2008 Saturn Astra a go-go in Chicago’s February Auto Show

GM’s heavyweight contender in the European mid-sized compact category, the Opel Astra will snuggle its way into the US market as a Saturn Astra in mid 2007. Of course we already knew that since May only now its official plus we also get a first picture of the 3door version –dubbed “GTC” in Europe.

According to GM, the Saturn Astra, which will make its premiere at the Chicago Auto Show in February 2007, will be nearly identical to the 2007 Opel Astra, unveiled this week at the Bologna Motor Show in Italy. It will be sold in the United States and Canada in three-door and five-door configurations.

"The Astra is a great fit for Saturn, with its European style and driving dynamics," said Jill Lajdziak, Saturn general manager. "The Astra enables Saturn to occupy a unique position in the marketplace and to strategically broaden its appeal with consumers who usually have import brands on their shopping lists"

Let’s just hope that they throw in a few cup-holders and create more space for bit’s & things in the Astra’s interior cause European style and driving dynamics mean nothing to your average American car-buyer if he can’t find a damn place to put his Starbuck's frappuccino…