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Saturn

Special feature: Saving the best for last

If I am a betting man, I would bet every cents on all the best vehicles made from General are usually from the divisions which will be dropping soon. We have witnessed the excellent Intrigue, Aurora and Alero before GM dropped Oldsmoble a couple of years ago. When GM announced they are closing both Saturn and Pontiac divisions, its time for us to pay the last respect for the best cars ever come out.

Vehicle: 2009 Saturn Astra XR 5-doors
Price as tested: CDN$25900

The Saturn Astra, which has been our favourite in our annual car of the year. It also has beaten both Toyota Corolla and Matrix, in our small car above $20k segment. Its basically an European Opel Astra rebadged as a Saturn without any changes. Its fun-to-drive, practical, stylish and got electronic stability control standard across the board. That’s something unheard of in its segment. Most of all, its attractively priced and has to be the best small car has ever produced by GM.

Vehicle: Saturn Aura XR-6 with Sun and Sound Pkg
Price as tested: CDN$35150

Another Saturn, which is Aura, is loosely based on Opel’s mid-size Vectra, in Europe. Except for the rather cheesy interior materials, the Aura is a blast-to-drive right from the base 4-cylinder to the Greenline hybrid version. It handles as good as any fine European sports sedan with refinement and sportiness that have never associate with any GM mid-size sedans of the past. Unfortunately, when Chevrolet introduced the awesome Malibu a year later, it makes the Aura all but redundant because both are riding on the same platform. With Chevrolet receives more marketing budget and interior packaging than the Saturn, it makes the Aura one of the most underrated sedan on the market. What a pity. The Aura was so good, it has beaten out Camry and Altima as our 2006 family car of the year.

Vehicle: Pontiac G8 GT
Price as tested: CDN$42335

Over the years, Pontiac has been known for ugly body claddings with interior materials that made from cardboard. Since the introduction of the Solstice roadster, Pontiac has started to transform itself into more of a performance division that it used to be. But it wasn’t until the Holden Commodore derived G8 arrived last year.

With its 50/50 perfect weight distribution on RWD chassis, G8 handles as good as any European sports sedan costing twice as much. While the base 256 hp V6 has done its job relatively well, its the flagship 6.0 liter V8 on the GT that truly make the G8 flies. With 361hp and 385 lb/ft of torque, a wonderful steering feel and a well-planted chassis, G8 could well be the best performance bargain. It also looks understated elegance with a touch of sportiness. Unfortunately, GM decided to launch G8 at a time when gas prices were at an all-time high. Even with the demise of the Pontiac division, General has promised to save the G8 for the Chevrolet division. As Commodore has been selling in Middle East as a Chevrolet Lumina for years.

Special feature: What should GM do to restructure themselves?

With the Bush adminstration announced to provide short-term loan of 17.4 billions of bridge loan to both General Motors and Chrysler Corporation today. GM will be the one to watch as Chrysler, whose future remains in doubt, given their lackluster product portfolio. As for Ford, this company already on the restructuring process of cutting dealers and improving their products significantly in recent years. It should be the most healthy and strongest down the road.

So, what do we at DirectShift think of how GM should restructure themselves in order to survive? GM products have improved significantly in the last couple of years, since Bob Lutz and Rick Wagoner have taken the helm of this company. The biggest improvements have to be the exterior and interior styling, dynamic abilities, refinement, use of materials and level of fit-and-finish. Take the Chevrolet Malibu and Cadillac CTS, these 2 cars are head-and-above those of their unremarkable predecessors.

With General currently having 8 brands but with less than 20% of market share, they have to reduce to 3 brands maximum in order to substain its profitability. It isn’t like 2 to 3 decades ago when GM still had 50% of market share to substain the profitability of so many brand overlapping each others.

Here is what we think which brands should go and stay within GM’s portfolio:

Hummer: With full-size SUV sales in the toilet, this brand should ditch as soon as possible. It has absoultely no viable future holding for Hummer whatsoever.

Saab: Before GM became the major stockholder of this once-proud Swedish niche carmaker, Saab products have flair, character, performance and dynamic qualities with its tiny but interesting 2 product line-up. This brand is the classic example of how an American giant mismanaged an unique Swedish brand. They simply have milked their current line-up for way too long with infusion of new technologies and designs that used to be the hallmark of Saab. The rebadging of previous Impreza and Trailblazer as 9-2X and 9-7X also have pissed many long-time Saab loyalists without gaining new customers. While 9-3 and 9-5 were once considered as contenders to German heavyweights when launched couple of years ago, they haven’t aged gracefully with all of their competitions received new design or already facelifted. GM should sold Saab back to Swedish company, by maintaining its uniqueness and niche. We are pretty damn sure Swedish firm will know how to manage Saab far better than what GM did. Give this company enough resources, their engineers are able to come out with innovations to stand out.

