GM Saturn ASTRA User Manual
Saturn
PRODUCT GUIDE
2008
ASTRA
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Strategic Role, Market
and the ASTRA Customer . . . . . . . . . 1
Key Selling Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Trim Levels/Features/Packages . . . . 3
Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Exterior Design & Styling . . . . . . . . . 6
Performance, Ride & Handling . . . . . 8
Safety & Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Comfort & Convenience . . . . . . . . . 12
Cost of Ownership . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Technology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Competitive Comparisons . . . . . . . 20
VW Rabbit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Honda Civic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Mazda3 5-Door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Features & Specifications Charts . . 24
The revitalization of Saturn’s product portfolio, which began two years ago, comes full circle with the launch of
the all-new 2008 Saturn ASTRA. Our new products are designed to match the unparalleled customer
service that Saturn delivers. ASTRA continues the revitalization with its bold styling, remarkable interior
refinement and exhilarating driving characteristics.
ASTRA is the result of the best ideas and resources from around the world. Engineered in Europe,
Brazil and the U.S. and built in Antwerp, Belgium, this sport compact redefines Saturn’s small-car entry-level
offerings with a degree of style, refinement and quality uncommon in this segment. It is also incredibly fun
behind the wheel with driving dynamics bred on the twisting roads of Europe.
Available in 3-Door and 5-Door hatchback configurations, ASTRA also represents a new body style for
Saturn. Given the significant growth in the hatchback segment, ASTRA’s design will attract new
import-oriented customers
to the brand, giving you an opportunity to expand your sales and create new
life-long Saturn loyalists.
This Product Guide is just one of many training and information resources. It works in conjunction with the ASTRA
DVD/CD-ROM to provide the information you need to better explain and demonstrate ASTRA’s features,
advantages and benefits to customers. As Saturn’s portfolio expands it is critical that you are fully prepared to
answer customer questions and properly present vehicle features.
Jill Lajdziak, Saturn General Manager
2008 Saturn ASTRA
Stategic Role, Market and the ASTRA Customer
12008 ASTRA Product Guide
Strategic Role
Though recent product introductions prove that
Saturn offers much more than small cars, this is the
segment where we started. Small cars are a key element
of Saturn’s heritage and something customers expect of
the brand. But ASTRA is unlike any small car ever offered
by Saturn and builds on the best the world has to offer.
Saturn ASTRA was designed and engineered in Brazil,
Europe and the U.S., and it is built in Antwerp, Belgium.
• Bold styling and refinement with our first hatchback
available in both 3-Door and 5-Door configurations
• European driving dynamics perfected on the twisting
roads of Germany and tested across the U.S. make
ASTRA incredibly fun to drive
• Well equipped with numerous unexpected items and
technologically advanced safety features
Market Introduction
Hatchbacks represent a growing segment of the small
car market, increasing 5–14% in sales per year for the
last five years and now account for more than 400,000
units. That growth has been in both 3-Door and 5-Door
body styles, with the latter making up about 65% of
the sales, which is consistent with the expected ASTRA
model mix.
There are 12 different nameplates offering hatchback
cars. ASTRA’s primary competitors are the VW Rabbit,
available in both 3-Door and 5-Door versions, and the
Mazda3 5-Door. Honda Civic is also considered a key
competitor from a content, pricing and volume
perspective; but it is only offered as a coupe or
sedan (there is no hatchback version).
The ASTRA Customer
Hatchback customers are somewhat different than your
typical small car buyers, including those attracted to
Saturn ION. They are generally younger, more likely to
be male, significantly more educated and have a much
higher median income. Though they are not as price
sensitive and can afford a larger vehicle, hatchback
buyers prefer a right sized, uniquely styled and
functional vehicle that meets their needs. Many have
never considered Saturn before because we have
never offered a hatchback. This is your opportunity
to introduce the Saturn experience to a new generation
of buyers.
HATCHBACK CUSTOMER
DEMOGRAPHICS
Average Age 40 yrs.
Male 55%
College Graduate 52%
Median Income $73K
HATCHBACK CUSTOMER
PSYCHOGRAPHICS
• Still want traditional small
car attributes like fuel
economy, value, safety,
dependability and reliability
• Stronger focus on the
practicality and versatility
inherent in the hatchback
design with a desire for
more interior comfort,
room and technological
innovations
• Strong penchant for
sporty styling and superb
driving dynamics
• Want a vehicle that
expresses their youthful
attitude, sets them apart
from the crowd and
provides the functionality to
match their active lifestyle
European Driving Dynamics
MACPHERSON STRUT FRONT/
TORSION BEAM REAR SUSPENSION
The independent front suspension combined with a rear
torsion beam axle provides fantastic cornering ability and
greater agility with a solid, secure feel. Lowered, sport
suspension standard on 3-Door XR, available on 5-Door XR.
