Ion Red Line Can Kiss My Astra!

[Rob]

Well, I did it. After much hemming and hawing, I made the decision to trade the Ion Red Line in for an Astra XR 3 door. Why you ask? Why go from a supercharged, 240+ hp ride, polymer panels, XM, fun ride to an Astra? LOTS of reasons.

First, I love the styling of the Astra 3 door. The lines are great, especially the rear quarter into the tail light. The aggressive stance from the front with the flared wheel well openings, 18" 40 series wheels, and the low profile roof line.

Second, and one of the main reasons, better gas mileage. Hey, paying the price for premium gas @ 25 mpg adds up quick when you fill up 2x a week. So now, I can save on average $0.25/gallon and get 32 mpg making fill ups once a week.

Third, one of the other reasons, better drive ability, especially in the winter months. For some reason, traction control, ABS, and Stabilitrack in my mind seems to be a better combination than just ABS that the IRL had. I could get around in the snow but not without difficulty in the Ion but I took delivery of my Astra during a snow event in the Northeast and immediately came across a use for traction control, getting out of the lot of my retailer.

Fourth, a safer car. I had ordered my IRL with head curtain airbags and it was equipped with ABS and OnStar but now with the Astra, I have side impact airbags, active head restraints and Stabilitrack. Reading NHTSA information, these are all factors they would like to see in more vehicles to keep occupants safer in a crash situation. I'm all for that!

Fifth, did I mention, I LOVE the looks of the Astra?

Sixth, versatility. The IRL was extreme overkill for a grocery getter and even with the rear access doors, it at times was not the most practical or best vehicle to accomplish what I needed to do for common errands, quick road trips to visit relatives, or run things to my storage unit.

Seventh, interior. On man, what a HUGE improvement on materials and interior from the Ion. Granted, I'm still getting used to it but my initial impressions are thumbs up! I only wish the materials used for the Astra's dash were used in the Sky. I think that alone would vastly improve impressions and the overall look of upscale roadster. Don't get me wrong, I love my Sky, but the hard plastic looks cheaper than the material used for the dash in the Astra. The interior also feels more upscale than the Ion. Better sound dampening, nicer feel to the touch, not as "plastic" looking and the smaller dash area (so it appears) than the Ion, including a usable glove compartment. Though I will miss my Recaro seats quite a bit. Those were SOOO comfy.

Eighth, the incentives. When word came down that no 2009 Astras were going to hit the US market I was bummed, severely. So I thought, well, let me look into this a bit. Then cash back and 0% finance came up as a program. Ok, time to seriously look into it. So I dropped a note to the Saturn Team (A big THANK YOU) about finding an Astra equipped like I wanted. Bingo, they found one as did my retailer, same one actually thank goodness and it was time to make a decision. After running some numbers, it made sense to make the move. In addition, I took advantage of the GM Graduate program too, since I am a recent grad, student loans and all. So as they say, the stars and well, in this case, Saturn, all aligned.

Ninth, the exterior of the Astra, LOVE IT!

Tenth, because IT'S A SATURN! Well, an Opel in disguise but still, it came from Saturn here. Thanks to my awesome sales rep too!

So now here I am. The owner of a 2008 Saturn Astra XR 3 door in Twilight Blue, loaded and a 2008 Saturn Sky Red Line, loaded. Both manual trans since I actually prefer a stick shift vehicle. Personally, I think I now have two of the best looking vehicles out there, each in their respective categories, albeit I am biased being a long term Saturn fan. So for now I'm content. My next car buying purchase will hopefully be a 70s Trans Am or 2001/2002 Ram Air Trans Am. Time will tell. All depends on the markets, what life tosses me for a curve and the availability of possible purchases. This could all change if I win the lottery. Then a Vue Red Line would be in the picture as well as purchasing my Ion Red Line back. LOL!

[Rob]

Nice Joe..

Yeah, I'm still loving my Astra as well. Averaging about 30-32 mpg on the combined commute to work. About to hit the 9,000 mile mark and oil change time. Still lusting for the OPC version though!

[Joe]

Congradulations on the Astra, you have had it for a few months now. I love my Astra 5 dr. It's a great car. and on a recent Astra road trip, I fit a 15 Kayak and bike on my roof rack and also camping gear and much more. Not to mention 30 mpg with all that on the roof. It's Astra love!

[Rob]

Chris

I am for sure loving the Astra and it's only day 3! Some reason, I'd love to have the VXR/OPC version parked next to this one and my Sky. I love making new discoveries on what the car can do. And yes, I completely agree, people just don't get it. Part of that too is the lack of knowledge of the vehicle. I'm very glad I joined the Astra-nation!

Rob

[Chris Schmidt]

Rob,

The Astra has to be one of the most under-rated cars sold in the USA. Most people just don't get "it". As to what life tosses at you, I've been there and done that. Had many cars I should have held on too, and some I never should have purchased. The Astra is a keeper in my Book! I am sure that you will enjoy yours.

Chris

[Rob]

Thank you.

Believe me, I wanted to keep the RL and just add the Astra to my existing "collection" of Saturns. It just wasn't possible in this economic climate.

[COOKTXGAFLAZ]

Nice work. When I read that, I was like - what is this guy going to say? The RL is such a keeper! However, I was impressed with that a logical well thought-out argument you put so eloquently. Congratulations and enjoy your new Astra. Good luck with that lottery!