REVIEWS AND ROAD TESTS

At last

Better late than sorry, goes the old saying. So, after almost everyone else (except Volkswagen and Daewoo among majors), Saturn introduces a sport utility vehicle. It took Saturn some 20 years to join its competitors in this trend that began with the 1984 Jeep Cherokee XJ, but this lack of history allows the brand to propose something new and innovative. After a wave of mid-size 4×4 ’ s in the mid 80 ’ s, (4-Runner, Pathfinder and Explorer), the 90 ’ s full-size offensive (Tahoe, Expedition, Suburban), the current trend is for compact models, closer in size to the family car, like the Escape, RAV-4, Highlander, or Santa Fe. Saturn is aiming directly at that segment; it ’ s a logical strategy since the mechanical parts, like the 4-cylinder 2.2 litre (138 hp) and 3.0-litre V-6 (181 hp) engines, are taken from the LS sedan. They rest on a new chassis, however, fully independent from the body, a popular design in by-gone days. The transversal drive train includes an additional transmission shaft for all-wheel drive models.Aware that not all VUE ’ s will be used for climbing Mount Logan, Saturn engineers equipped it with a four-wheel independent suspension built around McPherson struts and a multiple lever rear axle, a design exclusive to automobiles.

Another Saturn exclusive is the choice of three transmissions: 5-speed manual (only with the 4-cylinder front-wheel drive), a surprising optional CVT (with the 4-cylinder, front or all-wheel drive) and a conventional 5-speed automatic, the only one proposed on the V-6 engine.

For laypersons, the CVT (continuously-variable transmission) is an evolved version of the belt and pulley system found on snowmobiles and smaller ATV ’ s (four-wheel motorcycles). Instead of using gears of various sizes like a conventional automatic transmission, the CVT electronically changes the size (effective diameter) of the pulleys, thus providing an infinite number of drive ratios. This way, the engine can operate within optimal range at all times and in all driving conditions. The down side of this type of transmission is that it remains limited to modest engine power, which explains why it is not offered with the V-6.

By the way, Saturn is not the first brand to offer the CVT: DAF (a Dutch automaker), Subaru (Justy), Toyota (the current Prius) and Honda (Insight) already tested the market.

The VUE offers front-wheel disk and rear-wheel drum brakes with optional ABS. Steering is rack and pinion, a logical choice with the transversal drive train. The innovative power steering is electronic instead of hydraulic. Large 16-inch wheels with white-stripe tires are also standard. The VUE ’ s bulk weight ranges from 1,443 kg (4-cylinder, FWD, manual) to 1,578 kg (V-6, AWD, automatic).