The two ION models are completely new from the ground up and offer surprising refinement for the small-car segment. Even the name is new, since they replace the pioneering S-Series in the Saturn lineup. Both the four-door sedan and the "quad coupe" - so-called because of its dual rear-access doors (RADs) - are built on the new General Motors Delta global small-car architecture. The quad coupe's dual RADs represent an industry first, resulting in the creation of a new category of vehicle and a new, more functional small car.
"The ION sedan and quad coupe are going to re-energize the small-car arena," said Jill Lajdziak, vice president of Saturn sales, service and marketing. "These new models bring surprising levels of personalization and customer-friendly features to the segment, including a larger exterior, more interior room, a new powertrain, and enhanced ride and handling."
Attracting younger buyers
The new models also will play an important role in GM's entry-level strategy to attract more young buyers by providing a selection of vehicles with high value and fresh designs. One of the keys to attracting young buyers will be an emphasis on making it easy for customers to personalize their vehicles through "personal accents" kits. Planned exterior customization includes interchangeable roof rails that are color-coordinated with interior trim kits consisting of bezels for the center-mounted instrument panel, shifter and HVAC control panel. Saturn also plans to offer a full range of retailer-installed accessories when the IONs are introduced.