SaturnMay 28, 2008 4:01 pm
The Saturn Astra is known as the Opel Astra in Europe. This stiff, flat-cornering little road racer is hugely entertaining to drive.
Saturn’s 2008 Astra XR three-door vies for honors as coolest-looking car in its class.
Base price: $17, 875
Price, as tested: $20,330
Powertrain: 1.8-liter DOHC inline four with variable-valve timing; five-speed manual transmission; front-wheel drive.
Horsepower: 138 at 6,300 rpm
Torque: 125 pound-feet at 3,800 rpm
Curb weight: 2,833 pounds
0-60 mph: 8 seconds
Wheelbase: 102.9 inches
Overall length: 171.1 inches
EPA fuel economy: 24 mpg city, 32 mpg highway (regular gasoline)
Final thoughts : Euro thrash
Inside, the Astra is more comfortable than snappy.
