Satrun VUE Green Hybrid Review
The Saturn VUE Green Line uses a simple, low-cost hybrid technology known as Belt Alternator Starter (BAS). The BAS concept works by replacing the belt-driven alternator and starter motor with an electric motor that serves as a generator and a motor. In the Vue Green Line, this motor/generator is hooked
up to a 36-volt nickel-metal-hydride battery, and is used to assist the Vue's 2.4-liter, four-cylinder Ecotec engine. The result is a dual-propulsion system that, in theory, enables the battery-powered electric motor to assist the gasoline engine when accelerating from standing or when load demand is suddenly increased (for passing or merging, for example). The BAS system also features regenerative braking that turns the electric motor into a generator to capture kinetic energy from braking and convert it into electricity to recharge the battery.
| Basic Specifications | Satrun Vue Green Line Hybrid FWD |
|---|---|
| Engine Torque | 167 lb-ft. @4500 |
| Horsepower w/o Electric Motor | 172 @ 6500 rpm |
| Horsepower w/ Electric Motor | 172 @ 6500 rpm |
| Transmission | 4 spd automatic |
| Engine Displacement | Ecotec 2.4L 16 valve DOHC |
| Drivetrain | all wheel drive |
| Curb Weight | 3789 lbs. |
| MPG Highway | 25 |
| MPG City | 32 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Max Towing | 1000 lbs |
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The 2008 Saturn Vue Green Line comes with very few available options. Our stripped-down test car came with a base price of $24,170, to which we added only a destination charge of $625 for a sticker total of $24,795. The only things that we could have added to this would have been the Comfort & Convenience Package (eight-way power driver seat, leather-wrapped steering wheel, outside heated power-adjustable mirrors, lighted vanity visor mirrors, rain-sensing windshield wipers, heated windshield washer nozzles, and Universal Home Remote) for $925; or the Premium Trim Package (leather-appointed seats, leather-wrapped shift knob, three-mode heated driver and front passenger seats) for $1,075. In its base configuration, the Vue Green Line is still technically the cheapest hybrid SUV, just beating out the 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid to the title. Saturn has done a good job of restyling the exterior of the Vue Green Line and the addition of Stabilitrak and OnStar navigation are welcome additions. But the cheapest hybrid on the market shows its cheapness in its drive-train tech and its lack of cabin options, and gas mileage is disappointing. For the 2009 model year, Saturn will offer the Vue Green Line with its two-mode hybrid system, a full hybrid system that should give the Vue much better city fuel economy and allow it to drive under electric power at slow speeds. The two-mode Saturn Vue Green Line is one to watch out for. 