2006 Saturn Sky Preview

Import buyers should warm up to the Sky's energetic Ecotec 4-cylinder, featuring 2.4 liters that put out a maximum of

The Sky's energetic Ecotec 4-cylinder, featuring 2.4 liters that put out a maximum of 170-hp and 162 lb-ft of torque, should win over some import buyers. (Photo: General Motors of Canada)

170-horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 162 lb-ft of torque at 4,800 rpm, enhanced with variable valve timing. GM has refined its 4-cylinder Ecotec dramatically, now available in 2.4L configuration under the hood of Chevy's new Cobalt, Pontiac's Pursuit/G4 and Saturn's ION compact.

While 170-horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque might not sound particularly exciting compared to some of GM's 6- and 8-cylinder engines, keep in mind that Mazda's Miata has done extremely well with only 142-horsepower and 125 lb-ft of torque. Even the top-line MazdaSpeed MX-5 Miata puts out just slightly more, at 178-horsepower and 166 lb-ft of torque, and it's a riot to drive.

Like the new Cobalt SS and Saturn's new ION Red Line a supercharged version will no doubt be in the offing, a 2.0L Ecotec

The new Saturn will incorporate a Japanese-made Aisin 5-speed manual as standard equipment with a 5-speed automatic optional. (Photo: General Motors of Canada)

4-cylinder that currently delivers 205-horsepower and 200 lb-ft of torque. From personal experience, it will without doubt perform better than Mazda's top-line Miata.

While the MazdaSpeed gets a 6-speed manual, the new Saturn will incorporate a Japanese-made Aisin 5-speed manual as standard equipment with a 5-speed automatic optional, the latter not available in MazdaSpeed trim. Both GM transmissions are very competent, smooth shifting and up to the task of motivating a sports car.