Pontiac: This is another GM brand that should be going away. The Solstice can give it to Chevrolet as Corvette “Junior” and G8 replaces Impala as Chevrolet’s flagship sedan. There aren’t any vehicles in this brand that aren’t overlapping with other brands.

Buick: Except for Mainland China, Buick doesn’t have much brand recognition and cachet anywhere in the world. While keeping the exciting Mainland Buick portfolio like the upcoming Opel Insigina rebadged Regal, take the entire Enclave/Lacerne/Allure with it to China. Kill this brand in North American market.

GMC: GMC is basically a rebadged Chevrolet Truck. This is the classic example of how GM loved to have product overlapped each others. Kill GMC and leave Chevy Truck is more than enough. Even with only Chevy Truck, its market share and profitability are enough to substain its market share given both full-size truck and SUV sales are tanking.

Saturn: GM have got Saturn really really right in the last 2 years. This company will be well-served as an alternative to another affordable European brand: Volkswagen. All the Astra, Aura, Vue, Outlook and Sky are all great cars. It will also be served well for customers who want more European flavor as an alternative to more mainstream Chevrolet. Given Ford will be bringing the European models like the Fiesta and Kuga sometimes next year, By merging Saturn with European Opel, Saturn will likely be the one that customers will cross-shopped. Its going to be sad if GM decides to ditch this brand. As Saturn has the freshest and strongest line-up in the industry right now.

Chevrolet: This has to be the mainstream brand that GM needs to tackle Honda and Toyota. The new Malibu has proved to be a real contender in mid-size family sedan segment. The upcoming Cruze is going to be a hot contender. Electric car Volt, performance-oriented Camaro and Corvette all serve as its halo cars.

Cadillac: The new CTS has proved Caddy is coming back. CTS-V is a really wonderful sports sedan that can easily give any AMG, RS and M a-run-for-their-money. GM should market Cadillac as a comfort and luxury-oriented brand instead of performance-oriented brand, say Lexus/Mercedes versus Audi/BMW/Infiniti/Acura. Their core products should focus on both refinement and comfort. Leaving the V-Series to go after performance crowd is more than fine as halo cars. First the new CTS, the upcoming SRX also looks promising.

2008 Saturn Astra

Vehicle: 2008 Saturn Astra XR with Sport Handling Pkg
Price as tested: CDN$25360

Performance: About a year ago, we previewed the Astra with Opel badge in “test drive overseas” and came away impressively. In less than a year, we came away equally impressed with the Astra wearing the Saturn badge. As we have said before, Astra has never been considered as the most powerful car in its class. Regardless of which trim level you opt for, Astra is powered by only 1 engine in North America. That’s the smoothest and most refined Ecotec engine application we have ever driven on Stateside. This 1.8 liter DOHC 16-valve always feel torquery, even if it has only 125 lb/ft of torque, which certainly not class-leading when it comes to raw numbers. However, it feels peppy and responsive whenever the driver has the urge to push this fun compact hatchback. When it revs up the high rpm, the roughness we associate with Ecotec of old isn’t an issue with Astra. Its quite willing and smooth when revving, although it isn’t a rev-happy powertrain by any standard. 138 hp certainly gives it a help over the rev range. Thanks to the smooth shifting 5-speed manual gearbox and progressive clutch, the Ecotec is easily keep in a boil along all the engine sweetspot.

Handling: When it comes to driving dynamics, Astra is equally impressive. The electric steering provides excellent driver feedback and precision, without losing the eager response we expect from a German-engineered hatchback. Combined with the excellent suspension geometry, a rock-solid chassis and an uninstrusive stability control; Astra should be considered as the best handling econocar wearing the domestic badge. Its also run rings around class-leaders like Mazda3 Sport, Civic and Lancer. Even if our XR tester comes with stiffer sports suspension from Sport Handling Pkg, it rides amazingly as it combines European suppleness without feeling bouncy even if it wears the larger 17″ wheels. Its surprisingly comfortable without the stereotypical rough-riding quality one expects from a fun hatchback. There is a slight understeer and body rolls are very controlled. A very sweet dynamic package, indeed!

