There is simply something different in the feel of a European designed vehicle which sets it apart from what the North American manufacturers usually have to offer. It puzzles me that the U.S. manufacturers all have European divisions, yet it took so long for them to grasp the idea of bringing some of their models over here.

This engine produces 138 hp and yet it feels much livelier than that number would first have you believe.

Let's take a closer look at the Saturn Astra...
Well, the exterior design is certainly bang up to date. In fact, it makes some of the Japanese competitors look somewhat dowdy. My test vehicle was the 5 door XR hatchback model, although if I am perfectly honest, I'd personally go for the 3 door version as it looks way sportier.

I believe that the younger buyers will have a hard time not falling for the Astra as it comes in stock form with a certain element of tuner looks. Much of this is down to the stylish lighting units with which GM's Euro partners have adorned the vehicle.

The vehicle also sits nice and square on the road, adding nicely to that performance look, and although the company has fitted some rather nice stock wheels to the vehicle, I think that a quick trip to an aftermarket rim shop would propel the vehicle into the super-cool sports hatch category.

Now I might be getting a little long in the tooth but I enjoy the odd cup of Tim Horton's, so I often stop and chat to the youngsters parked outside in their hot Honda's and VW's. From now on, my advice to them will be to ditch those and go for the new Euro GM. After all, log on and Google Hot Vauxhall or Opal (GM's Euro divisions) and you'll find plenty of add-on extras to enhance the Astra's looks, and likely at more reasonable prices than their present brands accessories. It will also carry an element of rarity value for a while, which is always a good thing.

What's inside?
We now come to the interior, which if I'm brutally honest, falls down a little after the exterior. However, one has to remember that the Astra range starts at under $20k, so you can hardly expect a full GTI package. That said, it compares favorably to the interior of a Rabbit, and in my opinion, is an improvement on anything that the Japanese brands can offer today for approximately the same price.

The cockpit compares favourably to the interior of a Rabbit.