It is an odd twist of fate then, that the homegrown rival to Japanese domination of the smaller car categories would base its whole product lineup around GM offerings from Europe.
Having become the means to own a European GM here on our shores, its latest flavor for us to sample comes in the form of the Saturn Astra. Though arguably viewed as a staid, every man's car in Europe, it's a breath of fresh air in the American market, akin to when the Ford Focus first hit our shores.
The Astra, available only as a hatchback (albeit in 3 and 5-door guise), offers sporty, European driving characteristics, exemplary fit and finish, reasonable pricing, and style for miles.
Our take? A brilliant move on the part of GM. Its European cars are always competitive in the marketplace, more so than recent offerings here, and to bring them here provide the American consumer with an option outside of the status quo. That alone is often enough to garner sales. With an American market seemingly shifting towards more European sensibilities, Saturn seems poised to become a major player in the marketplace.
via ePublishinginc