an RS4 or a nice Audi or something but it is just not a smart choice at this point as I am looking at possibly re-locating in about 2-3 years.

Anyway just looking for some thoughts, opinions on the car and if anyone has driven one.

A pic of an Saturn Astra XR lowered



A Opel performance version from Europe to show some potential

[Canadian Turbo]

Re: Saturn/Opel/Vauxhall/Holden Astra

I think the 5 door is hideous though

[Jam-T]

Re: Saturn/Opel/Vauxhall/Holden Astra

I am in Europe right now I have seen some fairly nice ones I have to say.

[Tuna]

Re: Saturn/Opel/Vauxhall/Holden Astra

I like them and think the styling is really nice, I agree, the 5 door, isn't so nice but that would be the one I'd have to get. I found the interior a bit bland but comfortable.

Didn't drive one as at the time it was out of our price range and size (were looking at sub-compact).

The 140hp is a little dissapointing as it would have been nice to see 160 at least so it could compete better with mazda3 but will probably do better in mileage.

If they came out with a Redline version with the skirting package and a power bump it would be pretty tempting for me.

0% financing on right now too I believe so pretty good bargain.

[turbomeyers]

Re: Saturn/Opel/Vauxhall/Holden Astra

i am all for it .... or a c30 volvo . but the astra is a fave of mine . and they might have the turbo by then (here)

[turbomeyers]

Re: Saturn/Opel/Vauxhall/Holden Astra

astra rieger

[VW337]

Re: Saturn/Opel/Vauxhall/Holden Astra

I was in one of these for a week during the summer and the thing that bothered me the most was the cupholder. There's only one cupholder and it's way back by your elbow in the center console. Other than that the car seemed pretty good, but I have to agree with everyone else in that the 2-door is much better looking.

[BadKenny]

Re: Saturn/Opel/Vauxhall/Holden Astra

Too bad the 5 door looks so bad...I cannot live with a 2 door (uh, 3 door) anymore. If they do ever bring out the redline version with that awesome 2.0L SIDI turbocharged engine like the Sky, Cobalt, etc., 260hp in that body is just going to be AWESOME. Oh and an LSD for the love of god on a FF car...

[Canadian Turbo]

Re: Saturn/Opel/Vauxhall/Holden Astra

Went by Saturn yesterday, no driving as dealership was closed but took a look at a few units on the lot, still like the 3 door and hate the 5 door but still need to give it a drive.

[niXon]

Re: Saturn/Opel/Vauxhall/Holden Astra



Mmmm Opel Astra Nurburgring edition

[bart]

Re: Saturn/Opel/Vauxhall/Holden Astra

i am looking to buy a 998 gt3 with pdk... who cares about relocating! haha

[BadKenny]

Re: Saturn/Opel/Vauxhall/Holden Astra

Went by Saturn yesterday, no driving as dealership was closed but took a look at a few units on the lot, still like the 3 door and hate the 5 door but still need to give it a drive.

140hp isn't bad....especially considering you can always get a supercharger! It can only be a matter of time before Vortec or Eaton makes a kit for them. Or if they make a redline edition....

[turbomeyers]

Re: Saturn/Opel/Vauxhall/Holden Astra

you could also swap from a hhr turbo with like 270hp or some sh*t

[BadKenny]

Re: Saturn/Opel/Vauxhall/Holden Astra

you could also swap from a hhr turbo with like 270hp or some sh*t

WORD. Same awesome engine the new Cobalt SS and the Solstice GXP run.
Sigh. Direct injected 2.0L I4 with a heck of a turbo on it....wait a minute....I'm pretty sure its a KKK K03 variant....

EDIT - Its a twin-scroll K04 variant.

[Canadian Turbo]

Re: Saturn/Opel/Vauxhall/Holden Astra

The car most likely would not be too heavily modded as I think I will just be in a 2-3 year lease, maybe just some wheels/drop, but I think 140hp will be livable after the 40hp Smart.