The Saturn Astra came after Saturn Ion to the compact category because it inherited design elements from the European Opel Astra that had popular unique styling. The Saturn Astra runs on a 1.8L inline-4 engine which delivers 138 horsepower through valve timing control technology. The vehicle provides drivers with fuel efficiency of 26 mpg city and 33 mpg highway. Driving the Saturn Astra benefits from a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic transmission for good dynamics but the automatic setup remains less technologically advanced than what its competitors provide. The Saturn Astra provides European-type handling because it features great suspension calibration and precise acceleration control which aligns with European compact car experiences. Saturn offered the StabiliTrak system as an optional equipment across their three-door Sport and five-door variants of the Astra model. When Saturn redesigned the Astra for 2008 they refreshed the styling and introduced new engine options yet they maintained all features essential to the car's driving performance. Buyers of Astra can experience a comfortable cabin inside which includes air conditioning as standard along with a Monsoon audio system as an option coupled with upgrading to higher trims or purchase of optional packages which include alloy wheels. The use of authentic Saturn Astra parts purchased from authorized retailers allows owners to conduct repairs and maintenance which will sustain factory-set performance levels and reliability standards.