Everyone who drives needs car insurance. In fact, most states require it by law. When you buy car insurance, you are buying what is called a policy. Your policy is based on a variety of factors including what kind of car you drive as well as what kind of insurance you want. Auto insurance policies are actually a package of different types of insurance coverage.
The first step in understanding an auto insurance policy is to learn the various types of coverage insurance companies offer. Some of this coverage may be required by your state and some of the coverage may be optional.
• Liability - This coverage pays for accidental bodily injury and property damages to others. Injury damages include medical expenses, pain and suffering and lost wages. Property damage includes damaged property and automobiles. This coverage also pays defense and court costs. State laws determine how much liability coverage you must purchase, but you can always get more coverage than your state requires.
• Collision - This coverage pays for damages to your vehicle caused by collision with another vehicle or object.
• Comprehensive - This coverage pays for loss or damage to the insured vehicle that doesn't occur in an auto accident. The types of damages comprehensive insurance covers include loss caused by fire, wind, hail, flood, vandalism or theft.
• Medical Coverage - Pays medical expenses regardless of fault when the expenses are caused by an auto accident.
• PIP - Personal Injury Protection (PIP) is required in some states. This coverage pays medical expenses for the insured driver, regardless of fault, for treatment due to an auto accident.
• Uninsured Motorist - Pays your car's damages when an auto accident is caused by a driver who doesn't have liability insurance.
• Underinsured Motorist - Pays your car's damages when an auto accident is caused by someone who has insufficient liability insurance.
• Rental Reimbursement - This type of coverage will pay for a rental car if your car is damaged due to an auto accident. Often this coverage has a daily allowance for a rental car.
Many insurance policies combine a number of these types of coverage. The first step in choosing the insurance you want for your car is to know the laws in your state. This will tell you the minimum insurance you need for your car. It's good to keep in mind that, just because your state may not require extensive insurance, extra coverage may be worth the expense. After all, no one wants to be stuck with thousands of dollars worth of bills because of an auto accident.
Paris 2010: Lotus Esprit Concept previews upcoming revival of a legend
by Jeff Glucker
Lotus is ready to make a big impact at the 2010 Paris Motor Show. It brought five concept vehicles to the show (more on the other four in short order), and one in particular has us salivating. Lotus plans to revive the much-loved Esprit for the 2013 model year. Before we see a production version of that car, the automaker is showcasing its Lotus Esprit Concept.
Taking cues from the old Esprit, the Esprit Concept plunks its engine amidship, though instead of honoring the turbocharged four-cylinders that powered the originals, the concept makes do with a meaty supercharged 5.0-liter V8. That V8 will look familiar to fans of the Lexus IS-F. The two-seater will produce 620 horsepower, accelerate from 0-60 in under 3.5 seconds and then blast onward to a 205-mile-per-hour top speed. The plan is to bring the production version to market in the spring of 2013 with a price tag around $175,000.
In addition to the massive, and massively exciting ,V8 power, the Lotus Esprit will also be offered with KERS as an option. KERS, or Kinetic Energy Recovery System, is a system used by Formula 1 cars to recover heat energy generated during braking. The energy is stored until the driver wants a powerful boost and with a push of a button propels the car with more force than two bottles of NOS... the big ones.
Insurance premiums will always be determined by the risk of the insured. For SUV owners, the larger the vehicle, the more property damage it may cause to a smaller car. With that in mind, accidents involving larger vehicle have a higher risk of causing serious injuries as well as fatalities. In addition to this, the higher the center of gravity of a vehicle, the less maneuverable it will be. SUV owners need to consider the risk of flipping or rolling their vehicle with any sharp turn the must make.
Owners of larger vehicles will also have higher rates than those of mid-size and smaller sedans due to the cost of parts. Replacement parts on SUV and larger trucks can be expensive. When I was still a new driver, I started out on an older Nissan Sentra. One day I was traveling a little too closely to a Ford Expedition in front of me. When they had to stop abruptly I bumped into the back of this vehicle. The claim that was made to replace this bumper ran nearly $1500. I was very surprised. The damage to my car was much worse but since it was my fault and I was too young to be able to afford the repair, I just bent it back the best I could and went driving my heap for the remainder of the school year...Good times!
