Top-notch handling and brakes
Astra's European upbringing is apparent in the driving dynamics just as much as the cabin quality. The test car carried an optional $930 handling package that includes lowered suspension, stability control, larger wheels and a tightened steering rack.

If you like corners, be sure to order it. It enables sharp handling, heavy but quick steering response and a welded-to-the-road feeling while cornering fast. The Astra gingerly rips up curves with near-nonexistent body roll and eagerly invites drivers to explore its limits. The solid suspension is relatively quiet and well damped for the grip provided, adding to the overall feel of quality on board.

There's a refreshing and premium feel throughout the Astra.

Four-wheel discs with antilock sit behind the 17-inch wheels and offer excellent pedal feel and plenty of stopping power. Cruising along, Astra feels very heavy and solid, until you ask it to steer or brake.

A capable engine-but get the manual
Motivation comes solely from a 1.8 litre Ecotec four-cylinder engine. On the tester, it spun the front wheels through a four-speed automatic with a throttle-numbing 'snow' mode for wintertime driving. No manual mode, though. It does its job well- though with only four gears, it limits the engines performance. Spirited city and highway mileage averaged about 9.5L / 100km.

A five-speed stick is available, and recommended. The powerplant is smooth and eager to pull to the top of the tach- but the manual box will allow owners to get the most out of it while matching power delivery to the brakes and handling. If you can't drive stick, this one's worth learning for. You'll save $1,350 in the process.

Job well done?
Overall, there's a refreshing and premium feel throughout the Astra. It recalls portions of machines like the Volvo C30, Volkswagen Rabbit and MINI Cooper S because of its solid, heavy feel, premium interior treatment and near go-kart handling, respectively.

The automatic transmission does its job well- though with only four gears, it limits the engines performance.

Despite a few interior gripes, GM's done a bang-on job of entering the upper-scale side of this marketplace with added attention to the needs of economy-minded driving enthusiasts.


Photo Credit : Justin Pritchard