Ever since 1990, when the first Saturn cars began to reach dealerships, this lesser-known GM division has relied on a carefully-honed customer experience to stimulate sales. Through the 1990s and into the 21st century, the cars themselves never quite reached the level of the buying process, which continued to attract enthusiastic buyers.

During the past few years, Saturn has been a resurgence, with the debut of several new and redesigned models that reach beyond the company's past in terms of quality and driving satisfaction. The current-generation Vue SUV, for instance, took a welcome step beyond the earlier versions of that model, turning into a strong competitor.

For 2008, Saturn came up with a completely different sort of vehicle, entirely unlike anything else in its lineup. To do so, the company turned toward Europe, choosing to adapt the popular compact Astra series, first developed in Germany, for sales in the United States.

Placed on sale in fall 2007, the Astra comes in two-door or four-door hatchack form - body styles that have long been popular in Europe, but less so in the U.S. Aimed more at enthusiasts, the two-door Astra XR coupe benefits from sport tuning. Four-door models, offered in lower-cost XE trim as well as XR level, are configured for more ordinary driving.

All Astras have the same powertrain: a 138-horsepower, 1.8-liter Ecotec four-cylinder engine, driving a standard five-speed manual gearbox or an optional four-speed automatic transmission. To save fuel, the automatic unit incorporates a Neutral Idle feature.

More striking in design than any other Saturn model, the Astra blends European themes with "signature" Saturn styling cues, led by a thick grille bar with a prominent corporate logo. Saturn promotes the Astra's comparatively long wheelbase and wide stance. Inside, the three-spoke steering wheel tilts and telescopes. Seats in the Astra XR coupe have "more aggressive" bolsters, as well as lumbar support adjustment. All models have a removable rear cargo cover.

On the safety front, six airbags are standard. So are active head restrains. GM's StabiliTrck electronic stability-control system is standard in the Astra XR coupe and optional for four-door models.

Only a few moments behind the wheel are needed to demonstrate that the Astra bears little resemblance to other Saturn models - or to other General Motors cars sold in the U.S. It's snug, in the European mode. It's spirited - though not a brute-force performer in the sense of invigorating acceleration. That's no surprise, considering the modest engine output. But it's another indication of the derivation from Europe, where extracting the most response from a moderately-powered, smaller engine is common practice.

Refined and solidly built, too, the Astra coupe handles like a European car, due in part to the relatively heavy steering - amplified by a thick steering-wheel rim. Able to whip around corners with ease, the Astra XR coupe demonstrates a high level of agility.

Front seats are satisfying but snugly bolstered, suggesting a serious driving position. Less-agile or older passengers are advised to skip the coupe's back seat, which is not only short on space but can be a task to reach. Children might love it, but plenty of grownups won't. Ostensibly a four-seater, the Astra coupe serves better as sensible transportation for two. Anyone who carries more than one passenger regularly might be happier with the four-door hatchback instead.

Visibility is another coupe drawback. Don't expect to see much out the back window, or through the sharply tapered rear side windows. If that's a major consideration, take a look at the Astra sedan instead.

Don't expect a gentle ride in the Astra XR coupe. In fact, it's somewhat on the stiff side, which is another demonstration of the car's European origin.

Astra prices start at $15,995 for the XE four-door hatchback. An XR four-door goes for $17,545, while the XR coupe commands $18,495. An automatic transmission adds $1,325 to the price. Heated seats and a large dual-panel sunroof are available.

Automatic Transmission Update: Unlike many small sporty coupes, the Astra loses little character - or performance - with an automatic transmission rather than a manual gearbox. As a follow-up test-drive revealed, it's just about as much to drive, too. When rolling to a stop, the automatic sometimes jerks a little, momentarily. Rather than annoy, however, this phenomenon seems to demonstrate the Astra's eagerness to get going again. A little growl is heard during acceleration, but it's a familiar - almost welcome - sound.

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