If you do have a larger vehicle the best thing to do is compare rates to help save what you can on auto insurance coverage.
SUV - Is it the Right Vehicle For You?
By James Rodham
Not many vehicles on the road today command the same respect as the muscular and sturdy Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs) do. These mean machines leave on-lookers in awe wherever they tread. The sheer presence of an SUV is captivating enough to make you yearn for one. Nowadays, these dream machines usually come loaded with high-end features and functions that make your drive comfortable yet dominating at the same time.
There is no doubt that SUVs are high performance vehicles famous for their huge intimidating frames, powerful engines and capacity to adapt to extreme roads and driving conditions. These qualities are probably the USP of all Sports Utility Vehicles. These vehicles are usually built on light truck chassis and they combine the towing capacity of a pickup truck with the cabin space of a station wagon.
Most SUVs are equipped with technological features like four-wheel-drive, all-wheel-drive, traction control, Anti-Lock Brakes, Locking Differentials etc making them suitable for off-road use. These powerful machines are capable of carrying more number of passengers compared to a normal car while maintaining the same comfort levels.
But is that all one looks for in a vehicle?
In case you are interested in buying a Sports Utility Vehicle, it may be worthwhile to ascertain your needs and expectations from a vehicle of such caliber before actually taking the step.
There have been many instances where people have spent fortunes on such a vehicle but never found it useful for their commuting needs. An SUV is a vehicle type designed specifically for the needs of a specific segment in the automobile market and even if your love for this vehicle may compel you to buy it, you could end up regretting your decision later.
If you own a few other types of vehicles too and need an SUV only to add to your collection then I would say "Go for it, it is worth all the money you will invest", but in case you want to use it as your only vehicle for all purposes, you might want to consider these factors.
You should consider the fact that an SUV has more moving parts and technological features and gadgetry than your average car. In due course of time, this could mean more maintenance and repair costs apart from the huge investment needed to purchase the vehicle itself.
The large size of this vehicle also poses more questions than it answers. You must also take into account the kind of roads you will be traveling on a daily basis. If you live in the countryside with wide highways, hilly remote areas and long stretches of roads or in cities marked with a decent network of wide multi-lane roads, then this vehicle will suit you like a charm. However, if you live in regions characterized by congested lanes and narrow streets, the big size of this vehicle could prove to be a hindrance.
The omnipresent fuel crisis and frequent fuel price-hikes can be another deterrent to the SUV owner. These vehicles are not meant to be fuel efficient. The term "Gas Guzzler" is quite synonymous with these vehicles unless you happen to drive a Hybrid SUV.
Although SUVs come with advanced features that aid effective driving, it is still considered a challenge to drive such enormous vehicles on the streets everyday. Most people switching from a normal car to SUV take a bit of time trying to adjust to the increased power and reduced maneuverability of this vehicle.
With such vehicles, city-driving at peak hours of the day can be quite a pain. You need a vehicle that can slither through the traffic. Also, the shortage of parking spaces in cities adds to the woes and it could be hard work nestling such big vehicles in narrow spaces. In this case, a hatchback is the best available option.
A Sports Utility Vehicle is sheer driving pleasure no to be missed by taking the back seat. If you prefer to be driven around by a chauffeur, then this is definitely not the right vehicle for you. You might be better off in a Sedan or a Saloon.
To conclude, a good decision is always one taken after careful thought. By carrying out a simple assessment of your driving needs, you can select a vehicle that suits you the best. Although a Sports Utility Vehicle may be packed with features and have its own advantages, it may not necessarily be the best option available.
The new 2010 Escalade from Cadillac will be a luxury SUV segment that will have the capacity to accommodate up to eight passengers. The new model comes with minor changes in comparison to the 2009 Escalade model, but there few pleasant surprises under its hood; here's a sneak peak.
