"K-Roll-PorscheTamer" (k-roll390)
02/17/2014 at 09:15 • Filed to: Saturn Astra Review
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"K-Roll-PorscheTamer" (k-roll390)
02/17/2014 at 09:15 • Filed to: Saturn Astra Review | 0
| 0 |
Note: The review was started a couple weeks ago, but I just finished it today; That's a fair reason to change the time isn't it? If not I do apologize again! On to the review!
My first review! I thought I was gonna start off with a history of Saturn, the Astra and how GM Ruined the brand and blah blah blah! But that's boring, I don't like boring and no one wants to read a boring review. This car is exciting to drive and fun to have so that's what this review will be: fun and exciting!
(As of the publishing date, February 17, 2014, the car is still in my hands so if you'd like to see a video of anything in regards to the car, drop a comment or ask!)
Let's talk about the car for a second. Saturn called the Astra a car that's isn't trying to be cool. Take a look at these commercials before jumping in to the review:
On to the review!
A little background first. This is/was my first car. Purchased used from a very lovely old German couple with just 38,000 miles for $11,000. As of now, I've driven the car to 44,000 miles and have owned it for a little more than one year. But now after a recent expensive transmission fix, the Astra will be traded in towards a 2014 Focus ST.
Exterior: 8/10
The first thing you need to know about this car, is that it's essentially a re-badged Opel Astra H, one of Europe's most popular small cars; either known as the Vauxhall Astra in the UK, Holden Astra in Australia or the Chevy Astra In South America.
(I thought a cemetery would be a nice setting for a picture.)
Because of it's direct European roots, the first thing you notice when walking up to the car, is it's moderately aggressive stance. It screams "European" in throughout it's entire design and I find the cat-eye style headlamps really make the car. In the Twilight Blue Metallic, the car really stands outs from the crowd of usual commuter cars; the Ford Focus and VW Golf come to mind.
The only thing I've added externally is this little Star Trek badge(Excuse how dirty the car is):
Even better, the car's design is already almost 10 years old, and yet it still looks new even today! I should say, however, that I prefer the looks of the 3-door over the 5-door; it simply looks sleeker compared to the 5-door. But the 5-door having more practicality in the end, it's all up to preference.
(I should note that the XR Coupe doesn't come with a sunroof)
Interior: 6/10
The interior is simple and straight to the point. The car normally has a grey interior with silver accents; What I did was "install" a REMIN 'Stone White' Dash Kit(Polyurethane Stickers! with 3M adhesive backing) over the regular dash to make everything pop out! If I'm honest I actually did that because I loved the Arctic White Focus interior....
The cloth seats are nice and firm, with adjustable manual lumbar and height; and even have a little pattern on them which is pretty neat compared to your typical dull grey cloth seats. Bolstering is minimal on the sides as you can feel it holding you in, yet it doesn't feel as supportive if you want to whip it around a corner at 40mph!(I've done it)
There were also optional leather seats to add to the premium look that the interior invokes. I'm not sure how they look or feel but we can assume they'd be the same as the cloth seats.
Now, the plastics that surround you on the doors and dash feel somewhat soft and hard; but they seem to be of decent quality. Sitting in the cabin, it does have somewhat of a "premium feel" for an economy compact.
There's great legroom in the front if you are about 5'10"; however, leg and headroom for passengers in the back is somewhat scarce, it really depends on the front seat adjustment but if you're 6' tall, be aware that you won't enjoy sitting in the back for more than 10-20 minutes.
The trunk is decent sized for the class, but no where near the size of the Ford Focus Hatch. Seats Folded down though, and you've got enough space for a road trip for two! It's large enough that a 5'5" person can sit in the trunk for whatever reason you might need to do that.
One thing that may or may not put you off of this car is the fact that it doesn't come with an armrest. I believe mine was purchased online and installed prior to my ownership as I've heard from multiple Astra owners that theirs didn't have one when purchased. That being said, there are only three cupholders in the car(four if you get an armrest); one in the front, two in the rear. The rear holders pop out from under the seat and feel decent enough to hold some bottles or cups; the front holder sits rather far back and is annoying when trying to reach for a drink. Fortunately I made it a rule that no one is to eat or drink in my car(except for me when I'm in a hurry) so that all worked out!
Acceleration: 5/10
If you want a speedy hatchback, this is not the car for you. It has a 1.8L I4 putting out 138hp /125lb/ft of tq; enough hp for getting from one place to another, enough to Auto-X, but no where near enough to drag race, if that's your thing...
0-60 times at around 9 seconds , The car can get up to 110mph(I've done it), but after reaching 80, the car really struggles as overdrive puts the car into 2nd or 3rd to push you up to that speed.
(My own attempt at a 0-60 pull)
(Some fun!)
Braking: 6/10
(Optional 17" Alloys)
The car comes standard with 4-wheel anti-lock disc brakes and are good enough for simple stop and go traffic, and high speed braking; the never failed me.
I should note to any Astra owners that could hear a slight clicking sound when starting the car and driving up to 15mph, that's just the ABS pump cycling and it does it every time; nothing to worry about.