POWERFUL AND EFFICIENT ECOTEC 1.8L ENGINE
Generates 138 hp and features Variable Valve Timing (VVT)
with dual cam phasers for a broad, flat torque curve. Mated
to a 5-speed manual transmission or a 4-speed automatic
transmission with neutral idle for improved fuel economy and
a winter mode to reduce torque and thereby limit front wheel
spin on slippery surfaces.
ELECTRO-HYDRAULIC STEERING
Optimized rack-and-pinion steering has a very linear response
with a “connected to the road” feel. Hydraulic pump only
operates when needed which enhances fuel efficiency.
Bold Styling & Refinement
SPORT CUES WITH LARGE WHEELS AND TIRES
Athletic proportions with a long wheelbase, wide track, short
overhangs and aerodynamically raked windshield and
roofline. Distinctly different appearance between 3-Door and
5-Door models. Prominent wheel flares with 16", 17" or 18"
wheels give ASTRA a strong performance stance.
EXCELLENT FIT-AND-FINISH WITH TIGHT EXTERIOR GAPS
ASTRA has remarkably tight gaps between exterior panels
and components for a more refined and upscale appearance.
The look is very clean with tightly integrated wraparound
fascias, jeweled lights and no cladding.
HIGH-QUALITY INTERIOR MATERIALS
Ergonomic layout and operation of controls with a premium
finish on the instrument panel for a low-gloss, soft-touch
feel. Incredible attention to detail includes tight gaps,
metallic look accent trim, a woven headliner, cloth-wrapped
A-pillars and flat woven cloth fabrics. Luxurious leather
seating surfaces are available.
Well Equipped
STABILITRAK – ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL
Automatically corrects oversteer and understeer conditions
for more stable handling in extreme situations (standard on
3-Door, available on 5-Door). Includes traction control with
brake and throttle intervention.
SIX AIR BAGS, ACTIVE HEAD RESTRAINTS
AND PEDAL RELEASE SYSTEM
Occupant protection measures include head-curtain air bags
as well as seat-mounted side-impact air bags with both pelvic
and thorax protection for front occupants. Front seat active
head restraints and a pedal release system are also standard.
60/40 SPLIT REAR SEATS AND CARGO COVER
Split-folding rear seats are standard for greater flexibility and
a removable cargo cover help keep prying eyes from seeing
valuable packages through the liftgate window.
STATE-OF-THE-ART AUDIO AND INFORMATION SYSTEMS
Radios and a Driver Information Center provide advanced
infotainment features and vehicle messages. Steering wheel
controls on ASTRA XR make it easy to control the systems
while keeping your hands on the steering wheel. OnStar
is standard on every ASTRA.
HEATED FRONT SEATS A VAILABLE WITH CLOTH AND LEA THER
Heated front seats are available with cloth seats on all
models, a surprising feature in this segment, and also
included with the available leather seats. They provide three
heating levels for a greater range of comfort.