Brakes: Another strong point should be given to Astra’s braking prowess. GM brakes used to feel mushy and fade after hard stops. Astra is the exact opposite. Everything else feel tight and firm, with the ABS system only acts accordingly.

Interior: The use of materials and fit-and-finish are top-notch. Everything else are nicely put together. Everything else from dashboard to switchgears feel tactile and high-quality. The leather seats are firm with plenty of back and thigh support. The center infocenter is useful and logical. With the right color on the background, we don’t feel any washout during sunlight. All the instrumentation gauges, power window switches are clear and analog. Consider Opel is a sensible car maker who always put form-follows-function, it doesn’t come as a surprise that it transforms successfully into a Saturn.

With 60/40 split fold-down rear seats and a low liftover, Astra is a ease when it comes to versatility. Its well-carpeted with proper cargo nets for small items.

Conclusion: Saturn’s transformation from an unremarkable car company into an astounishing one is about to complete with the introduction of the excellent Astra. All they need is to put consumers into the driver’s seat of each of their new vehicle, have them put through the paces and look past the Saturn of yore. If they are able to do that, Saturn should be able to sell each of the Astra they could get from Europe.

OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2008 Saturn Astra
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Performance: 4/5
Handling and ride/fun-to-drive: 4.5/5
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 4/5
Fit-and-finish/build quality: 4/5
Cargo/accessibility/layout: 4/5
Value-for-money: 4.5/5

Overall rating: 4.25/5

2008 Saturn Vue

Vehicle: 2008 Saturn Vue XR with Premium Pkg, Leather Trim Pkg and Convenience Pkg
Price as tested: CDN$38730

Performance: The Vue is powered by 1 of 3 engines. The base 169hp 2.4 liter Ecotec in base XE FWD and hybrid, a 3.5L V6 High Output V6 VVT with 222 hp in XE AWD form. Or the uplevel 3.6 liter V6 that is standard on our tester, XR, or the performance-oriented RedLine series. While its good for 252 horses and 241 pounds feet of torque, it doesn’t feel as good as what the spec suggested due to Vue’s hefty weight. Our tester is weighting in at 4325 pounds, which has to be considered as heavy even in mini-ute segment. With close to 4400 pounds with driver, 252 hp doesn’t do much with acceleration. Even 241 lb/ft of torque has launched the vehicle with leisuely pace. Its 6-speed automatic gearbox’s ratios have helped Vue a whole lot during acceleration and responsiveness. The 1st gear has spared apart in order to give Vue a more responsive feel during launch, while the rest of the 5 gears are close enough for highway driving. Without this smart fuzzy logic gearbox, Vue would transformed from an adequate performer into a sluggish performer. Another credit is GM’s typical transmission behaviour, which is smooth and never feel abrupt at all shifting. As expected, throttle response is acceptable if not breathtaking.

Handling: The biggest reason to Vue’s underengined nature has to do with its solid platform. Given its basically an Opel redressed as a Saturn, we would never doubt about its chassis stiffness and rigidty. Vue’s driving feel is typical European. Even if it has an electric power steering, the steering remains precise and responsive. It provides plenty of road feel without being twitchy on highway. The body rolls and understeer are well-controlled. Ride quality is outstanding as it absorbs every roughness and patholes, which we called Canadian roads. GM’s Stabililztrak acts pro-actively whenever the vehicle has reached the edge of the limit, a very smart system.

Brakes: With 4-wheel discs and ABS, Vue stops with an authority. It doesn’t have the mushy or dead feel which we used to be in a Saturn. The stopping distance is short while the pedal feels linear.

Interior: Vue’s interior materials are a huge improvement over its predecessor. Gone are the low-rent, brittle and cheap plastic materials that decorate the dashboard and door panels. In with much nicer use of materials that are worthy of the price Saturn charges. Although I still be able to find some cheesy plastic on the minor areas, the rest of the interior is very pleasing to the touch and feel. The instrumentation gauges are clear and analog. Leather seating materials feel soft and supple, not something hard and rough as we used to feel in a Saturn.

The back seat is equally accommodating, with plenty of head and legrooms.

There are 2 storage trays at the back of the trunk area, so you can store miscellaneous during a long trip. On the other hand, the trunk is carpeted with proper attachment points and cargo net.

Conclusion: Saturn is really on a roll lately. They first introduced the excellent Aura family sedan, impressive Sky roadster and this Vue mini-ute. Despite of the lack of oomph under the bonnet and overweight, Vue has to be considered as the best mini-ute GM has built to date.

OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2008 Saturn Vue
=====================================
Performance: 3/5
Handling and ride/fun-to-drive: 4/5
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 4/5
Fit-and-finish/build quality: 4/5
Cargo/accessibility/layout: 4/5
Value-for-money: 3/5

Overall rating: 4/5

2007 Saturn Aura

Vehicle: 2007 Saturn Aura XR with Premium Trim Pkg and sunroof
Price as tested: CDN$35600

Performance: The Aura is powered by 2 V6 engines. The XE is powered by a pushrod 224hp with 4-speed automatic. Our tester, XR, is powered by a 252hp with 6-speed automatic with Driver Shift Controls, or what the rest of the world called manumatic. This is a 4-valve-per-cylinder 24-valve V6 DOHC with GM’s latest variable valve timing or VVT. This powertrain is simply a delight as its sweet 6-speed automatic always keeps in on sweet spot regardless of rpm. The level of refinement and smoothness are world-class. Saturn finally has a powertrain that is able to rival the best from Honda and Toyota. Its not only torquery, as 251 lb/ft of torque arrives at 3200rpm. It also doesn’t have the breathless attitudes faced with many of GM’s 6-cylinders of yesterday. The result is an engine that is entertaining no matter at which situation. Its feels quiet and luxurious on city driving, while providing exceptional performance whenever an enthuisast pushed it through the rev range. Not to mention its manumatic works exceptionally well. The paddle shifters reach to the gearchange without being too abruptly. If there is a drawback, however, is the location of the downshift paddle on the bottom of the steering wheel. What GM should done is to put “plus” on the left and “minus” on the right of the steering for best ergonomics. The current design just isn’t user-friendly.

Handling: Given Aura is based on the European Opel Vectra platform, its Europea influence has been clearly influenced in this latest Saturn. It begins with a strong and stiff chassis, which doesn’t have all the flex and rattles of all yesteryear’s Saturns. Along with an strong chassis, the excellent damping of the suspension and springs have produced a truly European feel. The steering is weighty and precise. All the feedback and precision feel very much like an European sports sedan. The supple ride control, while absorbing all the roughness on our roads, feel more like in a Mercedes than in any previous GM family sedans have gone before. The ride is solid and supple without losing all the softness needed for North American pavement. The level of precision and tautness in Aura is something you have never felt before in a Saturn. In the past, when you pushed an S-series into a corner. The driver would lost confident before entering 5/10 of the scale. In the Aura, it feels reassuring and confidence-inspiring when entering a corner even at 8/10. Its also entertaining to drive in the twisties due to its European-flavour suspension setting. On the other hand, Aura’s StabiliTrak, unlike other StabiliTrak have gone before. Its an uninstrusive system although the defect switch still isn’t on center console. As with typical family car, safe understeer and slight bodyrolls are expected dynamic trait.

Brakes: Aura has standard 4-wheel discs with standard ABS. Unlike all the Saturns have gone before, Aura’s braking prowess simply rated with the best in its class. The stopping distance is short while pedal feel is exceptional. Once again, the brake modulation feels more on par with best of European sports sedan than any Saturns in the past.

Interior: Saturn interiors used to be cheaply made and uninspiring to look at. Not anymore.

Aura’s interior has been extremely well layout. It begins with a great set of instrumentation. World class ergonomics with superb leather seats are just the beginning of Aura’s interior. We are lucky enough to get an XR with Morocco Brown leather treatment. The result is a family car that feels like in a Maserati Quattroporte than a Camry competitor. Those leather seats have excellent support, with German’s typical firmness and tautness. The top of the dashboard is covered by soft plastic texture, as well as the center console with tasteful aluminum trim matched with warm wood trim. Its execution of color and trim pieces are world-class. However, there is one major drawback to the otherwise nice execution. Its the cheesy plastic on the bottom of door panels and dashboard.

There are plenty of head and legrooms at the back of the Aura.

Despite of the large cargo capacity and uninstrusive hinges, the high liftover doesn’t help anyone loading into Aura’s trunk. Fortunately, the 60/40 split fold-down rear seats will certainly help a whole lot as you can load all your cargos from the backseat instead of trunk.

Conclusion: Not only does Aura has lots of road presence, its execution will definitely driven lots of traffic into Saturn showroom. Wonderful handling, comfortable ride quality with plenty of interior space. Other than the cheesy plastic, this is definitely the best sedan Saturn has ever made. In fact, it has proven itself to be a contender as we voted Aura as best family car of the year for 2007 over 2 oldtimers: Altima and Camry.

OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2007 SATURN AURA
================================
Performance: 4.5/5
Handling and ride/fun-to-drive: 4.5/5
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 4.5/5
Fit-and-finish/build quality: 4.5/5
Cargo/accessibility/layout: 4/5
Value-for-money: 4.5/5

Overall rating: 4.5/5

2007 Opel Astra

Vehicle: 2007 Opel Astra 1.8 Panorama
Price as tested: HK$213000

Performance: There are many variants in the Astra range, ranging from high-performance OPC to small 1.6L version. The 1.8L is the mainstay of the family, as it bridges from the smaller 1.6L and the higher performing 2.0L turbocharged version. Interestingly, 1.8L is the 1st engine that GM will bring over as a Saturn. GM’s Ecotec engine series is never known for outright performance nor ultra refinement, however, this little mill comes as a surprise given how rough General’s econocars used to be. With 125 hp and 118 lb/ft of torque, it will not be class-leading performer neither. However, maximum torque arrives at 3800rpm certainly helps a lot. Not to mention Opel’s 4-speed manumatic helps this little unit. It got excellent final drive ratio for proper highway cruising, as well as gear ratio for 1st and 2nd low enough for peppy acceleration. As for refinement, its surprisingly quiet and NVH is very well controlled. With the press of the “sport” button, it quickly transforms this vehicle from a rather staid econocar into a hot hatch. The manumatic will up and downshift in higher rpm for sportier response.

Handling: Opel engineers really have done a marvelous job with Astra’s chassis. It all begins with a stiff and solid chassis, which feels very Teutonic. It doesn’t have the loose chassis flex that is usually associated with GM econoboxes of old. The right setting of suspension geometry, rebound damping and well-weighted steering have given this Astra something that General have never done before. That’s excellent handling dynamics that put smiles on driver’s face. Its sharp steering that provides great feedback and precision, as well as suspension hangs onto itself through every corners would give the class benchmarks a-run-for-their-money. Those are, of course, VW Rabbit and Mazda3 Sport. Its ride quality is equally impressive as it absorbs roughness and washboard pavement that never felt before in GM entry-level cars. Just like the transmission, its suspension would transformed itself into sharper and tighter by the press of a “sport” button on the dashboard. Best of all, its dynamic stability control won’t step in until necessary. In a nutshell, this is by far the best General econocar I have driven in such a long time.

Brakes: Mushy pedal feel and long stopping distance have always been the “trademark” of GM. Not so with this Astra. This puppy really has done exceptionally well in hard braking tests. The pedal feel is excellent while stopping distance is short.

Interior: Our tester is equipped with the optional Panorama sunroof that we aren’t sure whether it will make it across the Atlantic. It creates such an airy feel. It feels like a breath of fresh air in a sea of crappy GM econobox in this excellent Astra. Its interior materials are world-class either. There are plenty of soft-touch plastic abound. The leather on the seats are covered in soft and supple hides. Instrumentation gauges are clear and analog. Opel desingers have done a great job by using knobs for climate control and stereo, which can be used without consulting an owner’s manual. On the other hand, the center console’s information center gives out trip computer and radio infos. However, it tends to wash out during sunlight.

There are enough leg and headrooms on the back seat.

In terms of cargo space, its low cut-over and 40/60 split fold down rear seats provides plenty of storage space for 4 persons on the go.

Conclusion: Times have changed, so does Saturn. Just 4 years ago, Saturn had a rubbish econocar, an unremarkable family sedan and so-so soft-roader. Nowaday, they have a spectacular Aura, an intriguing Sky roadster and this German-made Astra. Just like the Aura, which is the best family sedan GM has ever made. This Astra has to be the best economy car GM has ever made either.

Just how good will Saturn Astra fare on Canadian roads, stay tuned for our full-blown review after we drive it in the next few months.

OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2007 OPEL ASTRA
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Performance: 4/5
Handling and ride/fun-to-drive: 4/5
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 4/5
Fit-and-finish/build quality: 4/5
Cargo/accessibility/layout: 4/5
Value-for-money: 4/5

Overall rating: 4/5

2003 Saturn Ion-3 sedan

Short review of 2003 Saturn Ion-3 sedan
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A vehicle that supposed to be a replacement for the seriously aged S-Series. However, this car’s overall execution is nothing more than a disappointment. The handling feels mushy. Engine noisy and rough. Interior is cheap. Ergonomics are nothing more than lame. The seat fabric feels like something came out of WalMart. All the interior material uses made a cardboard feels expensive.

Overall rating: 1/5