Ride: 6/10
My Astra XR has the optional 'Sport Suspension Package', so I can't speak for the regular Astra when I say it's decent. You really feel the bumps, cracks and the other imperfections on the road. If you're looking for a posh, comfortable ride, you'll not find it here! Especially here in Michigan where the roads suck, you won't enjoy the ride here; but eventually, you get use to it.
In terms of ride-noise, the car is somewhat quiet at low speeds up to 40mph; but once you get on the freeway, above 60 and you can hear all the wind blowing past the car, you may think your windows aren't up! But after a while, you do get use to it. The engine is very audible at all speeds which is great!
Another thing to note; after time, you might hear a vibration coming from one of the pillars but that's normal too after some time.
Handling: 7/10
My Astra XR has the optional 'Sport Suspension Package', so I can't speak for the regular Astra when I say it handles like a dream! You can whip it around corners with ease and do all the handbrake turns and J-turns you want; the car will happily comply. But know the car's limits before you have fun.
Gearbox: 6/10
You get the choice of either a 5-spd manual(wish I had that one), or a 4-spd automatic(I have that one). You do have low gear options in the form of D-3-2-1 should you want to use a lower gear. Like I've said, the transmission is good enough for simple casual driving and some Auto-X every once and awhile, but don't expect it to last if you thrash it around everyday. I personally think that both gearboxes could've used an extra gear but whatever.
For the automatic tranny, there are two features that go along with it. "Neutral-at-Idle", which can be compared to the Stop/Go feature found on most high-end cars; where the car goes into neutral when stopped and automatically goes back into drive when gas is applied. The snowflake button is the "Winter Mode", where the car is automatically put into 3rd gear(provided that the car is in D) in order to give the car more traction on slippery roads...
Audio: 5/10
The Astra comes with a 6-speak audio system. Overall, it's average; not the best, but certainly not the worst. If you want to improve the sound, get yourself a decent subwoofer or something.
Toys: 5/10
The Astra XR comes loaded with many goodies. you of course get regular A/C, cruise control, a small LCD screen thatshows all the info you'd like to see: consumption rate, time, date and what music you're listening to. It is also from there you can change the settings audio. There are more goodies you can find in this car; but the two that I believe stand out are the optional heated seats and the panoramic sunroof.
First off, in the winter, if you don' like waiting for the heater to heat up, or you don't have a heater, then you know that heated seats are your best friends. The heated seats take a few minutes to warm up, but they are fantastic. There are three heat levels, but I always run it on the highest setting which I like to call "Blaze Mode".
And that sunroof! It's huge! it comes with a shade that automatically moves backwards but you must hold the button, located on the overhead console to move it back to it's normal position. You'll have to do the same for the actual sunroof, but it should take no longer than 5-10 seconds for both.
Value:
6/10(Real Value)
The car, regardless of it's flaws, faults, and missing amenities(cup-holders, aux ports), is a genuine joy to drive and live with every day. And believe or not some people ho have much more luxurious and expensive cars will be impressed with the premium feel that the exterior and interior gives off; it genuinely is a nice place to be.
The overall drive is average but you know you can have fun with the car(within reason) when you take it for a drive. And you can find some nice ones starting at around $7k should you be interested in one. If you know someone that's looking for a European-styled car with practicality, quality and some good fun; if you're looking to find a car for that teenage driver(if you're a parent) who doesn't want to have the Focus or Fiesta, Camry ,Carolla or Civic that most teens can be seen driving around in, look no further!
10/10(Sentimental Value)
Now for my goodbyes to my own Astra. The way I see it, the first car is like the first girlfriend you ever had. You may have loved her, hated her, had good times and bad, but you'll always remember her.
Shirley(My Astra has a name if you haven't caught on), you were a fantastic first car; the best Christmas gift I ever got and better than I ever hoped. You saved me from receiving a $3k beater and performed brilliantly during my last year of high school; taking part in zany adventures and games, and a high school prom. In the summer, you were able to get close to your max speed and you were fantastic for late night driving on the freeway. This winter wasn't the kindest to you, nor was I, when your transmission broke and I understeered you into a wall of snow, you still did your best and taught that snow a lesson. And though you are now to be replaced by something that given the numbers, is much better by a long shot(Focus ST), I will never forget the time we spent together; those 6000 miles were the most exciting I've ever had in a car and I will miss them when you're gone. I can only hope that your next owner takes great, if not, better care of you than I was able to. I will sorely miss you Shirley, the best first car I could have ever asked for!
Final Score: 60/100
My Score: 101/100
Specs:
Engine: 1.8L I4
Power: 138hp @ 6300 RPM, 125 lb ft @ 3800 RPM
Transmission: 5spd manual/4spd automatic
0-60 Time: 9 seconds
Drivetrain: FWD
Curbweight: 2850-2950lbs
Seating: 4-5 people
MPG: 24/32(w/manual) 24/30(w/automatic)
What do you all think of the review? Am I missing anything? Anything you'd like me to add? Should I do a review of my Focus ST next month? Drop a comment!