"We think this is a better solution rather than having a third row seat that folds into a well," Lajdziak said. "You don't have to pull stuff out of the well and put on ground to flip seat into well. And when you need the extra storage, you can remove the storage unit and the seats."
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| The Saturn Relay features the Johnson Controls Railport system that allows owners to easily customize their van with a variety of clip in modules, from additional reading lamps, to a DVD player and LCD screen, plus storage compartments for Black and Decker flashlights, and emergency kits. (Photo: General Motors of Canada) |
The vans can also come with 12 cup holders--two in the front instrument panel, four in each of two trays between the first and second row seats (two sized for Big Gulp drinks), and two in the rear quarter trim.
Johnson Controls was GM's vehicle interior "integrator" on the Relay as can be evidenced by the fact the vans have an overhead storage rail system, known as "Railport," that allows customers the flexibility to personalize their vehicles with any number of dealer-supplied bins.
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| Viewed from the front and side, the 2005 Saturn Relay has design cues more common with sport utility vehicles than minivans. It has a more prominent nose and grille, and strong looking C-pillar behind its sliding side door. (Photo: General Motors of Canada) |
These 12-inch wide, 9-inch deep bins snap on and off of the overhead rails with ease and can be used to hold sunglasses, MP3 players, cellular phones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), a first-aid kit, flashlights, or a portable DVD player and screen.
Relay Takes SUV Exterior Cues
The front end of the Relay immediately suggests an SUV, with its raised hood and a high-set grille and headlamps that serve to lift the eye and make the vehicle look like it is raised off the ground, Lajdziak said. Seventeen-inch standard tires and its new roof rack contribute to the vehicle's tall-looking stance, but it remains easy to step into like a minivan.