[Ferrer]

Originally Posted by Clivey

I see your point but I honestly don't think that's the case. It's the same situation as Ford with this Mondeo here - Ford are only looking back to what happened with the original Mondeo/Contour, and are afraid to back this one in the 'States for fear of another flop (despite this car being much better suited to the needs of the American public).

I think that the probable reason for customers not knowing how good the Saturn Astra is is that no-one knows what it is! - More promotion from GM, I reckon, could easily sort that out. I mean, no disrespect, but it's got to beat the Cobalt/Neon type cars.

The only reason I see left that Americans could see not to buy Euro-market cars is that the model ranges aren't expansive enough (the Astra is only available as a 1.8VVT, for example). This could also be sorted-out by greater backing from the manufacturer and would lead to gains all round.

GM has had some flop before and in fact in either directions. The Manta flopped there, the Sintra flopped here. Despite that GM probably choose to make this move (and Ford may eventually do the same with the Fiesta for instance) propbably becuase their situation is so desperate. They need anything that can save them. If that's the Astra then so be it.

The fact that it's unknown, if that's the problem, is GM's fault aline though. It's propblem that has afflicted many other good cars, like the Lancia Thesis. Pormotion is basic these days if you want to sell anything. However once known there should theoretically be no reason for it to flop. Interestingly I was reading an article about Starbucks this morning and there was the concept of latte which were american people who dig european things (simplifying). Perhaps though it's at the wrong price point?

You see premium European cars have succeeded largely in the American market. Like Starbicks, they are expensive compared to the competition. People want Volkswagen-made Audis not Ford-made Lincolns. However the Astra isn't a premium car and it's not presented like one either. It's badged as a Saturn. So it's an economy family car. And yet out of the Focus/Caliber/Cobalt/Astra group it is the most expensive. Actually it's $1,410 more expensive than the next one. So in a way it falls in a no mans land. And that's bad.

Originally Posted by Clivey

I have to disagree. I had one for a while and the only "minus points" I could really find were:

- The diesel engine range (the 1.7CDTi engines need replacing)
- Visibility out of the rear window
- Lack of cubby-holes for things like SatNavs, iPods etc. (The glovebox is a decent size though and a front centre armrest with storage bin can now be bought as a dealer-fit option)

In fact, the reason I traded mine in for the C4 was more to do with the actual car I had (the model didn't suit my needs and the condition was awful) - I'd definitely consider another one.

IMO it's a definite class-leader - what do you consider to be at the top of the tree?

It basically needs better petrol engines, which are being introduced, and an independent rear suspension. Other things are just nitpicking.

My class leader? Tricky question but probably still the Golf. Or the Focus if you are on a budget. Money no object, the 1-series is brilliant though.