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• 2008

Saturn Home

For immediate release

2009 SATURN ASTRA

New for 2009

• New tan cloth seat and door inserts available on all models
• Advanced audio package available on five-door XE model
• Oil pan heater available on all models
• Date on information screen organized by month/day/year vs. day/month/year
• Twelve-hour clock replaces 24-hour clock
• Saturn badge moves from rear bright bar onto upper painted surface
• Revised 16-inch wheel cover design on five-door XE model (interim change)
• Polar White replaces Olympic White and Quicksilver replaces Star Silver (interim change)

Model Lineup

Key:

2009 SATURN ASTRA: A BEST SELLER IN EUROPE COMES TO NORTH AMERICA

Still fresh from its 2008 model year debut, when it challenged the North American compact car market with sporty looks, European driving performance and long list of standard equipment, the 2009 Saturn Astra delivers small enhancements that make it an even bigger contender in the segment.

The Saturn Astra is offered in three-door and five-door models, each featuring a taut, European-proven suspension that delivers a sharp, responsive driving experience. Power comes from a 1.8L, 138-horsepower (103 kW) four-cylinder engine that is both energetic and fuel-efficient. Highway fuel economy for the manual transmission-equipped Astra is excellent against its competitors at 6.1 L/100km; 6.6 L/100km for Astras with the available automatic.

The Saturn Astra comes in two trim levels (XE and XR) for five-door models, and a single trim (XR) in the three-door configuration, created with particularly enthusiastic drivers in mind.

Powertrain with punch

The Astra's standard 1.8L DOHC engine is a sophisticated, powerful and economical power plant. It uses variable valve timing to optimize power and economy, delivering 138 horsepower (103 kW) and 125 lb.-ft. of torque (170 Nm) - for an enviable 77 horsepower per litre (58 kW/L).

The 1.8L engine includes two continuously variable camshafts, a highly efficient oil/water heat exchanger and a map-controlled thermostat. It also has a deep-drawn exhaust manifold that incorporates the catalytic converter and a two-step intake manifold that uses a rotary sleeve instead of conventional flaps to actuate the transition between low-rpm and high-rpm airflow. This design minimizes flow loss for optimal performance and efficiency.

The 1.8L engine also has a strong, lighter-weight cast iron cylinder block. It weighs only 27 kg (59.5 pounds), comparable to many aluminum-block engines. Oil-cooling jets are incorporated in the block to ensure optimal piston cooling.

A five-speed manual transmission is standard in all models and helps the Astra deliver its great fuel economy. An Aisin electronically controlled four-speed automatic is available.

The four-speed automatic incorporates neutral idle, a feature that automatically shifts the transmission to neutral during stops and eliminates converter drag on the engine. It also is equipped with an automatic throttle kick-down feature, which actuates immediate downshifting during wide-open throttle driving for more immediate performance.

Fuel economy

The Saturn Astra is as fuel-efficient as it is fun to drive. Fuel economy is rated at 8.5 L/100km city and 6.1 L/100km highway for manual transmission-equipped models and 8.4 L/100km city and 6.6 L/100km highway for automatic transmission-equipped models.

Ride and handling

GM's StabiliTrak electronic stability control system with traction control is standard on all three-door Astras, and available on five-door models. This system works in concert with the standard four-wheel, anti-lock disc brakes to help the driver maintain control during adverse road conditions or during sudden emergency driving situations.

An electro-hydraulic, rack-and-pinion steering system is standard on all models. It provides the solid, linear feel of a hydraulic power steering system, but improves fuel efficiency by operating the power steering pump only when necessary. The system has two available configurations: the standard 15:1 ratio on five-door models and a 14:1 Sport ratio (standard on the three-door; optional on five-door models).

Five-door Astras feature standard 16-inch wheels (XE wheel covers will be replaced during the course of the model year), but can be upgraded to 17-inch aluminum wheels. Three-door models are equipped with 17-inch aluminum wheels, which can be upgraded to 18-inch aluminum wheels and summer-rated performance tires.

Confident suspension

The three-door XR model receives a sport-tuned suspension that includes a 15-mm-lower-ride height, quicker steering calibration, a specific front axle configuration and an electronically aided sport chassis system.

The Astra uses a strut-type front suspension, with the control arms, stabilizer bar and steering rack mounted to the subframe. All of the front suspension's bushings are designed to minimize noise and vibration.

