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Models and Pricing

Saturn sells its all-new 2008 Astra in two trim levels and two body styles. A 5-door is available in XE and XR guise with prices ranging from $16,495 to $18,045, while a sportier 3-door Astra can be had only as an XR for a starting price of $18,995. 

All versions feature cruise control, a four-cylinder engine tied to a five-speed manual transmission, side-curtain airbags, a tilt and telescoping steering wheel, and power heated exterior mirrors, as well as a standard CD player and a driver information screen atop the center dash. Moving from the XE to the 5-door XR adds air conditioning, 16-inch alloy wheels, an MP3 player, and foglights. Optional equipment for all 5-door models includes a dual-pane sunroof, a four-speed automatic transmission, and heated front seats, though the XR can also be treated to a Premium Trim Package with leather upholstery, an Advanced Audio Package with a six-disc CD changer, and a Sport Handling Package with a lowered suspension and 17-inch wheels. That last package is standard fare on the Astra 3-door XR, as are thickly bolstered seats and GM’s Stabilitrak stability control system. The Premium and Audio packages are optional. 

Our tester was a Salsa Red Astra 3-door XR carrying a sticker price of $22,355 including a $620 destination charge, the four-speed automatic transmission, 18-inch alloys with performance tires, and the Premium Trim and Advanced Audio packages. With the price and equipment, there’s little to complain about other than the fact that a sunroof isn’t available on the 3-door. That, and anyone with sporting intentions will want to skip the fun-robbing automatic for what we suspect is a more engaging manual tranny.