2009 Saturn Aura Hybrid
Base MSRP: $26,910
EPA fuel economy (city/highway): 26 mpg/34 mpg
The Aura Hybrid uses the same mild hybrid system as the Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid. This means that the Aura Hybrid isn't as fuel-efficient as the full hybrid sedans from Ford, Honda and Toyota. And with a substantial price increase for the model compared to the 2008 version (which had a base price of $24,550), the Aura Hybrid no longer enjoys much of a price advantage over its hybrid sedan competitors. The 2009 model's standard equipment includes a power driver seat, floor mats and Bluetooth connectivity — items that were once optional. Also for 2009, Saturn has killed the Green Line suffix for the Aura and the Vue. Now they simply are called hybrids.
2009 Saturn Vue Hybrid
Base MSRP: $28,855
EPA fuel economy (city/highway): 25 mpg/32 mpg
The Saturn Vue Hybrid (née Vue Green Line) uses the same mild-hybrid powertrain as the Chevrolet Malibu and Saturn Aura Hybrid sedans. This means that the small ute from Saturn (front-wheel drive only) will go nine miles fewer on a gallon of gas in the city than a Ford Escape Hybrid. The Vue Hybrid is about $1,000 less expensive than the Ford. The company says it will continue to build this mild-hybrid version of the Vue even after the quicker but more expensive full-hybrid two-mode version of the crossover comes online before the middle of 2009.
2009/2010 Saturn Vue Two-Mode Hybrid
Base MSRP: $32,800 (est.)
EPA fuel economy (city/highway): 27 mpg/30 mpg (est.)
The 2010 Saturn Vue Two-Mode Hybrid is a much more sophisticated hybrid than the standard Vue Hybrid. As its name suggests, the powertrain of the Vue two-mode is related to the system that GM uses in its full-size trucks. In place of the full-sizer's 6.0- or 6.2-liter V8, the Vue uses the direct-injection 3.6-liter V6 familiar from several GM non-hybrids. Also unlike the big boys, the Vue two-mode will be available only as a front-driver. The two-mode powertrain will be able to propel the vehicle at low speeds solely on electric power, unlike the lesser Vue Hybrid. The transmission houses two 55-kilowatt electric motors: one for low-speed, light-load conditions and one used primarily at highway speeds. Unlike the V8-powered two-modes, the V6 in the Vue will not have a cylinder-deactivation feature, something that had been touted as a major fuel-efficiency enabler on the highway for big trucks. The result of all this is a pretty high-performance hybrid crossover (Saturn reckons it'll reach 60 mph in 7.3 seconds) with a 3,500-pound towing capacity and a significant improvement in fuel economy compared to the non-hybrid V6-powered Vue (which rates 17 mpg city/24 mpg highway). The launch of the Vue two-mode has been delayed from its initial spring timing to what Saturn describes as "sometime in the first half of calendar-year 2009." It might end up as a 2009 or a 2010 model.
Add A Comment »