2008 Saturn ASTRA
Key Selling Features
2
2008 Saturn ASTRA
Trim Levels/Features/Packages
32008 ASTRA Product Guide
Select Standard 5-Door XE Features
• ECOTEC 1.8L DOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder engine
with VVT
• 5-speed manual transmission
• 4-wheel disc brakes with ABS and Cornering
Brake Control
• Electro-hydraulic power steering (15:1 ratio)
• MacPherson strut front suspension with stabilizer bar
• Torsion beam axle rear suspension
• 16" steel wheels with full covers
• P205/55R16 all-season touring tires
• Daytime Running Lamps
• Halogen headlamps (projector-style low
beams, reflector-style high beams) with
automatic lamp control
• Side repeater lights
• Body-color power outside mirrors, heated with manual
folding capability
• Body-color bodyside moldings and door handles
• Roof spoiler integrated into liftgate includes LED
CHMSL and washer nozzle
• RainSense windshield wipers
• Rear wiper and washer
• AM/FM stereo with CD player and six speakers
• Driver Information Center
• Heater with fan and rear floor heat ducts
• Charcoal Metallic interior accent trim
• Cloth front bucket seats with driver-side
height adjuster
• Rear 60/40 split-folding seat with three
removable headrests
• Rake and telescope steering column
• Lane change turn signal feature
• Cruise control
• Central locking system with one-button lock/unlock
of all doors, liftgate and fuel filler door
• Power windows with express down feature on
all four windows
• Front floor console with cup holder, 12-volt
power outlet, open storage bin and manual
parking brake lever
• Retractable dual cup holders in rear seat cushion
• Carpeted front and rear floormats with retention
feature on front mats
• Assist handles at both rear door locations
with coat hooks
• Sunglass storage compartments above each
front door
• Lighted glove box with removable shelf, pen clip
and coinholder
• Front and rear door map pockets
• Driver and front passenger covered illuminated
visor vanity mirrors
• Front and rear dual map lights and front
courtesy light
• Removable rear cargo cover and cargo area light
• Tire Pressure Monitor System
• Remote Keyless Entry with express-down window
activation and foldable key on the fob
• Theft-deterrent system and content theft system
• OnStar with one-year Safe & Sound Plan
• 3-point safety belts for all seating positions
• LATCH system for child safety seats in all three
rear positions
• Dual-stage front air bags with Passenger
Sensing System
• Head-curtain side-impact air bags
• Seat-mounted front side-impact air bags with both
thorax and pelvic protection
• Passenger safety belt reminder
• Dual pretensioners and load limiters on front seat belts
• Pedal release system
• Active front head restraints
The new Saturn ASTRA is available in three different configurations: 5-Door XE (ZAR48), 5-Door XR (ZAT48)
and 3-Door XR (ZAT08).
5-Door XR Adds
• Electro-hydraulic power steering with variable effort
(15:1 ratio)
• 16" alloy twin-spoke wheels
• Projector beam fog lamps
• Stainless steel beltline molding along the bottom of the
side windows
• Bright front door sill plates
• AM/FM stereo with CD/MP3 player and seven speakers
(including center-mounted speaker)
• Single-zone manual air conditioning with particle filter
• Steering wheel-mounted controls for the Driver
Information Center and audio system
• Silver Metallic interior accent trim
• Unique cloth seat inserts
• Seatback pockets on both front seats
3-Door XR Adds
• StabiliTrak – Stability Control System
• Lowered sport-tuned suspension
• Electro-hydraulic power steering with quick 14:1 ratio
• 17" alloy ten-spoke wheels
• P225/45R17 all-season performance tires
• Black beltline molding replaces stainless steel molding
• Bright dual-wall exhaust
• High-sport front bucket seats with a lower position,
enhanced bolsters and manual driver lumbar adjuster
• Easy Entry front sliding seats
• Sport instrument gauges with bright rings
• Additional cup holders molded into rear sidewall trim
• Assist grip above passenger door replaces
sunglass holder
2008 Saturn ASTRA
Trim Levels/Features/Packages
4
XE and XR Free-Flow Options
• StabiliTrak – Stability Control System (standard on
3-Door, available on 5-Door)
• 4-speed automatic transmission with neutral idle,
winter mode, performance on demand and downhill
grade assist
• 16" alloy twin-spoke wheels (XE only, standard on
5-Door XR)
• 18" alloy star-spoke wheels with P215/45R18 summeronly performance tires (3-Door XR only)
• Single-zone manual air conditioning (standard on XR,
available on XE) with particle filter
• Heated front seats (available as a free-flow option
with cloth seats only, included with leather seats as
part of the Premium Trim Package)
• Dual-panel power sunroof with electric sunshade (5Door only, requires air conditioning on XE)
• Oil pan heater
XR Equipment Packages
• Advanced Audio Package (PCU): AM/FM stereo with 6-
disc CD-changer and MP3 playback, premium 7-speaker
system and an enhanced Driver Information Center
• Premium Trim Package (PCQ): Leather Seat Surfaces,
leather-wrapped steering wheel, vinyl door trim,
heated driver and front passenger seats, and ambient
LED door pocket lighting. Includes sport front bucket
seats with enhanced bolsters and driver manual
lumbar adjuster on 5-Door XR (high-sport front bucket
seats are standard on 3-Door). Includes sport leatherwrapped steering wheel on 3-Door XR.
