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2008 SATURN ASTRA New for 2008
Key
ALL-NEW 2008 SATURN ASTRA BRINGS EUROPEAN STYLE TO NORTH AMERICAN SMALL CAR MARKETThe all-new 2008 Saturn Astra brings a decidedly European flavor to the North American small car market. It is packed with a wide range of standard equipment and safety features, and delivers sporty performance with very good fuel economy. The Saturn Astra is offered in three-door and five-door models, each underpinned by a taut, European-bred suspension that delivers a sharp, responsive driving experience. Power comes from a 1.8L Ecotec four-cylinder engine that is both energetic and economical, delivering 138 horsepower (103 kW). "In Europe, the Astra's combination of style, performance, safety technology and fuel efficiency have made it a hit with owners and auto critics alike," said Mike Speranzini, Director of Saturn Canada. "Now, Saturn brings the newly restyled Astra to North America and marries it with our celebrated customer experience." The Astra went on sale in the fourth quarter of 2007. It is the latest product in a complete revamp of Saturn's product lineup. In fact, when the Astra hits showrooms, the "oldest" vehicle in Saturn's portfolio will be the Sky roadster, which debuted in March 2006. Other new models include the all-new Aura sedan and Aura Green Line hybrid sedan, the redesigned Vue compact crossover - including the Vue Green Line hybrid - and the Outlook crossover. Product highlights Saturn offers two trim levels (XE and XR) for five-door models, and a single trim (XR) in the three-door configuration, which was created with particularly enthusiastic drivers in mind. The standard powertrain combination in all models is the 1.8L Ecotec DOHC four-cylinder engine, which is paired with a five-speed manual transmission. The Ecotec engine is enhanced with variable valve timing to optimize power output and fuel efficiency. A four-speed automatic transmission is optional on all models. The Astra offers technologies to provide an agile, yet comfortable, driving experience. 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 the XR five-door model). Five-door Astras come with standard 16-inch wheels, but can be upgraded to 16- and 17-inch aluminum wheels. Three-door models come standard with 17-inch aluminum wheels, which can be upgraded to 18-inch aluminum wheels and high-performance tires. Impressive powertrain The Astra's standard 1.8L Ecotec 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 (169 Nm) - for an enviable 76 horsepower per litre (57 kW/L). A number of unique and innovative features highlight the 1.8L engine, including 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. As with all members of the Ecotec engine family, the Astra's 1.8L engine shares a basic architecture and design features with other Ecotec engines, including:
The 1.8L Ecotec also has a strong, lighter-weight cast iron cylinder block, thanks to a unique hollow frame design concept. It weighs only 27 kg (59.5 pounds), which is 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 good fuel economy - up to 46 miles per Imperial gallon (6.1 L/100 km) on the highway. An Aisin electronically controlled four-speed automatic is available; it is renowned for its low noise, high durability and smooth shifting. The four-speed automatic incorporates neutral idle, a feature that automatically shifts the transmission to neutral during stops. This eliminates converter drag on the engine and contributes to fuel efficiency. It also is equipped with an automatic throttle kick-down feature, which actuates immediate downshifting during wide-open throttle driving for more immediate performance. Confident suspension All Astra models have specifically tuned suspensions. For example, 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 a 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 reduce unsprung mass, for an increased feeling of nimbleness. The hollow control arms are connected to the high-strength rear axle beam via the Opel-developed Magnetarc welding process, which enables high axle loads and a compact package. Design details The Astra has a clean, contemporary design that is infused with Saturn's signature styling cues, including a bold, bright grille bar with prominent Saturn logo. Both the three-door and five-door models are distinguished from their European relatives with unique front and rear fascias that conform to North American bumper standards. Rear-end styling also features a bright trim bar, with large, wraparound taillamps and clear lenses. 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. Interior design and features Bold design, refinement and precise execution are the hallmarks of the Saturn Astra's interior, which envelops passengers in 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. The sporty Astra three-door receives specific seats with more aggressive bolsters and lumbar support. Additional interior highlights include:
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 single, high-mounted lever. When the rear seats are folded, the five-door Astra offers 1,265 litres (44.7 cubic feet) of storage space. Occupant protection features The 2008 Saturn Astra features a comprehensive list of safety systems to help protect occupants in the event of a crash. Highlights include:
Body structure: The unitized body structure is designed with a safety cage around the passenger compartment, and features optimized front and rear crush zones that absorb energy and help maintain the structural integrity of the passenger compartment. High-strength steel is used strategically throughout the body structure. Air bags: All Astra models feature dual-stage frontal air bags, seat-mounted thorax/pelvic air bags to help protect front occupants and head curtain air bags for front- and rear-seat occupants. Also standard is an automatic passenger sensing system for the front passenger seat; it suppresses the activation of the passenger-side frontal air bag if it detects a child or smaller-stature person in that seating position. Active head restraints and Pedal Release System: Standard active head restraints move forward in the event of a rear-end crash is detected, reducing the risk of neck injuries. Similarly, the Pedal Release System allows the pedals to detach during a crash to reduce the risk of leg or ankle injuries to the driver. Safety belt pretensioners and load limiters: When a crash is detected, the safety belt pretensioners immediately reduce the slack in the front safety belts, helping limit the movement of passengers. The load limiters permit a small amount of movement in the front safety belts, thereby reducing peak chest loads in a more severe crash. OnStar: Astra is equipped with the latest-generation OnStar system, including available Turn-by-Turn Navigation. The system also 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. # # # Contacts: STANDARD AND OPTIONAL FEATURES
S - Standard Equipment. O - Optional Equipment. (Subject to change at any time.) SPECIFICATIONS Overview
Engine
Transmissions
Chassis/Suspension
Brakes
Wheels/Tires
Dimensions Exterior
Interior
Capacities
*Pending SAE certification. A new voluntary power and torque certification procedure developed by the SAE Engine Test Code committee was approved March 31, 2005. This procedure (J2723) ensures fair, accurate ratings for horsepower and torque by allowing manufacturers to certify their engines through third-party witness testing. GM was the first auto manufacturer to begin using the procedure and expects to use it for all newly rated engines in the future.
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