Saturn bringing Astra test drive events to cities around the US this fall
Before the new Saturn Astra officially goes on sale in January, GM's Euro-American division is conducting a promotional road show with the new compact. The Astra test drive program kicks off this weekend in San Francisco before making its way to Miami in mid-December. At each stop, GM will be setting up a course where people can get in and get a feel for the Astra. Anyone who is interested in trying one out should go to the Astra website and click on the "Rethink the Test Drive" link. From their you can find out when and where the tour will be nearby and schedule a drive.
[Source: Saturn]
Saturn Astra - the all-new sport compact car with European-bred driving dynamics - arrives in dealerships early next year. But enthusiasts who want to be among the first to see, feel and drive the Astra can participate in one of 14 test drive programs held this fall across the United States, between Oct. 12 and Dec. 13.
By visiting Saturn.com/AllNewAstra and clicking on the "Rethink the Test Drive" tab in the lower left corner, you can sign up - including one guest - for the nearest city's event. There, participants are allowed to get in, crawl through, push buttons and gaze under the hood of the all-new Astra, while product experts answer any and all questions.
After being familiarized with the Astra, participants are encouraged to put it through its paces on a closed course designed to highlight the car's comfort, performance and overall feel. It's a fun, safe and personal way to experience an exciting new car before anyone else in your area.
The Astra is available starting Jan. 2. It is offered in three- and five-door models, with a starting price of $15,995 (including destination). Astra is packed with a wide range of standard equipment and safety features, including six air bags. Power comes from a 138-hp 1.8L Ecotec four-cylinder that is both energetic and economical.
Cities and metropolitan areas included on the test drive tour include:
- San Francisco - Oct. 12
- Los Angeles - Oct. 17
- Phoenix - Oct. 22
- Chicago - Oct. 24
- Orange County, Calif. - Oct. 25
- Seattle - Nov. 1
- Detroit - Nov. 8
- Houston - Nov. 15
- Dallas - Nov. 20
- New York - Dec. 3
- Philadelphia - Dec. 6
- Orlando - Dec. 10
- Atlanta - Dec. 13
- Miami - Dec. 13
Test drive locations and directions are available when you sign up at Saturn.com/AllNewAstra - you supply the enthusiasm and Saturn will supply the orange cones.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
K 3:35PM (10/09/2007)
Wow, with that hatch you might be able to fit a.... small tv or so? maybe a basketball or 2 as well... geez people, haven't the designers ever seen a Honda Fit's cargo space?!!!
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Rick 7:20PM (10/09/2007)
So, I can set up a test drive? And this differs from going to Saturn and asking for a test drvie how?
They need to lower the Opel Saturns' suspension, or use smaller wheels as they look like retarded 4x4 cars.
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Joseph 5:27PM (10/09/2007)
I saw the Saturn Astra on the road last week. I went online, and saw that it doesn't come out till winter!!!!
I just saw a pre-production car :)
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steven 5:11PM (10/09/2007)
@K: You can't please all the people all the time. For year it has been "Give us a sporty hatchback we don't want a 4(5) door". So take a few seconds and look at the FIVE door for goodness sake.
Not @K, but while we're at it...I still can't see how the U.S. EPA says the Fit is a LARGE CAR. Where you gonna pack that luggage (or bags & bags of mulch, or 13,500w generator, etc...) that fits in my 9-3 SportCombi, (aka "SMALL Station wagon). In that extra space above your head? It's like saying the Subaru Outback is a truck because it is X inches off the ground.
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MikeW 8:47PM (10/09/2007)
Nice engine, as good as the Honda 1.8.
Too bad it is let down with a 4 speed auto and 5 speed manual.
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justin 11:21AM (10/10/2007)
I love 5 doors and have an Outback, but want some with better gas mileage. The Astra seems cool and I would love to buy American, but like the other poster said the hatchback portion here seems very small, and has a hard lid on it, that hopefully is removable...
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johnny99 7:09PM (10/17/2007)
Cargo area (seats down) on the Astra is 44.7 cu.ft.; the Fit's is 41.0 cu. ft.
The Astra is so much better looking, I'd take it even if it were smaller.
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