• Sport Handling Package (PDX): StabiliTrak – Stability
Control System, lowered sport-tuned suspension, quick
ratio steering (14:1), 17" alloy wheels and P225/45R17
all-season performance tires (standard on 3-Door,
available on 5-Door XR)
Exterior Color Choices
• Arctic White
• Black Sapphire
• Salsa Red
• Silver Sand
• Star Silver
• Twilight Blue
Accessories
• Front Custom Molded Splash Guards prevent the tires
from splattering mud, salt, pebbles and other debris
onto the sides of ASTRA
• Premium All-Weather Floor Mats are custom-fitted
and keep mud, snow and whatever else might
be hitching a ride on the soles of your shoes off
your carpets
• Side-Window Weather Deflectors (Front and Rear) are
designed to let fresh air in and keep gusts and
weather out
• Cargo Liner is a convenient accessory mat that protects
against spills
• Rear Cargo Convenience Nets keep cargo from
moving around
• Rear Window Shade protects your precious cargo
from the sun and keeps it hidden from prying eyes
• Glove Box Organizer helps keep little things in
place with a tactile material that prevents them
from sliding around
• Sport Pedals designed specifically for ASTRA replace
existing pedals for a sporty performance feel and
finish
• First Aid Kit is designed to fit into the rear trim of the
cargo area and is held in place by an elastic strap
• Smokers Package has a an easy-to-insert design that
blends into the ASTRA’s interior
• Wheel Locks with keyed lug nuts help prevent
wheel theft
• Oil Pan Heater reduces cold-start crankover times
for customers in cold climates (see page 8 for
more details)
2008 Saturn ASTRA
Trim Levels/Features/Packages
52008 ASTRA Product Guide
Roofline and rear door on
5-Door models extend rearward
to maximize ease of entry
interior spaciousness, visibility
and headroom.
Central crease line on
the hood
carries through
to the upper instrument
panel inside the vehicle
and onto the rear liftgate.
Tightly integrated, full
wraparound front fascias
have a
clean appearance
with a solid, low-slung look.
Projector beam fog lamps
are
integrated into the
lower fascia on XR.
Bright horizontal grille bar
and
prominent Saturn logo.
Shoulder line runs the length of the
vehicle from headlamp to tail lamp,
giving it a
sleek, muscular look.
Stainless steel beltline molding
along bottom edge of windows is
included on 5-Door XR.
Windshield and rear window have
exposed glass edges rather than
unsightly moldings. Low-profile
flat-blade windshield
wipers
reduce wind noise.
Large, jeweled headlamps
have clear outer lenses and dark
interior bezels with bright trim
rings. Projector-style halogen
low beams with reflector-style
halogen high beams.
Side repeater lights are
a common European cue.
2008 Saturn ASTRA
Exterior Design & Styling
6
The new Saturn ASTRA has bold styling with clean, sculpted lines. Performanceoriented cues like the long wheelbase, raked windshield and roofline, wide track
and short overhangs give it a taut, athletic stance with the wheels pushed to the
corners. Fit-and-finish is outstanding with close tolerances and a remarkable
attention to detail. Gaps are very even, less than 3mm (0.12") in most areas and
a miniscule 1.5mm where the headlamps meet the fascia and fender.
Integrated, one-piece rear
fascia has a V-shaped crease
line carried from the hood,
which is
more prominent on
3-Door model.
Large, expressive, wraparound tail lamps
help create a
wide-shouldered stance.
Bright bar extends across
liftgate with the ASTRA
name and trim level.
Touch pad liftgate release.
Locking fuel filler door.
Roof spoiler
integrated into
the liftgate includes an LED
center high-mounted stop light
and window washer nozzle.
Body-color door handles,
bodyside moldings and
rocker panels on all models.
Body-color, power-adjustable,
outside mirrors are heated
and manually fold.
Pronounced wheel flares showcase
the large 16", 17" or 18" wheels
and give ASTRA a strong stance,
making it appear
wider and
more stable.
2008 Saturn ASTRA
Exterior Design & Styling
7
Bright dual wall
exhaust tip (3-Door).
Faster sloping rear roof line is
stretched and swept back on
3-Door models for a sportier look.
Large wheels and tires fill the openings and enhance ASTRA’s
strong, aggressive proportions. There are several different
designs for greater variety and a customized look.
5-Door 5-Door 3-Door
XE XR XR
16" steel wheels w/ full covers S – –
16" alloy twin-spoke wheels A S –
17" alloy 5-spoke wheels – A –
17" alloy 10-spoke wheels – – S
18" alloy star-spoke wheels – – A
A
B
C
D
A
B
D
C
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