Silver-faced gauges are complemented by suede-like sport seats, which unfortunately lack much in the way of bolstering. Inside are some interesting details as well. It looks equal parts modern and fast, and we hope that if America’s love affair with the SUV continues, we’ll see more examples of the breed with this much flair. We like the gaping grille below the bumper is reminiscent of an intercooler, set off by recessed fog lights, and the black-out treatment applied to the window area. The Red Line edition adds ground effects, mild spoilerage, 18″ alloys wearing 245/50 rubber, and other go-faster-looking bits that actually make for an aesthetic success. The Vue itself has gone from an angular, malformed misfit to a macho megastar, courtesy of a well-done recent redesign. We spent a week with this hot-rod-Saturn, and came away with some interesting, if mixed, impressions.įirst off, it’s a good-looking machine. Hot on the heels of the hotted-up Ion Red Line compact comes the redesigned 2006 Red Line edition of the Vue baby SUV. So it’s no surprise that ‘feel-good’ brand Saturn has gotten into the mix. Heck, even Porsche sells a truck now-and Land Rover, which got by for decades powering the Range Rover with a 1960s’ Buick V8 making 215 horsepower-now trades on power and sporty feel. It’s a phenomenon that has even spread to trucks and SUVs-ten years ago your average four-by-four was judged by tow ratings, while today their conversations include zero-to-sixty times and quarter miles. Thus, just about every new car on the market is a powerhouse and every redesign of an existing model sports better numbers. Some obscure set of factors has finally re-converged to encourage a climate which enthusiasts find temperate above fuel efficiency concerns, emissions worries, or new design directions, the focus in so many niches of the new-car market is on horsepower. The Green Line version is expected to cost just US$2,000 more than a similarly-equipped VUE, and debuted in production form on Januat the North American International Auto Show.In truth, we’re right now in the midst of the greatest resurgence of automobile performance since the late 1960s. The 2.4 L Ecotec engine is used from the Saturn ION, and fuel savings are expected to be around 15%. The electric motor will also assist somewhat in acceleration, though not to the extent that Honda's Integrated Motor Assist system does. It automatically stops the engine when the vehicle comes to a halt and instantly restarts it when the vehicle must move again. A large electric motor is connected to the accessory drive via a belt, with a special automatic transmission fitted. The VUE is a mild hybrid using what GM calls a "belt alternator starter" (BAS) system. The high-performance VUE Red Line will be joined for 2007 (in summer 2006) by an environmentally-oriented Green Line model. 18 in alloy wheels, ground-effect front bumpers, chrome exhaust tips, special black leather and suede seats, footwell lighting, and a special gauge cluster complete the visual updates. The VUE Red Line includes the 250 hp (186 kW) L66 V6 and sportier suspension tuning for performance. Saturn introduced a special high-performance line of vehicles in 2004 under the name, "Red Line". OnStar is now standard as well as cruise control and automatic headlights. Upgrades included a redesigned interior with higher-quality materials, a new bumper and grille, and some minor cosmetic pieces to the exterior. The VUE received a facelift for the 2006 model year. The four-cylinder VUE was available with the VTi continuously-variable transmission (CVT) until GM cancelled it for 2005. The L81 V6 from the L-Series and 5-speed Aisin AF33 automatic transmission were initially offered, but starting in 2004, all 6-cylinder VUEs were equipped with the 250 hp (186 kW) Honda-manufactured L66 engine and a Honda transmission. Its unibody platform is shared with the Chevrolet Equinox, Pontiac Torrent and the European Opel Antara.įour-cylinder VUEs use the Ecotec straight-4. It is manufactured at the Spring Hill Saturn plant. The VUE was introduced for the 2002 model year and was designed by Saturn. It was the first vehicle to use the GM Theta platform. The Saturn VUE is a compact SUV from General Motors' Saturn marque.
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