Ever complain about the lack of affordable European-influenced cars on our side of the pond? If your answer is 'yes', then Saturn wants you to take a look at their Astra. Nearly identical to the Opel of the same name, it completes a re-invention of Saturn's model lineup and is a machine of huge importance to the GM division.

Great style, great timing
Hatchbacks offer the sort of utility that it's easy to fall in love with, so models like the Astra are endlessly popular all over the world. Astra comes in three or five-door configurations, so Ford customers disappointed by the now-hatchless Focus lineup have another vehicle to consider.

The Astra comes in three or five-door configurations.

The XR-designated tester came dressed up with a set of 17-inch wheels and a panoramic- sunroof over top of its expressive and confident looking body. The front-end recalls bits of the Saturn Sky, and chrome jewelry works towards a classy look. Chrome is tough to pull off properly on an affordable car, but it works well here.

Stand-out interior quality
Inside, Astra boasts a top-notch level of fit and finish, excellent materials selection and a restrained, tasteful and up-scale atmosphere. Soft materials are everywhere, and the entire cabin has a well bolted down and heavy, solid feel to most of its parts.

There are even touches like metal door-sill plates, fabric-lined A-Pillars and ceiling liner, a click-free turn-signal stalk and rubberized climate and audio control knobs. It's some ritzy stuff for a $25,000 car, and it feels more inviting than the typical interior available for the price. You won't think for a moment that you're surrounded by melted down yogurt containers.

Entry and exit from either row of seating is simple, and no issues were noted with visibility. Complaints include hard seats and low-mounted controls on the centre stack to accommodate an LCD display at the top. Some of the indicators on said controls are hard to read, too. In all, they're simple once learned- but not instantly goof-proof .

Some more storage or another cupholder would have been appreciated, too. There's no covered storage in the cabin, and the single cup-holder puts your double-double directly behind your right elbow- a disaster waiting to happen if your Astra has a manual gearbox.

In back, the hatch opens up high and the cargo area offers decent space behind split-folding seats, as well as tie-down points to keep items secure on the go.

Inside, Astra boasts a top-notch level of fit and finish, excellent materials selection and a restrained, tasteful and up-scale atmosphere.