For 2006, Saturn has released their best-to-date vehicle - the revamped Vue Red Line. The overall quality, fit, finish and power train are on par or surpass other brands in the compact sport-utility segment.
Equipped with a Honda-sourced 3.5-liter (212 cubic inch) single overhead cam V-6, the Vue Red Line pumps out a hardy 250 horsepower and 242 pound-of torque, yet it only requires 87-octane fuel.
Teamed with the five-speed automatic transmission, I was able to accelerate the 3,630-pound Vue Red Line from 0-60 mph in the respectable mid-7 second range.
The Vue Red Line is available in both front- and all-wheel drive, giving customers a true sport-tuned choice.
In the all-wheel drive Vue Red Line test driven over several hundred miles, I obtained readings slightly below the 19 miles per gallon city and 25 mpg highway ratings listed by Saturn, but this can be contribute to my jack-rabbit accelerations. The Vue comes standard with a 16.3-gallon fuel tank.
Vue Red Line's improved handling is achieved by the stiffened, retuned underpinnings and upgrade tires. Even the electric power steering was recalibrated for a sporty feel. I noticed impact from road harshness has been greatly improved, and the vehicle glides effortlessly and smoothly at expressway speeds.
For 2006, the Red Line has received an external facelift, with distinctive front fascia moldings and a chrome grille that gives it a family resemblance to the upcoming Sky roadster and Aura four-door sedan.
Chiseled exterior body looks even more streamlined because the Red Line sits 1-inch closer to
the asphalt than the base Saturn, and the vehicle rides on aggressively styled 18-inch cast aluminum wheels with Bridgestone Turanza all-season touring blackwall radial tires. Adding to the overall clean design of the Red Line model, the liftgate handle and license eyebrow are body colored, and the standard protective step pad helps keep the rear bumper scuff-free.
New exterior paint offered for 2006 are Cypress Green and Fusion Orange, which replaces Dragonfly Green and Storm Grey.
The exterior on the test Saturn was finished in Silver Nickel paint, and the interior was tailored in ebony leather-appointed seats with suede fabric inserts, ebony carpet, embroidered floor mats, and an ambient footwell lighting that could be switched to Cool Blue or Warm Amber – depending on my mood.
My driver’s seat had six-way power adjuster and the foot pedals were metallic trimmed.
With five people aboard, there is 30.8 cubic feet of cargo space, and when the 70/30 split second-row seat backs are folded flat, the area volume increases to 63.8 cubic feet.
When the front passenger seatback is also folded flat, I was able to fit an 8-foot ladder into the vehicle, just like Saturn claimed in promotional material.
Another neat item is the rear cargo organizer that flips up to hold small items and includes integrated side storage bins.
Tighter tolerances, better seals and sound-damping material provide for a peaceful cabin.
The base price of the Vue is $23,050, with an additional $2,495 for the Red Line package.
Some of the standard equipment included OnStar service with one-year Safe & Sound plan, 24-hour roadside assistance, and Advanced Automatic Crash Notification system, making crash data available to the participating 911 centers.
My test vehicle also was equipped with the $995 Sun and Sound package, containing XM satellite radio with first three months included, AM/FM CD with MP3, and power sunroof, which is a $500 savings if ordered individually.
With destination charge, the total vehicle with options came to $27,140.
When you combine the dent-resistant, stylish body with strong performance, decent mileage, and roomy people/cargo capacity, the Saturn Vue Red Line is a winner and should be on your list when contemplating the purchase of a new compact SUV. |