The new model will be offered in either extended or in standard length versions. The extended version will have the more seating capability. The next generation 2010 Escalade model will be mechanically similar to Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon SUVs. The changes to the new model will be an ironically named silver lining exterior color, USB connection in the center console, revised inner door design for enhanced safety, side thorax air bags at the front outboard seats and revised parking brake release.
The 2010 SUV Hybrid Cadillac Escalade will be powered by a 6.2 liter V-8 engine. The next generation SUV will also be featured with magnetic ride control suspension paired with 22 inch tire/ wheel combinations. All wheel drive and rear wheel drive will be offered by the model for 2010 versions. The engine in the vehicle will be mated to 6-speed automatic transmission. Though the 2010 model will be featured with active fuel management system, the 2010 Escalade will get relatively poor fuel economy. The expected fuel economy of the vehicle in the city premises will be 12 miles per gallon, while 19 miles per gallon on the highway roads.
Looking into the interior region of the 2010 Escalade, it will be more luxurious, roomy and comfortable despite its truck roots.
Cheap SUV Insurance For Young Drivers
By Iyke Phelim
Are you a young driver who owns and drive an SUV? If yes, then finding and getting a cheap SUV insurance is very necessary, you do not want to spend all your income paying the normally high insurance premiums for sport utility vehicles. A sport utility vehicle is big and powerful, and the modern models have speed, a very good reason for their high premium. Also, drivers under the age of 25 years are known to be very reckless when driving so having a cheap policy for a young driver with an SUV is a challenge, however, there are ways through which a cheaper policy cost could be achieved.
Finding a cheaper rate starts with looking at the right places. For a quick and convenient searching process, it will be wise to use online comparison tools and websites. These tools help by connecting the insurance seeker with a large network of leading insurers known to provide quality service in the insurance seeker's state. Get free quotes from these sites and compare them. The more quotes you get from reliable insurance providers the better the chances that you will end up with a cheap policy that guarantees quality protection. A young drivers' credit report also plays a major role is determining if he or she will be given a lower rate in the form of discounts.
As a driver under the age of 25 years, you are advised to connect with reliable car insurance providers and consult with them on the effective ways of lowering your SUV insurance premium without removing any important coverage and destroying the quality of your overall policy. Get this service for free right away. You can get a cheap SUV insurance as a young driver, so start now and save!
SUV Vehicles have an interesting history. Banks, in the 1930's depression era, would loan farmers money to purchase light trucks for use on the farm but would not loan them money for a family passenger car. Four-wheel drive vehicles have been tried in several incarnations since internal combustion powered vehicles were invented. SUV Vehicles development evolved much faster. Light, fully enclosed "panel" trucks, station wagon style vehicles and pickup trucks began to become common but were still "work vehicles" until the middle 1950's. It was then that manufacturers began to market vehicles such as the Chevrolet Nomad, Ford Ranch Wagon and Chrysler Town and Country, all station wagons, as family vehicles. By 1969 most major manufacturers had added four wheel drive vehicles which each year reached closer to passenger car amenities. Almost all of these vehicles were constructed on light truck chassis. The Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) was born. Four wheel drive vehicles were portrayed as evidence of the owners "life style." Genuine four wheel drive was soon replaced by full time four wheel drive options.
More facts on Crossover Vehicles: Executive Summary By Jenn Stevens Crossover SUVs:
Crossover SUV's ride more like a car with some advantages. The crossover SUV is unlike any other automobile on the market. Crossover SUV vehicles are a combination of several of those above vehicles. In This decadehybrid autos become popular day by day , SUV not just for conventional engine many variant from big brand automaker use hybrid technology for their suv.
SUV - Four-Wheel-Drive Ultimate Style
By Roberto Sedycias
Fancy zipping around in a snazzy and powerful vehicle? Then, sports utility vehicles or SUVs as commonly known are meant for you. SUVs are powerful passenger vehicles which are a combination of the functionality of a large pick-up vehicle and the spacious seating of a station-wagon. These vehicles are also known as `off-road vehicle` or `four-wheel drive vehicle`, because they are commonly used for rough-terrain driving.
Sports utility vehicles are capable of tackling all sorts of terrain and their large storage capacity make them ideal for rugged areas. They are also used for regions which otherwise would be unreachable by other motors. A full-sized sports utility vehicle has three rows of seats with the luggage area behind the last row. Even the most compact ones will not have less than five seats. These vehicles can tow big trailers, caravans and boats with comparative ease because of their powerful towing capacity. They have large interiors, higher ride height and are supposed to have a higher safety drive.
Sports utility vehicles have always been very popular with rural buyers because of their `off-road` capabilities and the vehicles for urban use have usually been developed from their more rugged, rural counterparts. Compact SUVs are more suited to city driving and they can be stylish, yet, not cost very much. The seating capacity maybe for five passengers but they have high seating positions and also maybe available in four-wheel drivemaking them suitable for `off-road` terrain.
Some SUV users may find that these smaller versions offer more car-like rides than might be expected in a small jeep. These compact versions may be the answer to those who feel that SUVs are more like light trucks instead of passenger vehicles. The towing capacity of these compact sports utility vehicles maybe less powerful but they have fully independent suspension and their standard seat fabric is water-resistant making it for easy cleaning.
SUVs generally appeal to our sense of adventure and being larger and sometimes more expensive than other cars, the buying process may turn out to be a harrowing experience. It is always better to be aware that a new SUV, like any other new car, will incur new costs but in higher quantities. Insurance rates, fuel charges, taxes and licensing may be more than what you would pay for a different car and despite, attempts to streamline its fuel capacity, it is still not as fuel-efficient when compared to other cars. Realizing this, SUVs manufacturers are looking at using alternative fuels like diesel, bio-diesel and ethanol
.
SUV safety is constantly improving with airbags and rollover protection, anti-lock brakes, traction control, compatibility with other vehicles and pedestrian concerns. It is essential to keep in contact with the manufacturer of a sports utility vehicle so that you can be updated with the latest recalls, service bulletins and other important information. Gas prices are rising and because of this, SUVs that get more gas mileage are getting more popular.
These vehicles often have similar engines aspick-up trucks but with increased popularity in the urban segment, many luxury features have been added. They also have lower ground clearance and suspension designed mainly for paved city roads with the added advantage of being able to raise the suspension to go off-road. This feature is something which is not offered in many cars. Higher ground clearance is useful in places with heavy snowfall.
Reviled by many as that gas-guzzling, carbon-emitting vehicle, SUVs nonetheless have their fair share of admirers and nothing pleases them more than driving these super-powerful vehicles especially on rough and rugged terrain.
The saying is true that the average car buyer cannot tell the difference between a traditional SUV and a Crossover on the outside. However, once they are in the car, there are many differences that can easily reveal the benefits of purchasing crossover vehicles over SUVs.
One of the biggest benefits of these vehicles is that they can take on a multitude of forms, including a compact to mid-sized CUV, station wagon, or hatchback CUV, and minivan CUV. Generally, though, crossovers of any type are put onto a car frame, which provides the car with a smaller base and streamline, fuel-conscious design.
Another benefit is that the vehicle handles more smoothly. They offer the versatility, comfort, and traction of a car with the style and looks of a Sport Utility Vehicle. For many consumers, crossover vehicles provide a great compromise between what a driver wants and what he or she needs in an automobile.
Compromising on your vehicle is proving not to be as hard as many people believe. Although you may have to sacrifice some room on the inside, you'll find crossovers easier to handle, cheaper to own, and pleasurable to drive.
A recent benefit of crossovers is that almost every manufacturer has a series of crossover vehicles. Their sales have created a cushion for the lack of SUVs and trucks that remain on the lots from rising gas prices and a changing economy.
The benefits of crossover vehicles changes for each person and their needs for a vehicle. However, with many people, larger vehicles are not turning out to always be better, even it if that is what they want. Therefore, these types of vehicles are providing the best of both worlds for many drivers.
Many consumers are in search of the best crossover all-wheel drive (AWD) SUVs on the market today, mainly because consumers get the space of an SUV with the fuel efficiency of a car.
The typical crossover consists of a high seating position that allows for a better view, a passenger car chassis, and a large cargo area. Most are available in all-wheel drive and can offer seating for up to eight people. And like any other vehicle, you can choose the most basic of features or go all out. Whatever you prefer, you may find it amongst the best crossover AWD SUVs listed below:
• BMW X6 - This athletic-like 4-door crossover looks fun to drive, especially since it is fuled by a 3.0 - liter 6 cylinder engine that is twin-turbocharged and has an all-wheel drive. It can accelerate from 0-60 in six seconds. This is amazing considering the car weighs in at almost 5,000 pounds. Insideline says, "there was another thing that couldn't go unnoticed: mass." The X6 gets mediocre fuel economy with 15 city miles per gallon and 21 highway miles per gallon for the 35i trim. The X6, along with the X5 is among the first M-brand crossovers. Coming standard on the X6 is Dynamic Performance Control, which works together with the AWD system to ensure the torque is distributed evenly amongst the rear wheels. This system is designed to improve handling response and steering.
• Toyota Venza - This smooth and spacious family crossover is a 5- passenger, 4 door crossover with an ABS and enhanced vehicle stability control and traction control. This crossover can go from 0-60 in 8.8 seconds and has the fuel efficiency of 18 city miles per gallon and 25 highway miles per gallon. Unique key features that Toyota has included have been available on competing models for quite some time. Such features include active head restraints, a panoramic glass roof, and automatic high beams with high intensity discharge. Edmunds states, "The 2010 Toyota Venza blends the attributes of a crossover SUV with those of a wagon, resulting in a pleasantly useful form of family transportation."
• Acura ZDX - With 5 doors and a little bulk, this crossover looks more like a giant sports car with a 3.7 liter V6 engine pumping out 300 horsepower at 6,300 RPM. 4-wheel disc brakes with ABS, brake assist, and electronic brake distribution add a safety element to this vehicle. Estimated fuel economy is 16 city miles per gallon and 22 highway miles per gallon. The vehicle's suspension system is a 4-wheel independent MacPherson strut front/multi-link rear. However, New Car Test Drive says, "The ZDX steers keenly and stays on line with an intuitive accuracy. Only when pressing on hard in the convoluted confines of a canyon road does the big Acura begin to remind its driver that it's a close relative of the company's big MDX. Narrow roads quickly emphasize how wide the car's track is, even if the clever design reduces the visual impression of size."
Other contenders for the best crossover AWD SUVs include the Honda Crosstour, Volvo XC60, Infiniti FX50, Lincoln MKX, Dodge Journey, Cadillac SRX, and Mazda CX-9.
The 4 wheel drive SUV and Truck are very common vehicles on the road today, they are everywhere. 4 wheel drive owners including myself tend to express our identity in the kind of 4 wheel drive we own.
You have your die hard eat dirt, drink mud 4 wheel drive enthusiasts. These guys and gals live for the moment to put their 4X4 to the ultimate test. Their 4 wheel drives are most generally built to handle the most extreme off road conditions. They spend a lot of money on top quality performance parts that will handle these conditions.
Then there are those 4X4 owners who have this Jekyll & Hyde mentality about 4 wheeling. They appear to have this calm and cool type personality with a touch of conservativeness about them; until they push the 4Hi button.
At last you have those who own a 4X4 and just like the idea of owning a 4 wheel drive. Great idea you guys and gals! Personally, I would not own a SUV or pick-up unless it was a 4X4. It never made much sense to me to spend money on a 2WD pick-up or SUV; but that is just my own opinion.
Okay, for those of you who fit the description directly above; and who own that awesome piece of machinery called the 4X4. Maybe it's about time to take that next step and take your 4X4 on an off road adventure.
Spending a weekend or whole week enjoying the off road trails can be an experience of a lifetime; especially when the whole family is involved. You get this sense of adventure and the ability to go places where 2WD vehicles would not even fathom of going.
