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Saturn VUE Green Line: Difference between revisions
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Revision as of 16:43, 19 July 2006
The 2007 Saturn VUE Green Line is the first General Motors vehicle to utilize their new Belt Alternator Starter (BAS) hybrid system. Not as effective a configuration as a full hybrid system the VUE Green Line is considered a mild hybrid or a "start-stop" hybrid achieving a respectable 20% gain in fuel economy. A sophisticated system controls a motor/generator mated to the specially tuned 2.4-liter Ecotec four-cylinder engine to stop the conventional powerplant in idle or deceleration as well as offer added torque in certain situations.
This is General Motors second measured step into the hybrid market, the first being the 2006 nationwide release of the Sierra/Silverado gas guzzlers which were fitted with similar mild hybrid systems. Future vehicles will be more aggressive towards fuel consumption using an improved two-mode hybrid system in the Tahoe/Yukon line for starters.
See WikiCars' comprehensive Saturn VUE Green Line Review.
Recent Changes
The VUE model line is largely a carry over except for the addition of the Green Line and some extra standard equipment. Last years 2006 model underwent many exterior styling changes plus interior refinements along with more standard power equipment and stereo options.
Styles and Major Options
The Saturn VUE Green Line is only available in a 4-door FWD configuration.
Additional options include:
- CD/MP3 stereo or 6-Disc CD/MP3
- Rear seat DVD entertainment package
- Safety and comfort package with extra airbags, satellite radio and extra seat equipment
- Leather interior package
- Power sunroof
- OnStar
Pricing
The Saturn VUE Green Line base vehicle retails for $22,370 MSRP with a $625 delivery charge, amounting to a base price of $22,995.
A very low price point for a hybrid. In fact the lowest priced hybrid SUV on the market.
Today's prices for all optional equipment on the 2007 Saturn VUE Green Line are available at CarsDirect.[1]
Gas Mileage
It is estimated VUE Green Line will reduce fuel consumption 20% by:
- Shutting off the engine while vehicle the is stopped.
- Early fuel shut off during deceleration.
- Regenerative braking captures energy to charge batteries.
- Electric drive power supplied during launch and overtaking.
The EPA does not have solid figures as of now, but do estimate the mileage for the VUE Green Line to be around 27 mpg city/32 mpg highway. Which is the best highway mileage of any SUV.
Safety
With the addition of duel stage front airbags standard in 2006 the Saturn VUE achieved a five-star NHTSA rating.
Photos
Colors
Exterior Colors
Black Onyx
Chili Pepper Red
Cypress Green
Deep Blue
Polar White
Silver Nickel
Storm Gray
Interior Colors
Gray
Tan
Main Competitors
The main competitors thus far in the SUV hybrid market are the Toyota Highlander Hybrid and Ford Escape Hybrid. Both are price thousands more for their fuel conserving variations which should give the Saturn VUE Green Line a definite edge.
Unique Attributes
- BAS - Belt Alternator Starter draws a line short of a full hybrid system in the Saturn VUE Green Line.
- Least expensive hybrid SUV on the market today.
- Best mileage rating during highway driving for an SUV.
Resale Values
Saturn automobiles are traditionally very reliable and maintain value quite well.
Criticisms
- Still falls short of competitors full hybrid systems which are more effective at reducing fuel consumption
- Some see these type of quasi-hybrid vehicles more beneficial to public relations then the environment
Specifications
- 2.4-liter Ecotec DOHC inline-4cylinder.
- 170 HP @ 6600 rpm, 162 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm.
- Estimated fuel economy of 27 mpg city/32 mpg highway.
- NiMH battery pack.
- Hydra-Matic 4-speed automatic transmission.
- All speed traction control.
- 16-in aluminum wheels shod with low rolling resistance tires.
- 3474 lb curb weight.
- 1500 lb trailer towing capacity.
