Saturn runs rings around sport-cute competition
KIMBERLEY, Ont. — Just a few short years ago, General Motors’ Saturn division was in danger of falling into a black hole.
But after a remarkable 30-month revitalization program, for Saturn general manager Jill Lajdziak the universe now is unfolding as it should.
So far in 2007, the feisty little car company has been running rings around the opposition.
In the first five months of the year, no other auto manufacturer has been able to match Saturn’s performance. Compared to January-May 2006, Saturn’s retail sales growth was a phenomenal 32.1% in Canada and 30.4% in the U.S. In fact, May was the best month in Saturn Canada’s history with car sales up 98.3% and trucks up 37.3% over 2006.
Lajdziak, who has been with Saturn since the beginning 22 years ago, says, “Our showrooms have totally changed in the last 20 months.”
New product includes the Sky roadster, the midsize Outlook SUV and the midsize Aura sedan. Gone is the Relay minivan and dealers are now clearing out the last compact Ion sedans and coupes.
Saturn was launched to be GM’s import-fighting division and is succeeding admirably at the moment, winning buyers away from Japanese and European brands. And what better way to fight foreign competition than by joining forces with one of GM’s European companies, Opel of Germany?
The hot new Aura midsize sedan, named North American car of the year for 2007, is based on the Opel Vectra. And the new compact Astra hatchback, coming this December, is not only based on the Opel of the same name but will be assembled in Belgium.
Ion, the car the Astra is about to replace, has been the one leading Saturn’s renaissance in Canada. But solidly in second place is the Vue crossover utility vehicle (CUV) that’s been leading the charge in the U.S.
And the all-new 2008 Vue is arriving at Saturn’s 63 Canadian dealerships this month.
Base price for the 2008 Vue is $26,990 — a $3,425 increase over the lowest-priced 2007 model, but the new version has a bigger 2.4-litre engine and $4,275 in extra equipment. Now standard is automatic transmission ($1,215), antilock brakes ($840), XM satellite radio ($260), 16-in. alloy wheels ($580), AM/FM/MP3 stereo ($220) and $1,160 worth of added safety features including head curtain and side airbags, thorax airbags, collapsible pedals, active head restraints and StabiliTrak.
As Saturn Canada marketing manager Dan Burton points out, the new base price is still less than a comparably equipped Honda CR-V or Toyota RAV4.
Styling is pleasing, and I think I prefer the contrast of the XE’s blacked-out bumpers to the colour co-ordinated ones of the more expensive XR. Both models present a face to the world that clearly shares the same design DNA as Sky, Aura and Outlook.
The base Vue XE has a 2.4-litre Ecotec four that puts out 169 hp. Optional is a 222-hp 3.5-litre V6. Vue XR gets a 257-hp 3.6-litre V6, plus bigger wheels and tires, a rear spoiler and unique ground effects.
A hot Red Line version will be arriving later this summer for less than $38,000 followed by a 2.4-litre four-cylinder Green Line hybrid this fall and a 3.6-litre V6 hybrid in 2008.
Unlike some manufacturers of compact SUVs/CUVs, Saturn offers models in Canada with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. We got to sample both this month on all kinds of road surfaces in the hills of Grey County south of Georgian Bay in Ontario. Only pre-production V6 Vues were available and they handled the terrain with ease. The XE’s six-speed automatic features “TAPshift” — a button on the side of the shift lever that allows you to manually change gears.
Vue’s front-wheel drive is fine for most driving conditions, but if you feel you must have all-wheel drive it’s available on all V6 models. Saturn’s all-wheel-drive system is proactive and normally operates in front-wheel-drive mode. But when it senses front-wheel slip plus a heavy throttle, it adds traction to the rear wheels before slippage actually occurs. Extra torque can be sent to the wheel or wheels with the most traction, with up to 80% being delivered to the rear wheels if necessary. It’s fully automatic and no 4WD lock button is required.
The Vue is assembled in Mexico on GM’s new compact SUV global architecture. The sport-tuned suspension provides a ride that is supple yet firm, and the cabin is quiet and comfortable with some well thought-out features such as a monster glove box. Vue product manager Betsy Chisholm claims the 2008 model’s added weight contributes to better ride and handling.
All GM divisions have been paying special attention lately to interior fit and finish and the Vue follows that pattern. Even the base model is very well equipped, but leather trim, heated front seats, rain sensing wipers, remote vehicle start and automatic climate control are available options.
Vue now sports StabiliTrak with trailer sway control as standard equipment and when powered by the 3.6-litre V6 can tow up to 3,500 lbs.
When the last of the 2007 Ions and Vues are gone from dealers’ lots, no more new Saturns will be available with the company’s trademark dent-resistant polymer side panels.
But while steel will have replaced plastic across the line, general manager Lajdziak promises Saturn customers the same unique “no haggle, no hassle” sales experience.
The planets are properly aligned for Saturn to enjoy a big, big year.
Competition: Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Ford Escape
Highlights: Good level of standard equipment, excellent fit and finish, optional AWD
When available: At dealerships in June 2007
Find a dealer that sells the Saturn Vue
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