Saturn hybrid a looker and light on gas
For one thing, the Vue is quite a looker. That’s actually saying quite a bit considering pretty much every other manufacturer has had a kick at this can and most of these faux-by-fauxes look remarkably alike.The Vue, on the other hand, stands out — and not just for the Sea Mist (where do they get these names?) paint job that clothed the tester.For one thing, it shares the same chrome-accented trim with the Aura. And its rear haunches are rounded where most are square.But the most distinctive part of the Vue is its short, pugnacious nose. It looks like a muscular little bulldog and, while that may not be to everybody’s taste, at least it’s (almost) unique.But, what’s really unique about this Vue is that, according to Transport Canada, the Green Line edition has the best highway fuel economy rating of any SUV offered in Canada, sipping 6.1 litres of gas for every 100 km travelled (8.2 L/100 km in the city). Saturn credits its belt-alternator-starter (BAS) system for this frugality. And, even if my observed fuel mileage couldn’t match that figure, the 8.4 L/100 km overall economy I did manage is still laudable.The Vue’s “mild” hybrid technology is also less complex than most other hybrids, its BAS motor connected to the four-cylinder Ecotec’s fan belt, eliminating the need for a separate input to the transmission as well as some of the associated complex electronics.On the other hand, unlike more sophisticated hybrids — the Ford Escape and Toyota Prius come to mind — the Vue’s electric motor cannot drive the wheels on its own.However, Saturn says the BAS system can add up to seven horsepower and just shy of 50 foot-pounds of torque to the 2.4-litre engine’s output. Without a direct comparison, it’s hard to say whether the Green Line can keep up with the V-6s in topline Vues or even the Escape Hybrid. I can note that the combination proves more than powerful enough for everyday use. Despite its sporty looks, the Green Line will not be challenging the Infiniti EX35 to any stoplight duels, but neither does it feel lethargic. Adequate comes to mind. It helps that the Vue’s curb weight is a reasonable (for an SUV) 1,719 kilograms.What is surprising is how smooth the latest rendition of GM’s ubiquitous four-cylinder is.Previous generations of the Ecotec motor were so caustic, they verily defined noise, vibration and harshness. Again, without a direct comparison, I can’t say the Saturn’s is the smoothest four-banger in this segment, but it certainly is among them.
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Tags: economy, Ford, fuel mileage, gm, Infiniti, Saturn, Toyota
