Details now play a huge role in the design of Saturn products. You'll find many bright or chromed trim pieces, both inside and out. The oddly-shaped yet convenient hand brake or the non-functional air vents on the body sides are the sort of things that will help the Vue stand out from the fierce competition. In the 1990s, Saturn designers observed an ultra-conservative philosophy and they would never have incorporated flashy details just for the sake of it. Let me tell you that the new design approach is much more appreciated!
Versatile interior
Of course, the previous generation was arguably not that bad. True, the Space Frame-type chassis covered with polymer panels did nothing to improve interior quietness and finish quality, but the interior was still roomy and versatile. These two attributes are also found in the new model, which will easily accommodate four adults -- five if need be. The cargo threshold is very low, which makes loading heavy items easier.
The interior is very flexible. In addition to the 60/40 split-folding rear seats, the front passenger seat also folds flat, meaning you can load very long objects, like a ladder. Total cargo capacity increases from 827 to 1,598 liters in the process. That's roughly the equivalent of a Nissan Rogue, one of the smallest in the segment. Many other compact SUVs (Forester, Sportage, Tucson) offer more than 1,800 liters of cargo room; some even exceed 2,000 liters (CR-V, RAV4).
The automaker chose to make a number of handy features standard, particularly with regard to storage. These include a four-point nylon cargo net to secure smaller items to the floor, GM's Flex-Net system to help owners organize the cargo area (a bit complicated but nevertheless useful), small storage wells on each side as well as a composite moulded storage tray in the spare tire compartment.
However, there's one important accessory missing from the list: a cargo cover. It's only available as an option, even for top-of-the-line models. Yet, it proves to be the best defence against potential thieves, who often break a window just because they spotted something inside the cargo area.
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| The oddly-shaped yet convenient hand brake that will help the Vue stand out from the fierce competition. |
Versatile interior
Of course, the previous generation was arguably not that bad. True, the Space Frame-type chassis covered with polymer panels did nothing to improve interior quietness and finish quality, but the interior was still roomy and versatile. These two attributes are also found in the new model, which will easily accommodate four adults -- five if need be. The cargo threshold is very low, which makes loading heavy items easier.
The interior is very flexible. In addition to the 60/40 split-folding rear seats, the front passenger seat also folds flat, meaning you can load very long objects, like a ladder. Total cargo capacity increases from 827 to 1,598 liters in the process. That's roughly the equivalent of a Nissan Rogue, one of the smallest in the segment. Many other compact SUVs (Forester, Sportage, Tucson) offer more than 1,800 liters of cargo room; some even exceed 2,000 liters (CR-V, RAV4).
The automaker chose to make a number of handy features standard, particularly with regard to storage. These include a four-point nylon cargo net to secure smaller items to the floor, GM's Flex-Net system to help owners organize the cargo area (a bit complicated but nevertheless useful), small storage wells on each side as well as a composite moulded storage tray in the spare tire compartment.
However, there's one important accessory missing from the list: a cargo cover. It's only available as an option, even for top-of-the-line models. Yet, it proves to be the best defence against potential thieves, who often break a window just because they spotted something inside the cargo area.
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| The front passenger seat also folds flat, meaning you can load very long objects, like a ladder. |