TAKE THE GREEN LINE
This article is from our archives and has not been updated and integrated with our "new" site yet... Even so, it's still awesome - so keep reading!
Published on Sun, Apr 29, 2007
By: The LACar Editorial Staff
© All photos by Harvey Schwartz
TAKE THE GREEN LINE
The all-new 2007 Saturn VUE Green Line is GM's first foray into the booming
hybrid powered segment of the auto industry. Dominated by Toyota and Honda, the
Saturn entry is smartly styled with signature Saturn looks and body panels made
from sheet molded plastic for durability and less weight. The interior is
comfortable, well equipped, very versatile, and functional, like a regular
gasoline engine sport utility vehicle.
What the Saturn VUE Green Line has up its sleeve is a less expensive entry
price, and a simpler operating hybrid system. This lower price will enable
Saturn to offer the benefits of a hybrid power system to a wider group of
consumers.
Fuel mileage specs are 27 miles per gallon in the city and 32 mpg on the highway
- one of the highest ratings. Moreover, the Vue's hybrid system costs less than
$2,000.00 over a base gasoline engine driven model, enabling the full vehicle
price to start at less than $23,000.00.
The Saturn VUE Green Line uses sophisticated controls and a unique electric
motor/generator mated to a 2.4 liter VVT four-cylinder engine mated to a 4T65-E
four-speed automatic transmission turning the front wheels. It is a simple and
flexible hybrid design that provides additional power from the motor/generator
during acceleration, and allows increased fuel economy up to 20 percent higher
than the VUE's regular gasoline sport utility.
VUE Green Line's innovative 2.4 liter hybrid powertrain is rated at 170
horsepower - a powerful increase from the 143 horsepower provided by the 2.2
liter engine in the gasoline driven model.
This increase in power is needed when loaded and gives the VUE Green Line a
sportier feel with brisker acceleration, equal to or better than many non-hybrid
sport utility vehicles.
The VUE's hybrid system reduces fuel consumption by shutting off the engine when
the vehicle is stopped (to minimize idling), restarts the engine immediately
when the brake pedal is released, enables early fuel shut-off during vehicle
deceleration and capturing the vehicle's kinetic energy to charge the advanced
nickel metal hydride batteries, and performing intelligent battery charging when
it is most efficient. Additionally, the system provides additional power from
the electric motor/generator during launch, when required.
At wide-open throttle, such as during a passing maneuver, the system improves
acceleration feel by using the motor/generator to bolster the gasoline engine to
achieve maximum power. You can monitor the system working in the tachometer
which has a 'Stop' and Auto Stop' notch, which shows when the vehicle is turned
off and when the engine stops during idle at a red lights or in heavy traffic.
To the right is a gauge that shows when you are charging or when the electric
motor is assisting with its power.
The new hybrid system is also designed to automatically maintain full accessory
functionality, including climate control, when the vehicle is stopped, so that
hybrid operation is transparent to you and your passengers. The VUE hybrid
allows an appropriate balance between fuel economy and comfort by providing a
system with two driver-selectable operating modes. An economy mode favors fuel
economy by limiting the affect of the AC, while the other mode favors maximum
passenger comfort and defogging performance.
I liked this new 'Soft Hybrid' system from GM. This hybrid system is termed
'soft' because you never drive in full electric power like the system from
Toyota, which is termed a full hybrid system. This is just as efficient
returning much better fuel mileage in traffic and when cruising yet cost only
about $2,000.00 more over the cost of a regular gasoline driven sport utility
vehicle.
Other than the engine, the new Green Line is the same outside and inside. The
styling is signature Saturn cues including the weight saving and durable polymer
front fenders, door panels, rear quarter panels, and bumpers. The only steel is
found in the hood, roof and liftgate for collision protection.
I enjoyed the ride thanks to the independent front and rear suspension that
flattened the curves and took the bumps out of poorly paved roads. I was
disappointed by the over-boosted, electric-power-assisted rack and pinion
steering system. It was a little vague at higher speeds on the freeways. The
power-assisted brakes stopped the VUE when needed, but I would still like to see
steel disc brakes in the rear to replace the out-dated drums. Standard traction
control and ABS did a good job of keeping me in control during hard braking and
when driving over slick pavement. The 16X6.5 wheels and 215/70R16 all-season
tires provided good traction and a smooth, quite ride.
The interior is roomy and comfortable as any small sport utility. The front
bucket seats are generous for added comfort, the unique instrument cluster is
easy to see and understand. The center stack nicely divides the front section
and has easy to use switches, dials and buttons. All controls are within easy
reach and fully illuminated.
The rear seat is split 70/30 percent and the front seat back folds forward to
increase the cargo carrying capability and function. Rear tie-down rings keep
everything from moving around when on the road. It can tow up to 1,500 pounds.
The all-new Saturn VUE Green Line comes well equipped with power windows/door
locks, radio auxiliary jack, steering wheel audio and cruise control buttons,
auto-dimming rearview mirror with compass direction and outside temperature
readouts, dual map lamps, three 12-volt power plugs, foldaway rear cargo
organizer and remote keyless entry.
Standard safety features include dual front airbags, daytime running lights,
front seat belt pretensioners/load limiters, front/rear crush zones, side door
impact beams, child safety rear door locks, rear window defroster/wiper/washer,
battery rundown protection, and a theft deterrent system.
For the money, the new Hybrid VUE from Saturn is a great bargain. For just
$22,370.00, you get a very nicely styled sport utility with better than expected
power, a smooth ride, exceptional gas mileage, with the interior space and
comfort that has made sport utility vehicles so popular for over 10-years.
SUMMARY JUDGMENT
A money-saving hybrid from start to finish.
For more information on Saturn products, go to
www.saturn.com.
More photos from Harvey Schwartz can be found at www.autofotos.com
© Words and pictures by Harvey Schwartz
SPECIFICATIONS
Name of vehicle:
2007 Saturn Vue Green Line Hybrid
Price: $22,370.00
Engine type: Hybrid System with a 2.4 liter all-aluminum, DOHC, inline
4-cylinder making 170 hp and 162 lb-ft. of torque, combined with a GM hybrid
system consisting of a motor/generator with 115 hp and 156 lb-ft. of torque
using a NiMH battery pack with 14.5 battery pack peak power (kW)
EPA mileage:
27mpg/city, 32mpg/highway
Drive configuration: front engine/front wheel drive
Transmission type:
GM Hydra-Matic 4T65 4-speed automatic transmission
Front suspension:
Independent, strut-type with coil springs, anti-roll bar
Rear suspension:
Independent, trailing arm with three lateral locating links, anti-roll bar and
coil springs
Wheels/tires:
16X6.5. machine aluminum wheels, P215/70R16 all-season radial tires
Brakes:
Front: 11.7-in. vented disc, twin-piston calipers
Rear: 9.8-in. vented drum
ABS and Brake Assist standard
Overall length:
181.3 in.
Overall width:
71.6 in.
Overall height:
65.3 in.
Curb weight:
3,474 lbs.