Despite the American badge, the Astra is built in Antwerp, Belgium, and is a bestseller in Europe.

GM

Climbing into the Saturn Astra, which replaces the miserable Ion sedan, I close the door.

Thunk.

It closes with a solidity I rarely have experienced in a GM product. And the seats! They actually have firm side bolsters and a firm, supportive feel. They’re perfect for the weekend autocross enthusiast.

As I twist the key and the four-cylinder comes alive, I slip into gear and drive off. That’s when the revelation really begins.

This two-door hatchback was shipped from the continent with minimal revisions. You feel it every time you travel over the pathetically maintained roads in Virginia. I would love to strap some state legislators in this car and have them travel down some of our beautifully rutted roads and see if their spleens are still intact.

Yes, the Astra has a firm ride. A very firm ride. But the car possesses taut handling, minimal body lean and crisp steering associated with European cars.

The Astra is no speed demon — the 1.8-liter four-cylinder is rated at 138 horsepower — but the car is geared so that it makes the most of the power at hand.

This modest power plant allows drivers to explore the car’s limits. Try that when the car you’re driving has 400 ponies under the hood. It also returns good mileage, with the test car drinking dinosaurs at a rate of 30.3 miles per gallon.

The Saturn comes with a standard five-speed manual; a four-speed automatic is optional.

But all of this is to be expected. Despite the American badge, the Astra is built in Antwerp, Belgium, and is a best-seller in Europe, second only to the Volkswagen Golf on the sales charts.

And I must admit, the Astra is a great-looking small car, lacking the odd lines of many of its Japanese competitors.

The Astra hatchback is sold as a two-door and four-door. The latter comes in two trim levels, XE and XR, the former only in one, XR.

The interior lives up to its heritage: There’s only one cupholder. And some of the European-style controls have markings that are indecipherable. But once used to them, they’re easy to operate.

Legroom is good up front, OK in the back, as long as the front seats aren’t pushed back all the way.

Cargo space is unusually large and the split rear seats fold for cargo-carrying flexibility.

The two-door test car’s options include an upgraded sound system with mp3 player, handsome 18-inch alloy wheels, heated leather seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. (Heated seats are available with or without leather.)

Americans have long held an inferiority complex when it comes to Europe. In the early 20th century, wealthy consumers favored imported makes over American counterparts and, for a time, companies such as Mercedes-Benz and Rolls-Royce set up American factories.

Today, many buyers still prefer European cars because of the suspension, tuning, handling and design rather than snob appeal. European cars have a better feel than their American or Japanese counterparts.

Now we have the Saturn Astra, a German-designed hatchback from GM. It’s the best small car GM has sold in the United States in decades.

If you’re considering a Mazda3, Volkswagen Rabbit or Honda Civic, try this one out before you buy.Saturn Astra

What we say: A star among small cars

Pro: Great handling and looks

Con: Lacks center console storage

Stats:

Engine: 1.8-liter four-cylinder

Wheelbase: 102.9 inches

Length: 170.5 inches

Weight: 2,833 pounds

Cargo space: 12-37.8 cubic feet

EPA rating (city/highway): 24/30 mpg

Fuel economy: 30.3 mpg

Fuel type: Regular unleaded

Base price: $17,875

As tested: $21,655