2008 Saturn Astra XR review from North America

I needed to have the rear hatch latch adjusted as it required a good slam to close it. Now it closes as it should with a gentle push.

The car is definitely not a rocket on wheels. The engine is a nice simple engine with 138 HP that returns good gas mileage.

It does feel a little more sluggish coupled with the 4 speed auto tranny, as it isn't able to exploit the engines VVT as much. Despite this, it doesn't feel any faster or slower than some of the competition's cars I test drove.

Handling is where this car really stands out. I have the handling package installed (larger wheels, wider tires, lowered stiffer springs) and this car loves to get tossed around the curves. It is nice and predictable, and feels solid and planted. It really is a pleasure to drive this car. (138 HP is still a very functional number). The handling is why I gave this car such a high performance rating.

Despite the handling package, the comfort level remains unaffected. Over long drives the seats never tire you out. The are supportive and comfortable in all the right places. Some people may find them simple as they are manually controlled, ratchet action for height and rotary crank for angle, but they are adequate none the less. A comfortable driving position is always close at hand. Tilt and telescopic steering help in this area as well.

Creature comforts and features are ample as well. Automatic lights and wipers, good choice of stereos, huge sunroof which covers most of the roof of my 5-door. 3 or 4 more inches of glass roof in each direction and I would be driving a glass top targa! Lots of airbags and car seat clips for safety as well.

Overall I like that the car hasn't being completely worked over for the North American market, this means it is simple and easy to drive, does not ride like a soft bowl of mush and gives the driver all the creature comforts necessary and then some.