What Changed for 2009:

• Advanced audio package optional on 5-door XE model
• New tan cloth seat and door inserts optional on all models
• Optional oil pan, heated cloth or leather seats, 2-panel sunroof (5-door only)
• New 12-hour clock, revised information screen date (month/day/year)
• OnStar 8.0 with Bluetooth wireless connectivity for hands-free calling
• Saturn badge moves to upper painted surface from rear bright bar
• Revised 16-inch wheel cover design on 5-door model (interim change)
• Two new exterior colors added

Overview
Since its arrival in the U.S. for the 2008 model year, the compact Saturn Astra for 2009 continues to offer North American drivers European performance, a sporty look, and a lengthy list of standard equipment. Changes for 2009 are few, but include new cloth seats and door inserts, an advanced audio system available on XE models, revised 16-inch wheel cover design on the 5-door XE model (an interim change), and two new exterior colors: Polar White and Quicksilver. In addition, the 2009 Astra adds OnStar 8.0 with Bluetooth wireless connectivity for hands-free calling.

Model Lineup
For 2009, the Saturn Astra is available in XE and XR models, with XE available only as a 5-door hatchback, while the XR comes in 5-door and 3-door hatch configuration. Standard equipment on the XE includes power windows with express down feature; power door locks with central locking feature; remote keyless entry; cruise control; steering-wheel-mounted audio controls; rain-sensing wipers; illuminated glove box with damped door actuation; auxiliary 12-volt power outlet; easy-to-remove rear cargo cover; 4-wheel anti-lock brakes (ABS); 16-inch steel wheels; and a 6-speaker AM/FM/CD radio. Options on the XE include air conditioning; two-panel sunroof that Saturn says is the largest in its class (available on 5-door only); 16-inch alloy wheels; heated seats in cloth or leather surfaces; advanced 7-speaker audio package; and StabiliTrak electronic stability control (available on 5-door models, standard on the 3-door model). Consumers in colder climates can add the optional oil pan heater (XE and XR models). The 5-door XE model will feature a revised 16-inch wheel cover design (interim change). The XR 3-door has standard 17-inch alloy wheels (optional on 5-door XR), with optional 18-inch aluminum wheels and summer performance-rated Dunlop tires, while the XR 5-door has 16-inch twin-spoke alloy wheels.

Powertrain
Power for the 2009 front-wheel-drive Saturn Astra comes from a standard, 1.8-liter, dual-overhead cam (DOHC), inline 4-cylinder engine with variable valve timing (VVT) that produces 138 hp at 6300 rpm and 125 lb.-ft. of torque at 3800 rpm. The engine is mated to a standard 5-speed manual transmission, with an Aisin 4-speed automatic transmission optional. EPA fuel economy is estimated at 24 mpg city/32 mpg highway (manual transmission) and 24 mpg city/30 mpg highway (automatic transmission).

The Astra uses a strut-type front suspension and a rear suspension featuring a semi-independent, torsion-link axle design. Electronic stability control with traction control is standard on all 3-door Astras, and optional on the 5-door models. Four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes are standard as well.

Safety
The 2009 Saturn Astra features six air bags: dual-stage frontal, roof rail head curtain and seat-mounted thorax/pelvic air bags (for front-seat passengers), and a standard air bag occupant suppression technology for the front passenger seat. In addition, Saturn says its active head restraints in the Astra move forward instantly in rear impact to reduce the risk of neck injury. Also standard on all 3-door Astras (and optional on 5-door models) is electronic stability control with traction control, which works in concert with the standard 4-wheel ABS. Other standard safety features include front safety belt pre-tensioners and load limiters, and a pedal release system, which Saturn says allows the pedals to detach in a collision, reducing the likelihood of foot and ankle injury. OnStar, with one year of Safe & Sound service, and a tire-pressure monitor are also standard.

As of this writing, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has not yet rated the 2009 Saturn Astra for frontal, side-impact or rollover testing. Similarly, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has not rated the 2009 Saturn Astra.

Technology
New for 2009, Bluetooth wireless connectivity for hands-free calling comes with segment-exclusive (per Saturn) OnStar 8.0. Standard in the 2009 Astra is a 6-speaker AM/FM/CD radio with optional 7-speaker sound system. An advanced audio package is available on XE 5-door models that includes a 7-speaker system (previously only available on XR). Steering-wheel-mounted audio controls are standard on XR models. The 5-door model also has an optional 2-panel sunroof, which Saturn says is the largest in its class.