Saturn Ion - the First American Car Base on Delta Platform

The same platform was used for constructing Vectra. In future two more cars will be constructed on the same platform: Saab 9-3 and American Chevrolet Malibu, which is the twin of Opel Vectra. Appearance of two new cars of Saturn Ion plays an enormous role in marketing strategy of corporation General Motors, to which the brand Saturn belongs. One of key tasks, which were set for the novelties, is bringing in of youth buyer, and so the corporation is ready to do everything in the sake of this. Once the separation of Saturn of corporation General Motors was founded with one unique purpose: to make a deserving competition the Japanese auto producers regarding their aggressive expansion to the American market. Actually: America is on the shortage of small economic cars at its local market which are addressed to young people traditionally.

Design

The design of Saturn is Ion is truly one of the best in its class. You will be amazed with it at first look. Many basket panels are made from durable polymers that are steady to dents and scratches and durable. One more novelty is that you can easily remove the decorative panels. They can be bought separately and so you can change the interior of salon not to be bored with it. The device panel located on the center is unfolded towards the driver. It is not only for young people to like but it is for your comfort as you will easily access alls the testimonies with your lateral sight. So you will be less distracted from the road.

Engine

The Ecotech motor works very exactly and surprisingly quietly. The acceleration is living, and noise and vibrations of an engine were minimized - even at the promoted turns. The power aggregate is considerably improved comparing to S-series. It is said to be the top in its class due to its power and twisting moment the expense of fuel is moderate: 10 l to 100 km of run in town and 6.7 l - on a highway (EPA. In additions Ion is larger, heavier and more spacious than S.

Ecotech engine has a volume of 2.2 l and power of 137 rpm. The standard gear box is mechanical, but also you can set an automatic one or CVT which stands for Saturn Vue. The gear box is synchronized on the transmission of back-draught.

Brakes

The brake system includes back drum brakes. The front brakes are disk. Also it is equipped with ABS system.

Performance

Inexpensive compact cars make about 14 % of automobile market in the USA. From them about 30 % buy a car first time. Almost 12 years back Saturn designed S series for them which succeeded to be one of the most popular cars in its class due to its low price and excellent work of dealer network. Now the company is in the process of renewing the whole model row. Saturn Vue appeared soon and the new generation of L-series followed it. Also the concept Saturn Sky was announced.

Other features

Saturn S has never been ahead of Honda Civic competing for the quality and sales but it is a unique compact car for North America, intended for local buyers. Unfortunately, it has not been changed for some time and the company really needed to do something extraordinary.

Saturn Ion was presented during one of the shows in 2003. It was aimed to replace Saturn S. These two Saturn's have nothing in common except of the base GM Delta which was produced by joint intentions of North America and Europe. It become more spacious has a new motor and transmission, helm management and up to date interior design. As well as Saturn S, Saturn Ion is produced in Spring Hill, Tennessee.

What the critics say

Actually, Saturn S was an unusual machine produced by and outstanding company. It differed from the others with its unique bearing of steel framework, which is knows for non-rusting external panels made of plastic, non-standard 4-cylinder 1.9-liter engine, independent pendant for all wheels. And the finishing of it is as good as the cars from abroad have. Even the crew which worked it out was outstanding. It worked in truly Japanese way. Remember nobody of the guidance wore ties or suits, they were sweaters.