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Polymer panels are used on the sides. |
The Achilles heal of polymer panels is their propensity to expand and contract more so than steel panels. The result is an inability to fit the panels as tightly together as found on most modern vehicles of late. Depending on one's priorities, the sustainability of the Vue's body panels to shopping carts and wayward baseballs may outweigh the cosmetic flaw of wide gapping.
Inside the Green Line, I found the cabin's architecture and instrument panel layout to be pleasing. As one ought to expect though, this lowest of the low-priced hybrid SUVs suffers somewhat from excessive plastic and low rent switchgear. Yes, it's all very functional but not all that gratifying to the senses.
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Instrumentation is well laid out. |
Apart from total engine shutdown after being stationary for a moment or two, the Green Line drives just as any other four-cylinder SUV would. But there's no masking the auditory fact that a four-banger is doing the work. Along with 170 horsepower @ 6,600 rpm, the Green Line's 2.4 litre mill generates 162 foot-pounds of torque @ 4,400 rpm. The output flows through a four-speed automatic transmission, currently the only transmission available. This autobox switches cogs smoothly although I found it slow at times to kick down into a passing gear.
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A comfortable ride and a great value. |
Impressive:
·Starting price of $28,795CA
·Fuel economy of 8.8/6.7 litres per 100 K city/hwy driving
·Sporty yet conservative styling
·Dent resistant body panels
Less Impressive:
·Suspension noise
·Panel gapping
·4-speed autobox slow to kick down
·No all-wheel drive availability
For more details concerning this vehicle, please refer to the technical specifications and to the standard features list.
If you wish to test-drive or receive a price quotation for this vehicle, you only have to perform a retailer / dealer search in your region.
photo:Rob Rothwell




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