Saturn of Spartanburg

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Walk Around

From the windshield forward both the three-door and five-door Saturn Astra models appear identical, with projector headlamps in housings that echo the lower corner trim and deliver a crisp light pattern, a Saturn family chrome grille split, and a sloping hood that melts into the windshield. White parking light bulbs belie the European heritage, as do simple yet stylish side signal repeaters that appear chrome jewelry until switched on when a signal can be seen anywhere on the side of the car, not just ahead of more vulnerable mirror-mounted devices.

The lack of visual clutter and cladding should be welcome by all from the Rust Belt to the southern border; excess chrome is reserved mainly for badges and the horizontal trim front and rear.

Rear panel styling echoes the front with a recessed panel in the hatch split by trim and the license plate in another recess in the bumper; since they're all hatchbacks, all Astras have rear wipers for better wet weather visibility.

On the three-door, the window line arcs downward from about two-thirds through the front door; the earlier Ford Focus hatchback will come to mind as similar. The window line is continued just beyond as the leading edge of the taillight housing in profile, yet the roofline carries well rearward and the hatch sweeps in from the sides; were you viewing it in the dark from overhead you'd be hard pressed to say whether the car was coming or going.

Five-door models are almost two inches taller than the three-door, the primary benefit being rear seat headroom. The five-door has a similar look to the ends, although the rear is more upright to make full use of the footprint. The rear-door opening angles up and rearward from the wheel and, instead of reversing direction at the glass line, it keeps going up and aft to the top of the glass. Since the door opening matches the seated position of rear seat riders, this pays big dividends in getting into and out of, and seeing out of, the rear seat.

Perhaps not as stylish or unique as the Saturn Sky roadster, the Saturn Astra is still distinctive and has visual appeal. This is further heightened on any version by simple alloy wheels, and on the three-door by that arcing windowline which might make you wonder if this is the most attractive three-door gas-saver around.

Interior

2008 Saturn Astra

With silver trim along the doors sweeping into the dash and onto the center controls, the Astra's dark gray interior is bisected by a large, silver T-shaped panel. A lighter headliner and lots of glass keep the cabin fairly light and airy for the primarily dark color scheme. Everything looks quite good for what begins a $15,000 car, and while everyone uses plastic these days the Astra hides it well.

There are no ergonomic problems for the Astra daily driver nor any when you swap driving chores. American drivers might have to make two minor adaptations, one using the icon BC, which stands for on-board computer for trip data, the other being electronic controls of wipers and signals that always have the stalk at its default or standard resting position. Lift the signal lever slightly and you get an automatic three blinks for lane changes; lift it a step further for regular signal operation, and lift again if you change your mind and want to turn the signals off; this can be vexing until you get used to it. Same for the wipers, including the rear, so never assume there is a glitch with the car or a broken switch; it does what you tell it to do.

The only potential downside we found was a lack of storage areas for the front seats. True, the two-level glovebox and door pockets are useful and there is a small bin next to the lighter, but apart from the tray the handbrake rides in where your fingers will scoop out the contents, there aren't many places convenient to throw wallet, extra keys, phone, or MP3 player and handily retrieve them.

All Astras have good cabin space for their footprint, including footwells that won't make you sit artificially canted.

The front seats are covered in cloth and adjust manually for cushion height, reach, and infinite recline, and use a bolster shape that keeps you supported but doesn't pinch wider waistlines. Both front and rear seat cushion length are generous to avoid putting your behind to sleep.

The three-door has sportier front seats more in keeping with its style, mission, and firmer suspension, and they do a commendable job keeping you in place, even with the optional leather.

The rear bench seat in both body styles is broad with three belts. The back seat is better used for two adults or three children. The five-door will accommodate six-footers front and rear simultaneously. An optional twin-panel sunroof covers both rows in glass and an opaque shade; only the front panel opens yet all will benefit from the light or night views.

The three-door, with easy access front seat sliders, has somewhat less rear headroom but you'll still be surprised by how much space there is. Reading lights and outboard cupholders for back-seat riders complement the pair that pop forward out of the seat cushion. The center headrest is low-profile for rear vision but adjustable for safety. Coat hooks are provided, useful for picking up dry cleaning.

Dual outside mirrors are heated and power-adjustable on all models and narrow forward pillars contribute to excellent forward visibility yet all quarters are easy to see. The three-door's sloping rear windows are far enough from the driver they don't compromise lane-change vision, and the rear window is a bit shallower than the five-door. The rear wiper obscures rearward visibility on both models.

Instruments and driving controls are shared by the three-door and five-door versions. However, the three-door includes a large tachometer and speedometer flanking a small fuel gauge, all in amber illumination.

The comfortably thick steering wheel tilts and telescopes for good driving position and clear gauge viewing, and there is nothing hidden behind it. This is a nice feature because many compacts have only a tilting wheel. The light switch is to the left, and an information screen is in the center dash stack for radio, outside temperature, and trip computer data; when Instant Consumption is selected and the car is not

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