Astra's rear suspension features a semi-independent torsion-link axle design, with an axle-beam formed to a double-U-shaped profile. This enhances strength and also serves as a stabilizer bar. The rear control arms also feature integrated wheel carriers that are made from lightweight, one-piece, hollow-cast material. These lightweight control arms provide an increased feeling of nimbleness.

The hollow control arms are connected to the high-strength rear axle beam via the Magnetarc welding process developed by Opel, which enables high axle loads and a compact package.

Exterior details

The Astra's clean, contemporary design is infused with Saturn's signature styling cues, including a prominent Saturn logo that moves from the bright rear bar to the painted decklid. Three-door and five-door models sport unique front and rear fascias that conform to North American bumper standards.

Large, wraparound taillamps and clear lenses convey the vehicle's dynamic spirit. The centre high-mounted stop lamp uses LED technology for fast and crisp illumination.

Proportions on both body styles suggest an enthusiastic driving experience, with the wheels pushed to the corners and subtle fender flares wrapped tightly around the tires for a tailored stance.

During the course of the model year, Saturn will make two exterior finish changes on the Astra. Polar White replaces Olympic White and Quicksilver replaces Star Silver.

Interior details

Bold design, refinement and precise execution characterize the Saturn Astra's interior, which provides passengers with a contemporary environment that maximizes space and comfort. Details include a continuation of the exterior's centre hood crease on to the centre of the instrument panel, as well as a V-shaped centre stack motif that also complements the design language of the exterior.

All models convey the Astra's sporting character through firm, well-supported seats and a thick, three-spoke steering wheel with rake and telescopic adjustments. Ahead of the steering wheel is a rounded cockpit binnacle that houses a large, three-dimensional gauge cluster - including large speedometer and tachometer dials. Seats in the sporty Astra three-door feature aggressive bolsters and lumbar support.

For 2009, Astra XE and XR customers can choose tan cloth seat and door inserts. Other enhancements include a new 12-hour clock; and a revised date display (month/day/year instead of day/month/year).

Additional interior highlights include:

• Illuminated glove box with damped door actuation
• A large, two-panel sunroof: the largest in its class (available on five-door only)
• Available heated seats in cloth or leather surfaces
• Auxiliary 12-volt power outlet
• Easy-to-remove rear cargo cover
• Power door locks (with central locking feature) and power windows with express down feature

Audio systems

The Saturn Astra XE model is equipped with a standard six-speaker AM/FM/CD radio and XR models have standard seven-speaker sound system. Steering-wheel mounted audio controls are included on XR models.

Storage galore

Astra's bold proportions, including a long, 2,614 mm (103-inch) wheelbase and 1,753 mm (69-inch) width, provide exceptional roominess and generous storage capacity. The 60/40-split folding rear seat also folds flat with the touch of a convenient, high-mounted lever. When the rear seat is folded, the five-door Astra offers 1,265 litres (44.7 cubic feet) of storage space.

Safety and security

The 2009 Saturn Astra features a comprehensive list of safety systems to help protect occupants in the event of a crash. Highlights include:

• Rigid body structure with safety cage that uses high-strength steel in strategic locations
• Six standard air bags, including dual-stage frontal air bags; roof rail head curtain air bags and seat-mounted thorax/pelvic air bags (for front-seat passengers)
• Standard air bag occupant suppression technology for front passenger seat
• Active head restraints instantly move forward in rear impact to reduce risk of neck injury
• Pedal Release System allows pedals to detach in a crash to minimize risk of foot and ankle injury
• Front safety belt pretensioners and load limiters
• OnStar 8.0 with Bluetooth hands-free phone connection, one year of Safe & Sound service and OnStar Onboard Vehicle Diagnostics
• Standard tire pressure monitoring system

Astra is equipped with new OnStar 8.0 hardware that includes Bluetooth connectivity and enhanced voice recognition technology. The system includes advanced automatic crash notification (AACN). With AACN, an OnStar advisor is immediately contacted by the vehicle when a crash occurs; the advisor can determine the appropriate emergency help required and assist in sending it to the scene of the crash. Astra buyers will receive one year of Safe & Sound Service provided by Saturn.

# # #

For media enquiries contact:
General Motors of Canada
Product Communications
Tony LaRocca
905-644-1804
tony.larocca@gm.com

SPECIFICATIONS

Overview

Engine

Transmissions

Chassis/Suspension

Brakes

Wheels/Tires

Dimensions

Exterior

Interior

Capacities

STANDARD AND OPTIONAL FEATURES

S - Standard Equipment. O - Optional Equipment. (Subject to change at any time.)