Introduced last year to take the place left vacant by the ION, The Astra wasn't a completely new car. It was based on the Opel Astra, sold on the European market only, which engineers have slightly modified for our market. Of course, the fact it is available only as a hatchback has pushed away more than one buyer, but its build quality is much better than the ION. For 2009, changes are very minor, except for a few new details in the equipment package.