Car Trends Magazine

Saturn is continuing the Opel-ization of its range even with concepts, as the Saturn PreVue crossover (to be revealed at the New York International Auto Show) is yet another rebadged German model. The Opel Antara GTC concept was first seen at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2005 and it is part of the ongoing cooperation between the Saturn and Opel brands.

"There is significant synergy between Opel and Saturn," said Jill Lajdziak, Saturn general manager. "Both brands play in similar market segments, have similar competitors and target similar customers in their respective regions."

Press Release: The PreVue merges the seemingly contradictory design elements of a sporty coupe and a powerful SUV. Coupe-like features include the two doors and tailgate, along with a side window design sans B-pillar and an elegantly sloping roof. These cues combine with SUV characteristics such as powerful side shoulders and wheel cutouts; steeply inclined windows; stable flanks and short overhangs for large approach and departure angles.

On the roof, two silver strips flank the body-colored center strip, which separates two sunroofs and merges with the pantographic hinge that’s affixed to the tailgate. Door handles retract flush with the body, and only slide out when the driver approaches the vehicle with a remote door opener.

Interior
On the inside, generous use of warm tones and leather mix with carbon fiber seatbacks, as well as stainless steel and aluminum cockpit elements. The panoramic roof system features two generously sized sunroofs for a bright, cheerful interior, with dark tinted glass protecting passengers from excessive sunlight. The center roof console, which runs the length of the vehicle, offers ample storage space.

The four seats, mounted to monorails, appear to be floating atop the floor for a spacious, airy appearance. With the press of a button, the seats slide forward to the instrument panel so rear passengers can access the vehicle. The rear seats fold away into the floor, and the sisal-lined cargo area can be folded flat up to the front seats, thanks to a moving double floor.

Engine
The PreVue is powered by a two-stage turbocharged 212-horsepower (156 kw) twin-turbo version of the Ecotec common-rail diesel engine. It features hefty torque at low engine speeds (295 lb.-ft. / 400 Nm @ 1400 rpm), and is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. The transversely installed four-cylinder engine features dual overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder and variable turbo blade geometry.

SATURN PREVUE SPECIFICATIONS

Vehicle type: two-door, four-passenger crossover

Wheelbase: 106.6 in / 2692 mm

Length: 178 in / 4530 mm

Width: 77.6 in / 1970 mm

Height: 65 in / 1640 mm

Track: 61 in / 1460 mm

Engine: two-stage turbocharged 212-hp (156 kw) twin-turbo version of Ecotec diesel

Transmission: six-speed automatic

Wheels: 20-inch polished aluminum

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