Saturn Astra 1.8L (138 Hp) 5-Door XE

The Saturn Astra, specifically the 1.8L 5-Door XE model produced between 2007 and 2010, represented Saturn’s entry into the compact hatchback segment in the United States. Derived from the Opel Astra, a popular vehicle in Europe, the Astra was intended to broaden Saturn’s appeal and offer a more fuel-efficient and practical alternative to the brand’s existing sedan offerings. Positioned as a competitor to vehicles like the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, and Mazda3, the Astra aimed to deliver European driving dynamics with American practicality. This generation of the Astra was part of a broader effort by General Motors to leverage its global platforms and offer more competitive vehicles in the North American market.

Saturn Astra 1.8L XE: A Detailed Overview

The Astra 1.8L XE was a key component of Saturn’s lineup during its final years of operation. It offered a blend of affordability, fuel economy, and a relatively sporty driving experience. While Saturn ultimately ceased production in 2010, the Astra remains a notable vehicle for its attempt to bring a European-flavored hatchback to American consumers. The vehicle’s design and features reflected a focus on practicality and modern styling, aiming to attract a younger demographic.

Engine & Performance

Powering the 2007-2010 Saturn Astra 1.8L XE is a 1.8-liter inline four-cylinder engine, designated the Z18XER. This naturally aspirated engine produces 138 horsepower at 6,300 rpm and 170 Nm of torque (approximately 125.39 lb.-ft.) at 3,800 rpm. The engine features multi-port fuel injection and a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with four valves per cylinder. This configuration allows for a reasonable balance of power and fuel efficiency. The engine’s displacement is 1796 cm³ (109.6 cubic inches), and it boasts a compression ratio of 10.5:1. The Astra XE was equipped with a five-speed manual transmission as standard, delivering power to the front wheels. The weight-to-power ratio of 9.1 kg/Hp and a weight-to-torque ratio of 7.4 kg/Nm contribute to a responsive driving experience. Fuel economy figures are rated at 9.8 l/100 km (24 US mpg) in urban driving and 7.4 l/100 km (31.8 US mpg) in extra-urban conditions.

Design & Features

The Saturn Astra 1.8L XE is a five-door hatchback, offering a versatile and practical body style. It comfortably seats five passengers and provides a generous amount of cargo space. The Astra’s exterior design was considered modern for its time, featuring a relatively sleek profile and distinctive Saturn styling cues. The interior was designed with functionality in mind, offering a straightforward layout and durable materials. Key features included standard ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) for enhanced safety, electric power steering for ease of maneuverability, and a standard ventilation disc front brake and disc rear brake system. The Astra’s trunk space is notable, offering 345 liters (12.18 cubic feet) with the rear seats up and expanding to 1266 liters (44.71 cubic feet) with the rear seats folded down. The Astra’s McPherson strut front suspension and torsion beam rear suspension contribute to a comfortable ride and predictable handling. The vehicle’s dimensions are 4331 mm (170.51 inches) in length, 1753 mm (69.02 inches) in width, and 1458 mm (57.4 inches) in height, with a wheelbase of 2614 mm (102.91 inches).

Technical Specifications