Could the Opel Astra be the next Ion?

PurdueGuy · 02-13-2006, 03:53 PM

Sedan:
http://www.opel.de/res/img/content/s.../pic05_big.jpg

Coupe:
http://img419.imageshack.us/img419/5...rahatch4at.jpg

Wagon:
http://www.opel.de/res/img/content/s.../pic12_big.jpg

found at: http://www.cheersandgears.com/forums...topic=5818&hl=

The name "Astra" has been trademark registered by Saturn very recently, bringing the question of whether this could be the name of the Ion replacement.

Wondering a step beyond that, perhaps the Opel Astra (pictured above) could be targeted for import from Europe as a Saturn. The look certainly would fit with the Aura sedan to be introduced soon.

GM has been openly looking to tie Opel and Saturn closer together, and many believe that over time, Saturn with become the "Opel of the U.S."

PurdueGuy · 02-13-2006, 04:51 PM

BTW, I think that hatch would look sweet as a quadcoupe.

Agilab · 02-13-2006, 07:49 PM

It kinda reminds me of a Mazda or a Scion. But I think it looks pretty cool.

Schizzo97SC2 · 02-13-2006, 08:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PurdueGuy

BTW, I think that hatch would look sweet as a quadcoupe.

I agree, that would be sweet.

AdamSL2 · 02-14-2006, 12:39 AM

WTF is Opel? I know of Holden there owned by GM.

PurdueGuy · 02-14-2006, 01:14 AM

Opel is a GM brand in Europe (and maybe other parts of the world, not sure). It's also Vauxhall in England - same Opel cars rebadged.

Sleeper SL2 · 02-14-2006, 01:21 AM

I like the styling of all those. One thing that i like the most is how companies are actually making wagons sporty, fashionable and quick at the same time. Still my fav wagon is the audi rs4.

my99sl1 · 02-16-2006, 08:53 PM

i wouldnt mind owning one of those

shady804 · 02-17-2006, 01:35 PM

Maybe the new s series!?!?!?

I mean there is a sedan coupe and wagon

And the s series has a sl sc and sw....

Come on think of the posibilitys...

I might just be hopeing to much for a new sc

PurdueGuy · 02-17-2006, 07:27 PM

From what I could find in a quick online search, the Astra is simmilar weight to the Ion, so it's not as slim as the S-series. I doubt they would re-use the S-series names, as that would cause the cars to be compared with lower level economy vehicles (sorry, I love the S too, but it's still a cheap economy car). They're trying to move Saturn more upscale, and they're not going to look back doing it, IMO.

I'd love to see the equivilant of the S-series come back, though. Something in the 2300lb category, though maybe a little more upscale quality.