Opel Astra coming to the States! Another cool small cars

[keystonejenks]

Who says us Americans cannot adapt. It seems the high gas prices finally have the automakers realizing that if we present a small, fun to drive car, Americans will buy it. Now, it's not going to carry the name Opel or Astra, it will be the Saturn

Opel Astra


Saturn Astra

[Sport-Touring]

[Jeff]

Who says us Americans cannot adapt. It seems the high gas prices finally have the automakers realizing that if we present a small, fun to drive car, Americans will buy it. Now, it's not going to carry the name Opel or Astra, it will be the Saturn

Opel Astra


Saturn Astra

That's a hot looking little car!
Jeff

[1KPerDay]

I thought opels were fords... and saturns were GM. I'm confused....

[Mookie]

Remember the Cadillac Catera?  That was an Opel.

[keystonejenks]

That's a hot looking little car!
Jeff

I don't know if they're going to have a 4-door version or not. But I know this, the little car should move! It's only 1-1/2" longer than the Chevy Aveo (158") but has an I-4 which puts out 140 hp! That may not seem like a lot but for a little car it should be quick.

[keystonejenks]

I thought opels were fords... and saturns were GM. I'm confused....

No, Opel is GM see: http://www.gmeurope.com/

[Galo]

Me have news for you: that's already happened: the Saturn Aura is on GMs 'Epsilon' platform, same platform as the Open Vectra, the Pontiac G6, and the Saab 9-3.

It's also a highly regarded vehicle in its own right, even by sport car enthusiast rags....

[keystonejenks]

Me have news for you: that's already happened: the Saturn Aura is on GMs 'Epsilon' platform, same platform as the Open Vectra, the Pontiac G6, and the Saab 9-3.

It's also a highly regarded vehicle in its own right, even by sport car enthusiast rags....

I know they already use platform but that doesn't make it the "same" car. I mean by that argument I should save my money and not buy a Saab because I could buy the Saturn Aura and get the "same" car.  

[jude]

I love that Astra, but it has nothing to do with 'Americans adapting'.  Lutz is on a mission to bring style and fun into GM.  Bob Lutz gets 'it', but I'm not sure sure Jill & John Q. Public will.  We'll see.

I'm kinda diggin' on the new G8, too:




Posted on: October 04, 2007, 12:36:28 pm

I don't know if they're going to have a 4-door version or not. But I know this, the little car should move! It's only 1-1/2" longer than the Chevy Aveo (158") but has an I-4 which puts out 140 hp! That may not seem like a lot but for a little car it should be quick.

Nope, no two door either.  3 door and 5 door.  Hatches, don'cha know.

[Ant]

No, Opel is GM see: http://www.gmeurope.com/

Vauxhall damnit!!

[jude]

Vauxhall damnit!!

Holden, dammit!  

[Cpl Punishment]

Still made in Spain. Probably. Dammit!

[keystonejenks]

I love that Astra, but it has nothing to do with 'Americans adapting'.  Lutz is on a mission to bring style and fun into GM.  Bob Lutz gets 'it', but I'm not sure sure Jill & John Q. Public will.  We'll see.

I'm kinda diggin' on the new G8, too:




Posted on: October 04, 2007, 12:36:28 pm

Nope, no two door either.  3 door and 5 door.  Hatches, don'cha know.

Maybe you should start a "Bob Lutz 'gets it'" thread! I bet it would be a hit!  

Yes, the G8 does look nice and I'd own one but with my current 82 miles (one way) commute, it probably doesn't get the type of gas mileage I'm looking for. This is why I'm glad more-and-more fun little cars are popping up on the market for $25K or less.  

[keystonejenks]

Holden, dammit!  

Holden actually makes a few cars I wish they'd bring to the States.  Besides the GTO of course.

[jude]

Holden actually makes a few cars I wish they'd bring to the States.  Besides the GTO of course.

See the G8 above - Hence my comment about Lutz.  He's the guy bringing these things to our shores.  No one else could do that within GM.

[keystonejenks]

See the G8 above - Hence my comment about Lutz.  He's the guy bringing these things to our shores.  No one else could do that within GM.

I just checked out Pontiac's website and the G8 is under $30K   only bummer is there is no true manual.  

[Cpl Punishment]

All I can say is that you lot must be starved of decent automobiles if you think an Opel is cool.

[atypical1]

All I can say is that you lot must be starved of decent automobiles if you think an Opel is cool.

Dude, this is the same crowd that lusts after the Deauville.  

james

[Rincewind]

Hmm...  

http://www.saturn.com/saturn/vehicles/astra/presale/index.jsp 3 or 5-doors available, $16-$20,000

I'd take a VW Rabbit over that   http://www.vw.com/rabbit/en/us/ - 5 cylinder, 150hp, 170 lb ft torque  

[keystonejenks]

All I can say is that you lot must be starved of decent automobiles if you think an Opel is cool.

No, we're starved for a better variety of car. When it comes to the fun to drive small car, we're very lacking here. I mean - bigger is better right?

So it's nice to see some smaller cars that aren't overly watered down make it to the US market. The new Volvo C30 is another example of this.