2009 Saturn Astra 3-Door
The three-door Saturn Astra is arguably the sportier variant of the Astra hatchback family. Mechanically it's very similar to its five-door counterpart, and its dimensions are close also. The Astra is aimed squarely at the Volkswagen Rabbit.
From the front door forward, the Astra three-door looks pretty much the same as its big brother. But from there back, it's a whole different ball game. While the five-door model has a fairly conservative roofline, the three-door's window line sweeps aggressively downward, with some unique roof sculpting and a small rear window.
Power comes from a 140 horsepower 1.8-liter Ecotec four-cylinder engine, which is paired with a five-speed manual transmission. The Ecotec engine is enhanced with variable valve timing to optimize power output and fuel efficiency. A four-speed automatic transmission is optional.
While the five-door is offered in two trim levels, the three-door can only be ordered in XR guise, which offers sportier features and more standard equipment.
StabiliTrak electronic stability control system with traction control comes standard. This system works in concert with the standard four-wheel, antilock disc brakes to help the driver maintain control during adverse road conditions or during sudden emergency driving situations.
An electro-hydraulic, rack-and-pinion steering system is a standard on all Astras. It provides the solid, linear feel of a hydraulic power steering system, but improves fuel efficiency by operating the power steering pump only when necessary. The system has a sporty 14:1 steering ratio.
Three-door models come standard with 17-inch aluminum wheels, which can be upgraded to 18-inch aluminum wheels and performance tires.
Safety
All Astra models feature dual-stage frontal airbags, seat-mounted thorax/pelvic air bags to help protect front occupants and head curtain air bags for front- and rear-seat occupants. Also standard is an automatic passenger sensing system for the front passenger seat; it suppresses the activation of the passenger-side frontal air bag if it detects a child or smaller-stature person in that seating position.
Standard active head restraints instantly move forward if a rear-end crash is detected, reducing the risk of neck injuries. Similarly, the collapsible foot pedals move during a crash to reduce the risk of leg or ankle injuries.
Safety belt pretensioners and load limiters: When a crash is detected, the safety belt pretensioners immediately reduce the slack in the front safety belts, helping limit the movement of passengers. The load limiters permit a small amount of movement in the front safety belts, thereby reducing peak chest loads in a more severe crash.
Astra comes with the latest-generation OnStar system, including available Turn-by-Turn Navigation. The system also includes advanced automatic crash notification (AACN). With AACN, an OnStar advisor is immediately contacted by the vehicle when a crash occurs; the advisor can determine the appropriate emergency help required and assist in sending it to the scene of the crash. Astra buyers will receive one year of Safe & Sound Service provided by Saturn.
MileOne Announces the Official Launch of their new Social Media Site, MyMileOne.com
MileOne Automotive today announced the official launch of their first social media site MyMileOne.com. The site allows customers to engage with MileOne through blogs, videos, photos, social networking sites like MySpace, Facebook, and Twitter, local events, downloads and games.
Baltimore, MD (PRWEB) Friday, October 31st, 2008 -- Today, MileOne Automotive launches their social media site MyMileOne.com. The new site will allow visitors to watch videos, discuss new and used cars, learn about upcoming events, download automotive wallpaper for their computer or mobile device, play games and get the latest updates on discounts and specials from MileOne's 28 different manufacturers. Fans of MyMileOne.com can stay connected to the site's updates through RSS feeds and any of the major social networks like Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, YouTube and Flickr.
"Over the last year, we have been shifting our online philosophy to better mirror the online behaviors of our customers," said MileOne's Chief Marketing Officer, David Metter. "People are spending more and more time online watching videos, playing games, writing and commenting on blogs and we want to provide information in these more informative and exciting formats. Who wants to read about a new car when you can actually see it speeding down the road and slamming on the brakes? Who wants to be told information and never be given the chance to comment? Some say it's not a good idea to give your customers a voice because you might not like what you hear, but we say just the opposite! If people are unhappy, we want to know and we want to be given the chance to take action and we certainly hope when the reverse is true, customers will come to MyMileOne to share their stories. I really think customers are going to enjoy using MyMileOne to connect with not just MileOne, but the world of cars and trucks as a whole."
