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Writer's Notes
Test Vehicle
2003 Saturn Ion 2 Sedan
Base MSRP: $ 14,410
As tested: $ 14,975
Showroom appeal:
New subcompact from the pioneers in user-friendly dealerships
Plus:
Quiet, good handling, good room for its class.
Minus:
Center-focused dash takes some getting used to.
The novel location of the dash display is, in Saturn's view, less distracting for the driver than the traditional setup.
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Out on planet Saturn, it must've seemed like a long time between trips from the mother ship. GM's small car line launched its first product back in 1990. Now, a baker's dozen years later, their S series subcompacts have been replaced by the new Ion.
Ion is a class of one right now. The new model is offered initially as a four door sedan, to be followed by a coupe in the first quarter of 2003. The latter will be notable for its portals: dual rear access doors will afford coupe buyers easier entry to the rear of the cabin. It will also increase cargo options. The presence of a fold-flat rear seat and the absence of a B-pillar will allow Ion owners to take some things along for the ride that wouldn't fit in a conventional subcompact coupe.
"…the Ion models were developed to attract "plus" business to GM. About 79% of Saturn Buyers list a competitive make as their second-choice vehicle, with over half saying they would have bought an import brand."
Most of the buzz about Ion emanates from the inside of the vehicles, whether it's novel doorways to access the area, or what you'll find when you get there. Drivers sitting down inside an Ion for the first time may experience a moment of disorientation. The view is most notable for what you don't see in front of you - which is, gauges. The instrument panel is in fact top center on the dashboard, canted towards the driver. The immediate view in front, therefore, is solely steering wheel. And a small wheel at that. Having been relieved of one the normal duties of the tiller - framing the instruments - the designers took advantage and reduced the diameter. (Not to be overly astronomical, but am I the only one who thinks that the wheel now looks akin to its planet namesake?) The novel location of the dash display is, in Saturn's view, less distracting for the driver than the traditional setup. It will be interesting to see how the interior design plays with the public.
Controls for HVAC, sound system and other switchgear are in their usual locations, and earn points for simplicity of design. Power window controls (on cars so fitted) are not illuminated, and drivers learn to navigate to the spot by touch. A covered center console is standard on up level models, and the top slides forward to double as an arm rest.
Ion has a big interior for a subcompact. There's room in front for practically anyone and rear seat space is suitable for all but the very tall (if long legged folks are up front). Trunk room in the sedan is great - 14.7 cubic feet of space, easy to access and expandable by flopping the rear seats forward.
Ion has one more interior wrinkle that also spills over to the outside. Saturn is offering different, interchangeable interior trim pieces to personalize the look. The trim surrounds for the instrument cluster, shifter, HVAC and sound system can be coordinated with the also-switchable exterior roof rails. Saturn dealers will make the makeover for you or you can do it yourself. The company claims that most customers will be able to swap out the rails and/or inside trim in less than an hour, using simple tools (estimates for the average auto journalist are about twice that).
Ion is an innovator for GM, as it's the first of the General's troops to ride on the new Delta small car chassis. Steering and handling have a positive feel, and ride quality is a step above the S cars that it replaced. Ion is quieter inside than the S. The powertrain is a new design Ecotec 2.2 liter four cylinder. It is rated at 140 hp, 145 lb. ft. of torque. BY EPA's reckoning, an Ion Sedan like my test car, fitted with the optional five speed automatic (a five speed stick is standard) will return 24 mpg's in city driving, 32 on the highway. A Continuously Variable Transmission will be available optionally on the Coupe. The Ecotec engine, is, like most small displacement engines, a little buzzy around the edges, but feels well suited to the vehicle.
Ion is a nice upgrade to Saturn's entry-level lineup. It's a noticeable notch above the S series in every respect and should draw new interest to the showrooms of GM's most user-friendly dealerships. And many of those new visitors will really be new. Saturn estimates that 35% of Ion Sedan owner s and 40% of Ion Coupe owners will be buying their first new car.
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---Story and photos by Dan Lyons
photos © Dan Lyons 2002
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