2006 Saturn Vue

Press Release

New for 2006

 

·          Updated interior and exterior styling cues

·          Front and rear fascias with integrated step pad

·          Redesigned hood, grille and headlamps with jeweled emblem

·          Projector-beam fog lamps and bright bezels available

·          Standard rear bumper protection pad

·          Redesigned interior including center stack, door trim, center console with added functionality and hidden storage

·          New family of upscale radios

·          Redundant radio controls on steering wheel

·          Enhanced Red Line interior and exterior appointments

·          Exterior colors: Cypress Green (available at SOP) and Fusion Orange (not available SOP) replace Dragonfly Green and Storm Grey

·          New seat fabric on V-6 models

·          Power package now standard on all models

·          GM Passenger Sensing System helps reduce risk of air bag inflation-induced injuries to smaller front seat passengers

·          Standard OnStar Dual-mode hardware and Advanced Automatic Crash Notification, and one year of Safe & Sound package

·          Auto-dimming rearview mirror with compass and outside temperature display

·          Optional DVD entertainment system with AM/FM stereo, CD and MP3 player, including an auxiliary jack for iPOD usage

 

Model Lineup:

 

 

 

Sporty Vue Receives Refinements Inside and Out for 2006

 

The popular Saturn Vue receives significant interior and exterior styling upgrades for 2006, adding to the appeal of this safe, fun-to-drive compact SUV. The Vue's design upgrades reflect Saturn's commitment to bring a higher level of vehicle refinement to complement its established reputation for customer care.

 

Among updates for 2006, Vue offers OnStar standard on all models, and includes Advanced Automatic Crash Notification and one year of the Safe & Sound plan. The addition of OnStar as standard equipment builds upon the Vue's established reputation for safety, earning the maximum five stars for driver and passengers in both front- and side-impact tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

 

The Vue Red Line, which made its debut in interim 2004, also receives an array of upscale interior and exterior enhancements for 2006. The Red Line version starts with Vue's impressive 250 horsepower 3.5L V-6 and adds performance handling to the package.

 

Redesigned interior

 

The Vue's interior has been reworked to be more refined and functional, with a design that is thoughtful and attractive

Specific enhancements include a newly designed center stack and door trim; a new center console that provides additional functionality and storage; and radio controls on the steering wheel. For a touch of luxury, leather-appointed seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel are also available.

 

A new family of radios, featuring an upscale appearance with flush design and chrome accents, includes an input jack that accommodates portable MP3 units and other electronics, and a new digital signal processor provides improved sound quality.

 

New fabric on V-6 models lends a clean, contemporary look to the interior enhancements. The interior design also includes a number of Vue's popular, clutter-fighting storage solutions, such as a rear cargo organizer that flips up to hold grocery bags, and side storage bins that can hold a gallon of milk, water bottles or other cargo.

 

The Saturn Vue's redesigned interior balances style, space and versatility in a spacious yet efficient package with room for five people plus 30.8 cubic feet (872L) of cargo space. With the 70/30 split second-row seat folded flat, cargo area volume increases to 63.8 cubic feet (1,807L). The front passenger seatback also folds flat to help transport long items including bed rails, an 8-foot ladder and other large items.

 

The Power Package is standard on all Vue models for 2006 and includes cruise control; power windows, door locks and mirrors; remote keyless entry and the Saturn Security System. The standard auto-dimming inside rearview mirror includes a compass and outside temperature display.

 

Exterior enhancements

 

The 2006 Vue receives several important exterior enhancements including all-new front and rear fascias with an integrated step pad; and new hood, grille and headlamps with jeweled emblem.

 

In addition, the V-6 models will feature optional projector-beam fog lamps and bright bezels. Roof rails are available on all Vue V-6s, except for Red Line.

 

Saturn's unique polymer body-side panels provide a rugged and dent-resistant body that can help boost resale value by helping to prevent annoying and expensive-to-repair parking lot dings.

 

New exterior colors for 2006 are Cypress Green (available at start of production) and Fusion Orange (available late fall 2005), replacing Dragonfly Green and Storm Grey.

 

Entertaining all the options

 

Vue owners spend a lot of time in their vehicles, so personalized entertainment is important. Beyond the upgraded, standard AM/FM stereo with CD, options include an optional DVD rear-seat entertainment system. Back-seat passengers can view a movie on a fold-down, 7-inch (178-mm) LCD screen. The system includes remote control and dual wireless headphones, so rear passengers can listen to CDs or watch a movie while front-seat passengers can listen either to the DVD program or to the car's regular radio system.

 

Three optional audio systems include MP3 readability: CD with MP3, six-CD changer with MP3, and a CD/DVD with MP3, making it iPOD compatible.

 

Also available is XM Satellite Radio (continental U.S. only). XM Satellite Radio provides more than 120 coast-to-coast, digital-quality channels of original commercial-free music and premier news, sports and talk as well as advanced traffic and weather information for select major metropolitan areas nationwide. Consumers can subscribe to the basic service for $12.99 a month. In addition, GM customers with GMAC financing can choose to include the XM subscription in their car payments.

 

Plenty of powertrain choices

 

Vue has always offered a wide range of powertrain choices, allowing customers to select the driving dynamics that fit their personal needs and style without sacrificing power, performance or efficiency.

 

Vue offers an advanced 3.5L V-6 engine that delivers 250 horsepower (186 kw) and 242 lb.-ft. of torque (327 Nm). The engine's variable-valve timing helps enhance high-end power, low-end torque and fuel economy. With EPA fuel economy rated at 20 mpg city and 28 mpg highway, the V-6-equipped Vue is the most fuel-efficient V-6 FWD to date.

 

Despite impressive fuel economy, the Vue boasts the most powerful engine in its segment: The 250-hp 3.5L V-6 gives the Vue an estimated 0-60 mph time of approximately 7.5 seconds.The V-6 is mated to a five-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission with grade logic control, which helps eliminate hunting between gears - a feature especially beneficial on hilly roads. Specifically engineered for Saturn Vue by Honda, the powertrain also provides towing ability up to 3,500 pounds.

 

The base engine is the Ecotec 2.2L inline four-cylinder. This 16-valve, 143-horsepower (107 kw)* engine is notable for its combination of performance, efficiency, low maintenance and smooth operation with technology familiar in premium engines, including hydraulic roller finger valve operation and electronic "drive-by-wire" throttle.

 

The standard transmission for the four-cylinder, front-wheel drive Vue is a five-speed manual that delivers excellent smoothness and durability. The manual transmission includes a synchronized reverse gear, allowing the Vue to shift into reverse without grinding if the driver shifts before the car is fully stopped.

 

The Hydra-Matic 4T45-E four-speed automatic transaxle is offered as an option with the four-cylinder, front-wheel drive Vue. This transmission is known for its reliability, smoothness and efficiency and with the Ecotec 2.2L inline four-cylinder engine is expected to deliver 22mpg in city driving and 27mpg on the highway.

 

The Vue is equipped with an advanced electric power steering system for precise steering at lower speeds and confident feel on the highway. Four-wheel independent suspension is a key to Vue's controlled ride and responsive handling on a wide