Sporty Astra brings European style stateside

This European perspective also means that electric seat heaters are available as a standalone option for only $250, without the requirement of leather seats or other luxury features. Europeans also like sunroofs, and the Astra five-door has a huge one. Its panoramic power sunroof costs $1,000 and surely adds weight while intruding on headroom, but its effect on the cabin is glorious — at least in winter. In summer, the shade might well be drawn much of the time.

The Astra includes comfort features that are perhaps unexpected in a compact car, such as seats that are actually comfortable and supportive, with an adjustable lumbar support for the front seats. The back seat is sufficiently capacious that two adults can ride with ample leg and elbow room, but three-abreast seating is best reserved for children — ones who can tolerate being in close proximity. The cargo space under the rear hatch is surprisingly large, with space for even large, bulky luggage.

Unfortunately, there are reasons that GM engineers models specifically for the U.S. market. The Astra’s color palette is distinctly European and both of the test cars were finished in a Black Sapphire paint that spoke of low sodden skies over London or Frankfurt. In addition to the array of undertaker’s shades, the Astra is available in white or red, which are bright, but can be polarizing to customers. The Charcoal interior was similarly Stygian, but the company has a tan Cashmere cabin hue in the works that will be available this spring.

Saturn has grafted GM’s excellent OnStar telematics system onto the Astra by installing a rearview mirror with the necessary hardware inside, but nowhere on the option list is GM’s popular cold-weather remote start feature. Also missing is XM Satellite radio, another GM-backed technology, although owners can add it themselves. Instead, there’s an inscrutable cut-rate iDrive single-knob controller that’s likely to irritate American drivers.

The last, and most annoying, example of apparent cultural differences is the automatic door lock system on the Astra. While GM’s domestic models let drivers easily adjust the various electronic systems (automatic door locks and alarm settings), Astra owners are stuck with nonadjustable factory settings.

Another annoyance is the absence of a temperature gauge. On a car without automatic climate control, you need to know when the engine has warmed up so you can turn on the heat, but the Astra makes the driver just guess that it must be about time.

On balance, the Astra’s European flavor more than offsets its personality quirks. Both enthusiasts and commuters are sure to find the Astra a winning combination of excitement and efficiency that puts it at the top of the small car list, even if there is nary a “Euro” badge to be seen.

MORE FROM MOTORHEAD

MotorHead Section Front

Honda Fit’s concentrated strength still a hit Ford’s Flex brings high style to masses Dodge makes its own luck with the Journey Smart’s tiny proportions defy expectations Latest Matrix hatchback is roomy, flexible New GT-R bursts from virtual reality to reality Performance-oriented Acura TSX muscles in Sporty Astra brings European style stateside Green Highlander blazes hybrid trail Jeep’s new Wrangler is brawny, versatile MotorHead Section Front   Add MotorHead headlines to your news reader: