All-New Saturn ION Sedan And Quad Coupe Designed To Re-Energize Small-Car Segment

Automotive Intelligence, the web for automotive professionals

This Week:

© 1998 - 2002 Copyright &
Disclaimer
Automotive Intelligence,
www.autointell.com
All Rights Reserved .
For questions please contact
editor@autointell.com

News of April 03, 2002

All-New Saturn ION Sedan And Quad Coupe Designed To Re-Energize Small-Car Segment

Photo: GM

Saturn ION Revealed: General Motors President of North America Gary Cowger(L) and Saturn's Vice President of Marketing Jill Lajdziak(C) pose with the new Saturn ION March 27, 2002 after it was unveiled at the New York Auto Show. The Saturn ION, new from the ground up with a new name, replaces the Saturn S- series.

Blending innovative thinking, segment-leading features and unprecedented personalization opportunities, the 2003 Saturn ION sedan and quad coupe deliver excitement and value uniquely tuned to the needs of small-car buyers. The new series of ION cars will debut in the fourth quarter of 2002.

The two ION models are completely new from the ground up and offer surprising refinement for the small-car segment. Even the name is new, since they replace the pioneering S-Series in the Saturn lineup. Both the four-door sedan and the "quad coupe" - so-called because of its dual rear-access doors (RADs) - are built on the new General Motors Delta global small-car architecture. The quad coupe's dual RADs represent an industry first, resulting in the creation of a new category of vehicle and a new, more functional small car.

"The ION sedan and quad coupe are going to re-energize the small-car arena," said Jill Lajdziak, vice president of Saturn sales, service and marketing. "These new models bring surprising levels of personalization and customer-friendly features to the segment, including a larger exterior, more interior room, a new powertrain, and enhanced ride and handling."

Attracting younger buyers

The new models also will play an important role in GM's entry-level strategy to attract more young buyers by providing a selection of vehicles with high value and fresh designs. One of the keys to attracting young buyers will be an emphasis on making it easy for customers to personalize their vehicles through "personal accents" kits. Planned exterior customization includes interchangeable roof rails that are color-coordinated with interior trim kits consisting of bezels for the center-mounted instrument panel, shifter and HVAC control panel. Saturn also plans to offer a full range of retailer-installed accessories when the IONs are introduced.

Another important plus for young buyers is that both the ION sedan and quad coupe will have significant safety content - a hallmark of the Saturn brand.

The ION small cars continue the ongoing revitalization of Saturn's product portfolio, which for 2003 also includes the VUE compact sport-utility vehicle and the refreshed L-Series mid-size sedan and wagon. The ION will be built along with the VUE in a partial split-line arrangement at Saturn's manufacturing facility in Spring Hill, Tenn.

Like all Saturns, the ION sedan and quad coupe will be sold and serviced through Saturn's award-winning network of retailers who are recognized leaders in satisfying customers. Saturn retailers have finished number one in the J. D. Power and Associates Sales Satisfaction Index for six of the last seven years.

Distinctive siblings

While siblings, the sedan and quad coupe use distinctive exterior styling cues, but leave little doubt that both are Saturn family members. The ION sedan brings a refined, sophisticated, contemporary look to its segment. Meanwhile, the quad coupe creates an entirely new product category by incorporating rear-access doors on both the driver and passenger side and an overall sporty flair. Both vehicles continue the Saturn tradition of polymer side panels, including the integral upswept "swoosh" body side styling.

Inside, a unique feature is the incorporation of a center-mounted instrument cluster. This innovative styling cue not only makes the sedan and quad coupe more distinctive, but also enhances the driving experience by helping keep the eyes closer to the horizon. In addition, positioning the instrument cluster in the center allows the driver to comfortably position the steering wheel, without having to position it to read instrument gauges.

The center-cluster design made it possible to give the ION a unique, small diameter steering wheel, part of an interior design that focuses on harmony and overall refinement. Other examples include tactile surfaces throughout, thin structural A-pillars, and a sloped center console to enhance the perception of airiness while improving ergonomics and visibility.

New architecture

Built on GM's all-new Delta architecture, the five-passenger sedan and four-passenger quad coupe continue Saturn's traditional spaceframe construction. The new architecture allows the ION models to be substantially bigger than their predecessors - approximately 2 inches taller and 6 inches longer - providing a more significant command of the road. In addition, a wider track (approximately 2 inches front and rear) and longer wheelbase delivers a more substantial presence.

The new, stiffer Delta architecture leads to significant improvements in noise and vibration, as do hydraulic engine mounts, dual balance shafts on the Ecotec powerplant, and enhanced noise dampening throughout the vehicle.

On the inside, the seating position is significantly higher for both front and rear occupants, improving entry and egress and providing a more commanding view of the road. The quad coupe is equipped with "fold-flat" passenger front and rear seats for enhanced functionality to the small-car market. Both models feature significant interior storage, including three bins in the instrument panel, CD storage in the console, and map pockets in both the front and rear doors. In addition, the ION sedan is expected to have the most trunk room in its class - and the quad coupe's dual RADs and fold-flat seats bring so much versatility that even items such as a stepladder, or even a small kayak, can be toted in its interior compartment.

Small-car market

The Saturn ION sedan and quad coupe will compete in a small-car market that accounts for sales of more than two million units per year, about 14 percent of the total U.S. new vehicle market. Approximately 30 percent of small-car purchasers are first-time new vehicle buyers.

The ION models continue Saturn's historic position of offering premium small cars - competing primarily with Asian imports - and targeting a more educated, informed target market with their safety and quality brand attributes. Like all Saturn products, the ION sedan and quad coupe were designed to appeal to customers who would have otherwise bought a non-GM product. More than 75 percent of Saturn buyers list a competitive make as their second-choice vehicle, with over half saying they would have bought an import brand.

(March 27, 2002)

[Homepage] [ News] [ Companies] [ Management] [ Publications] [ Events] [ Careers]
[Services] [Discussion] [ Guestbook] [ Search]