Now that Saturn has one foot in the grave, GM is looking at other ways of selling Opels in the US. The newest rumor claims that Buick is going to receive a version of the small Astra.
If these rumors are in fact true, Buick will be getting a new small car in 2011 as a 2012 model. It's not yet known if the Buick will use the Astra name or get something entirely new. It's also not known if it will be a hatchback, a sedan or both. Saturn was expected to get three and five-door versions of the next Astra.
Does Buick really need a new small car? This rumor brings back memories of the not so great Skylark.
Full Story: GM Inside News
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Comments (12)
Well, small cars are in, but at the higher price point of this thing it'll hardly be a game changer for GM or Buick. I also don't see the usual buick crowd going for a hatchback.
Posted by thetruth | May 6, 2009 1:34 PM
Posted on May 6, 2009 13:34
Of course what's in the picture really looks like a cross between a Mazda 3 and a Matrix...
I agree that I don't see the Buick crowd driving this..., perhaps China?
Posted by Brian | May 6, 2009 2:38 PM
Posted on May 6, 2009 14:38
Buick used to sell Opels in the 60's and 70's then"Opel Isuzus" in the 80's.
Posted by JustinK | May 6, 2009 3:07 PM
Posted on May 6, 2009 15:07
I think the Pontiac G8 should be made into a Buick. GM has already said that a rear wheel drive Impala is out of the question so give it some cosmetic changes and make it a Buick, I think it would sell better then there current cars.
Posted by Jeremy | May 6, 2009 3:56 PM
Posted on May 6, 2009 15:56
That doesn't look very Buick like.
Posted by Ravicai | May 6, 2009 7:25 PM
Posted on May 6, 2009 19:25
If Fiat buys Opel, won't these be showing up at our local Dodge dealers instead?
I can just imagine it with the Dodge grill and a Ram on it [ugh]. Too bad that the torsion beam rear axle would actually be a step backward from Chryco's prior small cars.
Posted by bubba551 | May 7, 2009 6:32 AM
Posted on May 7, 2009 06:32
Why don't they just make call it a chevy and make it the next Aveo. Does not look like something a Buick buyer would consider.
Posted by Gabe | May 7, 2009 10:16 AM
Posted on May 7, 2009 10:16
The current Astra is overpriced for what it is...they sticker in the same ballpark as a Civic EX. That's why they don't sell well at Saturn dealers, and the same problem will exist at Buick dealers if they don't fix the price/value problem. I agree that the Pontiac G8 should be a Buick...that will help bring down the average age of Buick buyers and will be appropriate for the entry-level luxury buyers who want performance.
Posted by WS | May 7, 2009 10:16 AM
Posted on May 7, 2009 10:16
That thing is hideous, so no, I hope it isn't made into a hideous Buick. I agree with the above post about the G8 becoming a Buick. It might make more sense as a Caddy though.
Posted by gm0n3y | May 7, 2009 10:48 AM
Posted on May 7, 2009 10:48
well this is a plus IF and only IF it comes with the 2.0 turbo charged engine that puts out 240 bhp. they are getting that in europe, they should certainly get send it hear. i would buy one.
Posted by anon | May 8, 2009 5:50 PM
Posted on May 8, 2009 17:50
This car is being sold in europe since late 2004....I bought it in 2006 and it is a nice drive, but if this goes to the US in 2011 it is going to be outdated. It is going to be replaced in 2010....
Posted by Mihalakis | May 9, 2009 1:21 AM
Posted on May 9, 2009 01:21
@Mihalakis
outdated? are you kidding?
i don't know about you, but a car really isn't outdated for at least 10 years... and even then, the good ones are still cool.
i hate trends... they are stupid... just another reason to make inferior products that don't last a long time. with all of this 'green' movement, you think people would hone in on the real problem... over consumption.
Posted by anon | May 12, 2009 11:17 PM
Posted on May 12, 2009 23:17