Camping and enjoying the outdoors while hitting the trails; your family will tell stories about these off road adventures for years.
These kinds of vacations can be quite inexpensive (unless you break down) compared to a trip to Disney Land. Look at it this way, you already own the 4WD. A tent is a lot cheaper than hotel rooms.
Meals can be quite inexpensive also if you shop at your local grocery store and fill the coolers full of food and drinks.
It may be a good idea to take the 4X4 and your off road adventure for just one weekend and see how you get along before tackling a week trip. Test the waters by the shore before making an ocean voyage.
For those of you who may be new to the whole off road and camping experience, you are in luck. You may not have the funds or supplies to tackle this kind of trip this year but there is next year.
Look at it on the positive side, you have a whole year to plan a trip and purchase your supplies. You don't have to worry about spending a whole lot of money in one shot.
Here are some tips that will help you prepare for your next off road and camping experience:
o Perform a complete maintenance inspection on your 4X4. If you are not one of those automotive do-it-yourselfers, then inform the automotive service manager at your favorite shop of your intensions. Let him know your concern on how important it is that your vehicle gets a quality inspection and service.
o It is always a good idea to travel in groups. If this is not an option for you then be sure to tell other family members and friends where you are going and when you will be back.
o Preplan your trip. This will not only prepare you for what's ahead but it is also fun to get the family involved. You all will feel a sense of excitement when planning this adventure.
o If this adventure takes place at a national park then inform the park authorities where you are going. Give them as much information about your plans and an idea of when you will be leaving. Give and get contact information; this way if something goes wrong, they will be able to find you.
o Cell phones and GPS's are a good idea to have with you. If you can't get cell phone reception where you are at then the GPS will tell you your location. Don't forget to enter and save plenty of waypoints on your GPS; this will be easier to navigate back to safety.
o Be sure to have plenty of food and water to last beyond your expected stay, I'd say at least three days. Keeping your body full of carbohydrates and fluids during your outdoor fun is a must.
Planning and preparing your 4X4 and the off road adventure are the two foremost important steps towards a safe and fun trip. Ask any survival instructor, I bet they will agree.
Owning a 4X4 not only provides family fun and excitement but it allows you to become one with this awesome piece of machinery. You and the 4X4 working together to overcome those obstacles that lies in front of you; like a sea captain navigating his ship through a storm. The two of you together challenging Mother Nature and what she has to offer. It's a sense of dominance; that genetic code hidden deep inside of us waiting to be unleashed.
You own a 4X4, that vehicle does not know what it is or what it was designed to do. Only you have the capability to unleash the full potential of your 4X4.
Next time you are in your suv cars picking up the kids, shopping, or coming home from a family vacation, take a look at your car mats. Are they shredded from all the abuse over the years? Can you see through them? Maybe it is time to consider replacing those mats with a brand new set.
Don't even consider universal fit floor mats. A universal mat offers a lousy appearance and generally does not last very long. Focus on custom mats. You can choose Berber, or one of the thick nylon pile car mats that are available. Stay with a nylon pile for a longer wearing auto mat. There are many color choices that are OEM factory match or you can choose a complementary or contrasting color to your vehicle interior. You can even add embroidery to personalize your mats. Most custom car mats are Made in the USA.
Ordering suv cars mats online is simple. Find a reputable internet site that lets you choose make, model, and year. Ordering mats this way will minimize the chance of you ordering the wrong mats Many sites offer a line drawing view of your custom mats so that you know the custom shape before ordering. Most custom mats are made to order so be prepared to wait a week or two for your mats.
I think you will be surprised at the difference in appearance that fresh mats make in your suv cars interior. It will be like getting a new suv cars without the monthly payments. Now that's a good deal.
Choosing The Right Seat Cover For Your Car
by Kavin
The interiors of your car are what give it the special touch. Often, people take a lot of trouble to redesign their cars and fit them with bumper stickers and decals, but forget to work on the interiors. It is a matter of taste. The exteriors of your car are what people mostly get to see, but the interior of course is your small world and making it look good gives you pleasure every time you enter it.
