Competitive Comparisons; Vw Rabbit - Saturn ASTRA Product Manual

2008 Saturn ASTRA

Competitive Comparisons

VW Rabbit Overview
Volkswagen resurrected
the Rabbit name at
the end of 2006 for the
U.S.-version of the next
generation Golf hatchback.
A popular model from 1975–1984, the Rabbit gained
a cult-like following with its nimble, fuel-efficient and
versatile performance. VW is hoping to take advantage
of this nostalgia with a new model that claims to deliver
premium European characteristics at an affordable sticker
price. It is ASTRA's most direct competitor and the only
true European hatchback in the segment. In fact, Opel
ASTRA and the VW Golf are the two top selling vehicles
in their segment in Europe.
• 2-Door or 4-Door hatchback (VW's nomenclature
for 3-Door or 5-Door)
• No trim level designations
• 2007 Rabbit MSRP*: $15,620 (2-Door), $17,730 (4-Door)
Honda Civic Overview
Honda Civic is the volume
leader of the small car
segment, largely
due to its low price
of entry and economical
operation. It is offered as either a 4-Door Sedan or a 2-Door
Coupe; there is no hatchback version. However, it is still
considered a key ASTRA competitor in terms of content,
pricing and sales. Redesigned in 2006, the latest Civic tries to
be all things to all small-car buyers by offering numerous
models and trim levels. Though considered a benchmark by
many, it cannot match ASTRA's upscale European refinement
and driving dynamics.
• 2-Door Coupe or 4-Door Sedan (no hatchback)
• Mainstream models include DX, LX and EX trim levels
• 2007 Civic Coupe MSRP*: $15,405 (DX), $17,355 (LX) and
$19,305 (EX)
• 2007 Civic Sedan MSRP*: $15,605 (DX), $17,555 (LX) and
$19,305 (EX)
• Specialty models include the performance-oriented Si,
Hybrid and natural gas-powered GX (these are not
included in this comparison)
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Mazda3 Overview
With the tag line
"the soul of a sports
car," Mazda would
have you believe that
their vehicles are more
German than Japanese in
heritage. Admittedly, in the small car segment the Mazda3
does have a sporty appearance and spirited performance
that is lacking in many competitors. But even though it
emulates a European design it still cannot measure up to
a genuine article like ASTRA. And premium features such
as heated seats, head-curtain air bags and rain-sensing
wipers are only offered on the uplevel trims.
• 4-Door sedan or 5-Door hatchback (only the 5-Door
is considered direct competition for the ASTRA)
• s Sport, s Touring and s Grand Touring trim levels for
the 5-Door
• 2008 Mazda3 5-Door MSRP*: $18,520 (s Sport),
$19,020 (s Touring) and $20,490 (s Grand Touring)
• Expensive performance-oriented Mazdaspeed3
model also available (not included in this comparison)
* Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price including destination and freight charges.