The addition of the Red Line parts are of course on top of the alterations and upgrades that Saturn made to Ion after its first year, in response to criticisms and suggestions from fans and foes alike.
Interior changes for 2004 were designed to ''improve overall harmony among material, colors, grains and gloss,'' says Mehta.
So the interior now includes a monochromatic instrument panel (ebony on the quad coupe, either gray or tan on the sedan), including steering wheel, featuring ''soft touch'' paint on the center stack and upper grille surfaces.
Revised radio and shifter bezel colors provide improved overall interior color coordination, and all uplevel Ion models (including the Red Line) feature new, more refined fabrics. Front armrests have been added to mid-level models for improved front-seat occupant comfort.
''Two new radios, including new faceplates, help make the journey even more fun,'' says Mehta. A CD player with MP3 player replaces the CD/cassette, while a six-CD changer with MP3 updates the CD changer/cassette.
Both new systems provide improved equalization and overall sound quality, Mehta says, and the Saturn Advanced Audio System, consisting of six premium speakers and a 160-watt amplifier, also has been further refined to improve its sound quality.
