Round Two of the Red Lines
My older brother went through high school before me, of course, and although we are a couple of years apart we ended up taking
I made the mistake of expecting the VUE Red Line to be similar to its ION sibling. In other words, I had low expectations of the sporty SUV. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press) |
But who am I to talk? I did the same thing before picking up Saturn's new VUE Red Line, thinking that it would be just like the ION Red Line I tested a short while ago. I judged it to be a relatively good car for its make, but it left me wanting for more refinement. Based on its shortcomings I'm embarrassed to admit that when I
The VUE Red Line was surprisingly good, and nicely topped its sibling in every category that matters to me. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press) |
I immediately noticed a difference in performance. Its impressive 3.5-liter 24-valve, DOHC, Honda-derived V6 is powerful and responsive, putting 250 horsepower at 5,800 rpm and 242 lb-ft of torque at 4,500 rpm down to the road via all of its wheels. The Red Line's five-speed automatic transmission shifts each gear smoothly and subtly, making for a really enjoyable drivetrain. I should mention, however, that you don't have to step up to the Red Line package to enjoy this engine, as it comes as an option in both front- and all-wheel drivetrains.