The 2009 Kia Rio just hit the Alberta market and brings with it style and power like never before. Kia, an auto manufacturer known for creating affordable cars that last, offers a shocking 10 year, 100,0000 mile warranty on its Rio - making it one of the most long-lasting and beneficial warranties of any manufacturer on the market! Here's what you can expect from the 2009 Kia Rio:
Extra space, The Kia Rio brings more roominess than ever before, including seating for 5 with plenty of leg room and storage space to make travelling comfortable - whether it's near or far. Power, The new Rio has 110 horsepower behind it, making it faster and more powerful than many other small sedans on the market. Plus, despite its powerful engine, it delivers 35 miles to the gallon on the highway. With that kind of mileage and comfort, you can drive to your heart's content. Affordability, Kia is known to provide cars at economic rates. Because of the warranty and gas mileage, you know that when you purchase a Kia, you are not only purchasing a car that will last, but also one that will save you money at the pump every week. Safety, Kia has a 6 airbag safety feature standard on every car. Plus, the car comes complete with airbag and seatbelt latch sensors, anti-lock brakes, 3-point seat belts throughout the car, dual front airbags, curtain airbags, fog lights, and 24 hours roadside assistance. You'll never have to wonder about your tires either with the 24 hour tire monitoring system.
The 2009 Kia Rio is not only one of the safest cars in its class, but it proves that driving a small sedan doesn't have to be uncomfortable. With enough leg room for all occupants and gas mileage to get to where you're going cheaper, you'll love taking the Rio with you on all of your trips
The Saturn Vue small SUV was supposed to come in three different shades of green: mild hybrid, full hybrid, and plug-in hybrid (as shown here).
When General Motors introduced its first hybrids, the company applied the advanced fuel-saving technology to the Saturn brand. The first models introduced as “Green Line” vehicles were unconvincing mild hybrids, but a future version of the Saturn Vue small sport utility was scheduled to use full “two-mode” hybrid technology—followed by a plug-in hybrid version.
That would have made the Saturn Vue the only vehicle on the market with three different flavors of hybrid—a truly innovative and forward-thinking approach to hybrid technology. Unfortunately, the entire Saturn brand—hybrid and conventional—is apparently falling victim to GM’s financial woes.
GM Plug-in Crossover SUV
The plug-in hybrid Vue was originally planned for 2010, but now all bets are off. The plug-in Vue was going to utilize a modified version of GM's two-mode hybrid system, plug-in technology, and an advanced lithium ion battery pack. The system was being engineered to achieve significant increases in fuel economy, as much as twice that of any current conventional hybrid vehicle. The advantages of a plug-in hybrid-electric vehicle over a non-plug-in hybrid-electric vehicle are its extended electric-only propulsion, additional battery capacity, and its ability to be recharged from an external electrical outlet, meaning common household current. The Saturn Vue Line plug-in hybrid was expected to offer electric-only propulsion for more than 10 miles. To propel the vehicle at higher speeds, electric-only mode would switch to either a combination of engine and electric power together, or engine power by itself. GM’s two-mode hybrid system will be modified for use with plug-in technology. The system maintains two separate driving modes—one for city, the other for highway.
Saturn Vue Green Line Two-Mode
Compact and midsize vehicles seem to be the sweet spot for US hybrid sales. So we’ve eagerly waited for the arrival of the Saturn Vue Two-Mode Hybrid, the full hybrid version of Saturn’s Vue compact sport-utility. General Motors will not produce a 2009 version of the Saturn Vue Two-Mode, which was scheduled for release in late 2008. We had to check the badges to make sure these Vues were in fact Two-Modes, rather than the mild-hybrid version now known just as the Vue Hybrid (nee Vue Green Line).
·The Hybrid Vue for V6 Buyers
The Vue Two-Mode Hybrid will be sold alongside the mild-hybrid version, but the two serve very different niches. This big V6 is mated to the Two-Mode Hybrid system jointly developed by GM, Chrysler, Daimler, and BMW. (By comparison, the slower, less expensive four-cylinder Vue Hybrid returns 25 city/32 highway.)
