Overview. Saturn has replaced its mediocre Ion small car with the more substantial and more sophisticated Astra. Imported from Europe, the Astra is made by General Motors’ Opel division and it clearly commands a price premium over the cars it replaced.

This modern hatchback is available in two- and four-door versions with two trim lines, the base XE and upscale XR. Prices start at $15,995 for a four-door XE and climb to $18,495 for a “sport tuned” XR two-door. The sole engine is a 140-hp, 1.8-liter four-cylinder, mated either to a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. Standard equipment includes antilock brakes and side-curtain air bags. We’re testing a four-door XE with an automatic transmission that cost us $20,025, including optional stability control, a huge two-part glass sunroof, and heated seats.

Initial impressions. Driving the Astra feels like you are behind the wheel of a solid, well-honed, upscale European sports sedan. It steers precisely and the body stays on an even keel while cornering. The ride feels composed, steady, and absorbent, and the cabin remains quiet at speed. Engine power is just adequate, though, and it takes high revs to make it deliver any appreciable zip. The transmission shifts smoothly and appropriately, despite being only a four-speed automatic. We check-tested a manual-shift version and found the shift feel to be rubbery and imprecise.

The cabin is well-finished, with soft-touch trim and high-quality switchgear. The telescoping steering wheel helps in finding a good driving position and there are assist grips above each door. The seats are firm and give good support, and the optional seat heaters have been most welcome this winter. The rear accommodations are cramped, even by the modest standards of this class. Three adults can sit there, but not comfortably.

The center stack controls are not well laid out. A large information screen up top forces the dash vents, climate system and audio controls too low. Further, their labels are cryptic and hard to make out. Drivers must take their eyes off the road to grope around for the right switch to make simple adjustments.

Our Astra came with 16-inch steel wheels. For $20,000-plus, we would have expected a sharp set of alloy rims instead. The lack of an MP3-player connection and a satellite-radio option are also unfortunate omissions.

CR’s Take. Detroit has had little luck rebadging European cars for the U.S. market. Flops like the Merkur, a European Ford, and the Cadillac Catera, a repackaged Opel, come to mind. Commercial success aside, the Astra exhibits welcomed European characteristics such as agile handling, a controlled and supple ride, and good interior fit and finish. Some confusing controls, a tight rear seat, and modest power are drawbacks. We will see how it stacks up against a Subaru Outback Sport, Toyota Matrix, and Volkswagen Rabbit when our full report is published in the June issue and posted online in May.

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