GREENLINING
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 Thu, Oct 2, 2008
By: The LACar Editorial Staff
THE VUE IN MALIBU
I took a couple of days off from my normal everyday life and decided to hang out
with my old publisher and close friend Barry, who lives in Malibu. I just
happened to be driving the 2008 Saturn Vue hybrid (part of the Saturn Green
line, including the Aura). Being green is a big part of the Malibu community.
The Vue has a striking look. It combines stylish compact SUV looks, with some
mean and aggressive lines. Driving this car a couple of days in Malibu is a
great test to see how it fits in this high-rent, high-class city on the beach.
When I show up at Barry's home at the top of Latigo Canyon, he greets me with
compliments about the design of the new Vue (mind you, Barry owns a Mercedes
S500 Grand Edition and a Maserati Quattroporte Executive GT).
The high style extends to the interior of the Vue, but it's designed for
simplistically and ease at your fingertips. The audio and cruise controls on the
steering wheel, the thumb-controlled manual gear switch, and the easy-to-read
and visually pleasing instrument cluster all contribute to the sense of ease.
The seats are not plush (they appear to be constructed with durability in mind),
but still they feel better than most other compact SUVs in the same class. The
car is spacious and comfortable, not cramped. We both note how easy it is to get
in and out of the Vue.
Driving up and down Latigo Canyon is not for the faint or weak-hearted. With
twisted winding roads and steep inclines on the mountain sides, both driver and
car have to be in control. The Vue handles the downhill perfectly, with no
braking or stability issues. Going back up is another matter. The Vue Hybrid is
built for fuel economy, not power. Hence, heading up a mountain with steep
angles and curves proves that the Vue needs a bit more brawn to match its
brains.
Driving onto the PCH (Pacific Coast Highway) with "Malibu" Barry, the Vue is a
star of the road. Looking around, we see people noticing and admiring the car
(either that, or they were admiring me). We like the view looking out from the
interior as much as we like the exterior looking in. We finally make it to the
market in the Malibu Colony, and the Vue reveals itself to have a superb turning
radius - great for slipping into tight parking slots. We slot into a space
between a BMW and an Audi - and the Saturn's style seems to fit right in. It's
hard to imagine, but yes, a Saturn.
With our carts full, we proceed back to the car. There's an elderly gentleman
looking closely at the Vue. Barry and I start to load the bags in the back of
the Vue with more than enough room.
The gentleman finally gets the nerve to inquire about the car. "It's a Saturn
Vue hybrid." He's shocked. "A Saturn?" He keeps admiring the car. Closing up the
car, Barry and I had to put the carts back. As I look over my shoulder, the
gentleman is still admiring the car. "Would you like to have a seat inside and
check the Vue out" He response like a kid in a candy store.
The gentleman started asking my questions about the Vue. "What mileage does it
get?" (25 in the city and 32 on the highway.) How's it drive and handle?"
(Amazing!) Then he asked me "how much?" (About twenty-five thousand.) His eyes
went wide with surprise, followed by apparent anger. It turns out he spent more
than ten thousand dollars more on his Toyota Highlander Hybrid, and that the Vue
was much better looking, and he wouldn't feel so guilty having this and his
Maserati.
It was then Barry says, "Oh, you own a Maserati too?" They proceed to talk
endlessly about their Maseratis, completely ignoring me until I yell, "Does
everyone in Malibu Own a Maserati? Or just really old guys?"
Onward up the canyon we check out the local scenery. Evidently, some of the
locals have more custom work done on their bodies than the cars in the lot - and
cost twice as much.
Over the course of the weekend, we drive the Vue all over Malibu. It feels great
to pass the gas stations, and just keep on going. Adding to the pleasure, the
Vue Hybrid has an "Eco light" on the gage cluster to let you optimize the
operation for maximum fuel efficiency.
In summary, the Saturn Vue Hybrid blends great looks with great gas mileage.
It's just about the most stylish compact SUV on the market. Hip enough to fit in
Malibu and fuel efficient enough to get a nod from the green people. Hybrid
technology is always changing and improving, and this second-generation Green
Line Hybrid impresses. I can't wait to see what's next from Saturn.
SUMMARY JUDGMENT
The Saturn Vue Green Line Hybrid proves that your car doesn't have to look like
a space ship to get great gas mileage and help save the earth.
For more information about Saturn products, go to
www.saturn.com.
SPECIFICATIONS
Name of vehicle:
2008 Saturn Vue Green Line Hybrid
Price:
$26,955
EPA mileage:
25 mpg/city, 32 mpg/highway
Engine type:
The Vue Green Line models are equipped with the 2.4L Ecotec with variable valve
timing that produces an estimated 172 horsepower (126 kW)* and 161 lb.-ft. of
torque (218 Nm), combined with a GM hybrid system consisting of a
motor/generator using a NiMH battery pack with 14.5 battery pack peak power
Transmission:
Hydra-Matic 4T45, four-speed, electronically controlled transaxle.
Drive configuration: front engine/front wheel drive
Front suspension:
Independent strut suspension with stabilizer bar and coil springs,
Rear suspension:
Independent trailing arm suspension with stabilizer bar and coil springs
Brakes:
Four-wheel disc with ABS, electronic traction control via ABS & engine
management
Overall length:
180.1 inches
Overall width:
72.8 inches
Overall height:
67.0 inches
Curb weight:
4,325 pounds