The standard two-wheel-drive Vue V6 is already heavy at 3,870 pounds; the Two-Mode package adds another 250 pounds on top of that. (The Vue Two-Mode isn’t offered with all-wheel-drive, unlike the Highlander Hybrid.) The Vue Two-Mode rides lower than its non-hybrid brethren, for better aerodynamics, which also helps that planted-on-the-road feeling. Perhaps it’s the compact hybrid crossover for buyers who don’t want to be seen in a hybrid?
The Vue Two-Mode will arrive at Saturn dealerships in January and February 2009.
·The Latest Two-Mode Hybrid
The basic Two-Mode technology in this latest Vue hybrid is the same one used in the full-size Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid (see our drive report) and GMC Yukon Hybrid, and Cadillac Escalade Hybrid full-size SUVs, and it will also appear next spring in the Chevrolet Silverado Hybrid and GMC Sierra Hybrid full-size pickup trucks. Chrysler now offers it in the Dodge Durango Hybrid and Chrysler Aspen Hybrid full-size SUVs, and it will soon launch in the BMW X6 Hybrid and a future Mercedes-Benz ML450 Hybrid SUV as well.
The cells inside it are made by Cobasys, which was recently in the news for a recall of its smaller packs fitted to the mild-hybrid versions of the Saturn Aura, Saturn Vue, and Chevrolet Malibu. Next up in the growing lineup of hybrid Saturn Vue models will be the Vue Two-Mode Plug-In Hybrid, which will run up to 10 miles on electricity alone, using a larger battery pack that can be charged up from the power grid. That vehicle is expected to launch late in 2010, at roughly the same time as GM’s much-touted Chevrolet Volt extended-range electric vehicle.
Saturn Vue Hybrid
The mild-hybrid Saturn Vue Green Line is G.M.’s first gas-electric vehicle, unless you count the company’s ultramild-hybrid pickup trucks.
For comparison’s sake, a conventional gas-only Vue with 4-cylinder engine, front drive and automatic transmission is rated 22 in town, 27 on the highway.
Instead of a discrete electric motor that can drive the wheels just like a gasoline engine, the Green Line uses a belt alternator-starter; it shuts the engine off when the car comes to a complete stop, eliminating gas consumption at idle. The Green Line’s 36-volt battery and motor-generator smartly wake up the engine as soon as the driver’s foot comes off the brake pedal.
That feat—the thing that, in the view of many people, makes a hybrid a hybrid—belongs for the moment only to full hybrid systems from Toyota and Ford. The typical hybrid driver needs real-time information to wring the most miles from the fuel, but Saturn provides only silly green lights and a little dial and pointer. There is also the Green Line’s overall feel of righteous deprivation. While the Green Line is rather Spartan, the Red Line, a higher-performance Vue, has a distinctive front end, sport suspension, 18-inch alloy wheels, leather seats and much more. The Vue Green Line proves that G.M. is capable of improving the fuel efficiency of many of its vehicles at a modest cost.
Saturn Aura Green Line
Matt DeLorenzo of Road and Track said, “The Saturn Aura is a breakthrough car for General Motors. As the Aura Green Line made the rounds to the auto reviewers, the story changed. Why did the Aura Green Line get accused of being cheap? Because affordablity (a.k.a. cheapness) was General Motors's goal in producing Saturn hybrids. This technology, commonly called “stop-start“ is a no-frills system for improving fuel economy by about 10 percent.
While Saturn manages to keep the additional cost of the Green Line version within a couple of thousand bucks of the conventional four-cylinder Aura (especially when considering the hybrid tax credit), its real competition is not the standard Aura—but the Toyota Prius and Civic Hybrid. Unfortunately, the bare-bones entry-level versions of those cars are about the same price as the Aura Green Line. And those vehicles beat the Aura Green Line's fuel efficiency ratings by 13 mpg and 16 mpg respectively. The Aura Green Line is hard to distinguish from the conventional Aura.