MileOne hopes customers, enthusiasts and anyone who wants to learn about and discuss cars, will come to the site and take advantage of the great new car videos on MileOneTV and YouTube that include professionally shot and rough cut videos. Visitors are also encouraged to use the "My Ride" section to share photos and videos of their own cars through Flickr and YouTube. Customers can even post pictures on the MileOne's MySpace and Facebook walls.
"In addition to creating an online community, we use MyMileOne to promote events in our local communities which span from Northern North Carolina through Virginia, Maryland and Pennsylvania," said Event Manager, Jeannetta McGettigan. "We participate and sponsor events ranging from local non-profit events like Relay for Life and Making Strides Against Breast Cancer by the American Cancer Society or the Dragon Boat Races from Catholic Charities, to large sporting events such as the Baltimore Ravens Games and NASCAR in the Poconos. You can ask anyone that works for MileOne...we don't just want to be in your neighborhood, we want to be a part of it!"
To see what events MileOne has recently participated in or to read about their upcoming new car models and ongoing building renovations, go to MyMileOne.com.
About MileOne Automotive (www.mileone.com)
MileOne Automotive operates 65 retail automotive franchises representing 28 different brands and 9 collision centers in Pennsylvania, Maryland, North Carolina and Virginia with a focus on the Baltimore-Washington, Hampton Roads/Virginia Beach, Nags Head/Elizabeth City and Wilkes-Barre/Scranton major metro areas. MileOne.com allows customers to research new, used and fuel-efficient luxury, import and domestic cars and trucks, send information about vehicles to their mobile device, schedule service appointments, buy parts and accessories, play automotive games, and download automotive wallpaper and mobile ring tones. For more information or to find a quality MileOne dealership near you, please visit www.mileone.com.
How to Use Proper Text Message Etiquette
By Kelly185
The text message is a widely popular communications method of our generation. Anyone with a cell phone can participate in text messaging and many mobile carriers include texts in their wireless plans. Not only are texts convenient, they are downright fun! However, to avoid annoying friends, coworkers, or family members, it's wise to heed proper text messaging etiquette.
Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Step1
One of the most important rules in text messaging etiquette is keeping your phone on vibrate when at work or in a quiet public place such as a movie theater. Nothing is more annoying than the perpetual texter who doesn't silence there phone. No one wants to hear your text beep every five minutes.
Step2
Text messaging can be a great means to keep in touch with importants in your life while at work or school, but keep it to a minimum. Your boss, professor, or teacher don't appreciate you punching out digital messages when you have other duties to fulfill.
Step3
Keep them short and sweet. If you need to write someone an in-depth message, send an email. Otherwise, give them a ring or see them in person. Long texts can be confusing or tough to respond to.
Step4
Text messages can be a viable means of communication. If you know a friend is at work or in a meeting, being courteous and sending a text such as "Can you call me when you get the chance?" is a great alternative to calling their phone directly.
Step5
Use fun graphics, but don't be a "smiley freak." There is nothing quite like getting a wink or kiss from a partner or spouse via text message, as this encourages flirtation and fun. But, reserve smiley's for a few text messages to keep your messages special.
1 one (Use Some1, instead of Someone)
2 to/too/two (Use ME2, instead of Me Too)
4 for/four (Use B4, instead of Before)
8 eight (Use GR8, instead of Great)
Some Text Lingo is easily interpreted, others you just have to know:
AFAIK - As Far As I Know
ASAP - As Soon As Possible
B4 - Before
BBL - Be Back Later
BRB - Be Right Back
CYA - See You
FYI - For Your Information
GR8 - Great!
ILU - I Love You
IMO - In My Opinion
LOL - Laughing out loud
L8R - Later
NOOB - Newbie
NP - No Problem
OXOXO - Hugs and Kisses
RUOK - Are You Okay?
ASL - Age, Sex and Location
THNQ -Thank You
THX - Thanks
TTYL - Talk To You Later
W8 - Wait
2NITE - Tonight