As is the trend, the upper portion of the front grille is chromed, with the Saturn logo in plain view. The angular body of the old model has been completely reworked in order to create a more rounded profile that, in my mind, looks friendlier. The rear end has also been softened and, while the hatch's dimensions are nearly unchanged, its lines are more curved.
The VUE's redesign obviously continues inside with, among other things, an entirely revised dashboard that borrows heavily from other new Saturn models. For instance, the various gauges feature chrome rings.
Engine choices
The Saturn VUE will now offer a selection of engines capable of answering the needs of all consumers. The base mill is a 2.4-litre 4-cylinder unit that sends 169 horsepower to the front wheels through a 5-speed automatic transmission. That's 29 more horsepower than the European model, even though the engine is identical. Talk about an unsolved mystery! Interestingly, this powerplant will also find its way under the hood of the Green Line (hybrid) variant, which is expected to arrive in dealerships a few months from now.
But that's not the whole story, as two more engine choices will be offered: the all-wheel drive XE model gets a 222-hp, 3.5-litre V6 mated to a new 6-speed automatic transmission. This same gearbox (which is sometimes a tad slow to react) is found on the more luxurious XR and performance-oriented Red Line models. Both use a 257-hp, 3.6-litre V6 and will be available starting this fall.
I have to admit that either V6 is competent enough for most duties, although the first one is a bit harsher and gives the impression of quickly running out of breath. Please note that I was unable to test-drive the 4-cylinder model.
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| The VUE represents up to 40% of Saturn's total U.S. sales. |
The VUE's redesign obviously continues inside with, among other things, an entirely revised dashboard that borrows heavily from other new Saturn models. For instance, the various gauges feature chrome rings.
Engine choices
The Saturn VUE will now offer a selection of engines capable of answering the needs of all consumers. The base mill is a 2.4-litre 4-cylinder unit that sends 169 horsepower to the front wheels through a 5-speed automatic transmission. That's 29 more horsepower than the European model, even though the engine is identical. Talk about an unsolved mystery! Interestingly, this powerplant will also find its way under the hood of the Green Line (hybrid) variant, which is expected to arrive in dealerships a few months from now.
But that's not the whole story, as two more engine choices will be offered: the all-wheel drive XE model gets a 222-hp, 3.5-litre V6 mated to a new 6-speed automatic transmission. This same gearbox (which is sometimes a tad slow to react) is found on the more luxurious XR and performance-oriented Red Line models. Both use a 257-hp, 3.6-litre V6 and will be available starting this fall.
I have to admit that either V6 is competent enough for most duties, although the first one is a bit harsher and gives the impression of quickly running out of breath. Please note that I was unable to test-drive the 4-cylinder model.
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| The top-of-the-line engine option for the VUE is a 257-hp 3.6L V6. |