SATURN ASTRA XR

I drove the Saturn Astra XR this morning to work. Actually, I've driven the Saturn Astra to work everyday for the last two months (it's my demo). Because this car is my personal demo, you'll have to excuse the cleanliness of the car. It really needs a bath.

This particular Astra XR is a 5-Door, with a 1.8L 4-Cylinder Engine and 5-Speed Manual Transmission. I'm pretty fond of the Astra, although it has a few flaws that I think the American auto-buyer will have troubles getting over. First of all, the cup-holders are in a odd place. They're actually placed behind the driver. Now, remember...the Saturn Astra is built in Belgium and is driven all over Europe under the Opel nameplate. Because this car is driven on the Autobaun at high speeds, the driver would normally have both hands on the steering wheel, instead of one hand on the steering wheel and another on a cup of coffee. The second inconvenient item would be the clock. It's a twenty-four clock, which means that you have to know "Military Time". With the exception of those two items, the car is fun to drive.

The upside to the Saturn Astra is Fuel Economy. Although the car is rated at 25 MPG in the City and 34 MPG on the highway, I'm getting a staggering 31 to 32 MPG in town! The price point and Safety Equipment are impressive also.


FIRST IMPRESSIONS


EXTERIOR IMPRESSIONS


DRIVING IMPRESSION

IN CLOSING...

As usual, if you have any questions regarding the Saturn Astra or any of the other vehicles on this site, please feel free to call me on my personal cell phone at 970-250-2971 or simply e-mail me at jwomp2@netzero.net.

John Wampler, Internet Sales Manager
Ed Bozarth Chevrolet, Pontiac & Buick
Saturn of Grand Junction
970-248-8421 - office
970-250-2971 - cell
jwomp2@netzero.net