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Saturn Astra

97 messages,  Last post on Jul 13, 2009 at 9:58 PM

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What is this discussion about? Saturn Astra, Hatchback, Sedan


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#41 of 97
This is Astra re creaky by moparbad
Apr 05, 2008 (7:54 am)
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Astra was not offered as a 2007 model. Comparing it to a 2007 Focus is not helpful.
#42 of 97
Re: This is Astra re creaky [moparbad] by creakid1
Apr 05, 2008 (1:38 pm)
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Replying to: moparbad (Apr 05, 2008 7:54 am)

No matter how backward the Americanized 2008-2010 Focus is, at least its Japanese-developed powerplant edges out Astra's Opel technology. This Focus out accelerates the Astra with ease & at only 74dB, which no other small car in this C&D test does it any quieter. The Astra's slower acceleration is not just noisier than all other competitors at 84dB, but still using just a tad more fuel than the Focus powered by Mazda.
 
Perhaps the Astra should look into another GM-badge product -- the Pontiac Vibe -- & start using Toyota powerplant for efficiency. American drivers use more gallons of fuel per day than drivers in any foreign country. The Americanized Focus may not be sporty, but sure is comfy & quiet enough to substitute mid-size cars for comfort w/o the fuel bill.
 
This Astra has been out all over the world years before the 2008 model year. Why was GM afraid to bring it here to compete w/ the (exciting-to-drive Euro-designed) Focus over the last few years? That was my point!
#43 of 97
GM Card & Saturn by moparbad
Apr 16, 2008 (8:59 am)
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This may assist some of you, see the below press release.
 
PRESS RELEASE:
 
GM REWARD CARDS Expands Options to Include Saturn Vehicles
 
GM Card and the GM Flexible Earnings Card now offer customers even more choices when redeeming Earnings
 
DETROIT - Consumers who want to use their GM Card or GM Flexible Earnings Card toward the purchase of an eligible, new GM vehicle now have the option to purchase or lease a new Saturn under expanded program guidelines.
 
The GM Card and the GM Flexible Earnings Card allows Cardmembers to earn toward an eligible new GM vehicle with every credit card purchase. In the past, these Earnings could be applied toward eligible new vehicle purchases or leases offered by Chevrolet, Pontiac, Buick, GMC, Cadillac and Hummer. Effective April 15, 2008 Saturn vehicles will be added to the expanded program.
 
"We're very excited to be able to offer potential Saturn customers another valuable tool when making their purchase decision," said Jill Lajdziak, general manager, Saturn. "Our Cardmembers have asked for this and we're responding."
 
Saturn has the freshest line-up in the industry, having launched five all-new products in the past 24 months.
 
A GM Flexible Earning Cardmember's redemption options include: 3 percent Earnings on eligible, new GM vehicles or 1 percent cash back.
 
"This reward card allows Cardmembers to choose the right reward for them and triples the base Earnings to 3 percent when you redeem on a GM vehicle," said Jody Stidham, director, GM Lifecycle Management. All GM reward card Earnings can be used in conjunction with most national promotional offers.
#44 of 97
Re: This is Astra re creaky [creakid1] by moparbad
Apr 16, 2008 (9:00 am)
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Replying to: creakid1 (Apr 05, 2008 1:38 pm)

If there is nothing you like about the Astra, there are a heck of a lot of choices for you other than Astra, you seem to enjoy complaining about the Astra.
#45 of 97
Re: This is Astra re creaky [moparbad] by creakid1
Apr 16, 2008 (6:54 pm)
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Replying to: moparbad (Apr 16, 2008 9:00 am)

Actually I complain about every car & always find room for improvement. That's just my nature. Please bear with me.
 
Anyway, I was one of the lucky US residents that gets to travel overseas each year. Last summer I was riding in a brand-new Astra 5-dr diesel over some bumpy city streets & found the ride comfort of this torsion-beam car quite firm -- no match for the multi-link Focus' (both the local C-1 MkII Focus & the old-design C-170 MkI Focus sold in the USA). & I'm pretty sure that this Astra wasn't even equipped w/ the firmer sport suspension, as it's a diesel model w/o large wheel rims.
 
No wonder I confidently took delivery of my '07 Focus 2.3 ST last autumn.
 
I'm hoping that the Saturn Astra, sold at made-in-Europe price, will survive long enough in the dealer show room. So I will get to see some interesting comparison b/t the next Astra w/ multi-link & the Euro-design MkIII Focus here.
#46 of 97
Re: This is Astra re creaky [creakid1] by nwng
Apr 24, 2008 (7:34 pm)
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Replying to: creakid1 (Apr 16, 2008 6:54 pm)

the problem is with the US$ tanking, astra pricing is becoming very uncompetitive, a B class car for the price of a C class. Plus I have yet to see a tv ad for astra.
#47 of 97
Re: This is Astra re creaky [nwng] by creakid1
Apr 29, 2008 (7:16 pm)
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Replying to: nwng (Apr 24, 2008 7:34 pm)

a B class car for the price of a C class?
 
a B class car for the price of a B class:
http://townhall-talk.edmunds.com/direct/view/.f158006/47
(That's right, torsion-beam saves cost at the expense of ride comfort)
 
I'm pretty sure w/ low price & pretty face like that, it'll kill the sales of the disgusting-styling '08-10 American Focus.
 
And the "expensive" Saturn Astra better brace its self, too. After all, the Astra is really a C-class car but still wearing B-class-like torsion-beam rear suspension until some time next year when the redesign gets multi-links -- just in time to avoid being compared to this new Euro-designed Verve/Fiesta.
#48 of 97
Re: This is Astra re creaky [creakid1] by nwng
May 01, 2008 (9:17 am)
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Replying to: creakid1 (Apr 29, 2008 7:16 pm)

a 5 dr xr is $18k otd according to tmv. for the same price and equipment level, you can get a 5 dr rabbit, a 4 dr civic ex, a matrix.... you just can't jump in among very established makes/models and offer a middle of the road product with the same pricing.
#49 of 97
Re: This is Astra re creaky [nwng] by creakid1
May 04, 2008 (2:13 pm)
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Replying to: nwng (May 01, 2008 9:17 am)

Gosh, that 5 dr rabbit rides like a dream! & it is a true European car imported from Germany, where an Opel is considered as "bottom of the food chain".
 
I remember the 5-dr Rabbit has seat-height & lumbar adjustment even for the front passenger seat, while its control-blade multilink rear suspension designed by the original Focus engineers rides even smoother than any Focus. There are even A/C vents behind the front center armrest. Only some road noise reminds you that you are not in a limo.
 
What the Astra excels is its exclusivity.
 
Nevertheless, I still think that driving an Astra in America can make me look good -- at least more European-ish than anything else. Just don't forget to replace that Saturn grill w/ the original one that has the cool-looking Opel "zig-zag" badge on it.
 
& believe me, the last thing I want is being seen driving the American-styled '08 Focus.
#50 of 97
Astra Out of This World by moparbad
May 17, 2008 (2:21 pm)
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Astra Out of This World
 
When will the 2009's be announced?

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