Better Inside and Out
GM's Saturn division keeps getting better. With last year's introduction of the Ion Red Line and Vue Red Line, the brand grew
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| The Saturn brand keeps getting better and better, and the 2005 Ion-3 continues that trend. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press) |
stronger. Now, with the significant upgrades on the Ion-2 and Ion-3 models, the trend continues.
Immediately noticeable on the 2005 Ion-3 sedan is a new front fascia and grille that synthesizes well with the front bumper. Also, a more prominent Saturn badge sits in the middle of the grille which is then accented with a new chrome beltline molding. The change not only makes the front end of the Ion-3 look sleeker, it is classier. It works quite nicely.
The Ion-3 also comes with a beefier set of P205/55R16 all-season tires and 16-inch flangeless alloy wheels complete with a
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| The exterior updates of the 2005 Ion-3 not only make it look sleeker, but also classier. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press) |
new machine facing, taking the subtle-looking sedan one step closer to sporty. I can't say that I am the biggest fan of the rims' design, but I can attest to the all-season tires performing very well in rain or shine. Wow, that rhymes!
Rhythmically speaking, the interior harmonizes with the exterior; it's bigger and better, literally. New front and rear seats have been added for increased comfort and convenience. Noticeably larger, they are wider and deeper at the shoulders and include enhanced thigh and side bolsters and increased lateral support.
Do they feel any different from last year's seats? Definitely. I felt more supported in many ways, and having a back that
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| The interior harmonizes with the exterior, and it's put together better too. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press) |
likes to act up occasionally, the added support minimized my discomfort and added to the driving experience. Not to mention that the cloth upholstery was very comfortable, too.
Also adding to the driving experience is the larger, Red Line-inspired, four-spoke steering wheel. The wider grip enhances the recalibrated electronic power steering system and makes for more accurate navigation. The wheel meshed quite well with the new shift lever, which controls a new transaxle.
GM's Hydra-Matic 4T45-E automatic replaces the Aisin five-speed automatic transmission in the sedan (and also the VTi continuously variable transmission as an option for the quad coupe) making all Ions capable of being flat-towed or pulled behind another vehicle without the need for a special dolly, an ideal
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| The Ion's 2.2-litre, 16-valve, DOHC 4-cylinder engine produces 140 horsepower at 5,800 rpm and 145 lb-ft of torque at 4,400 rpm. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press) |
system for RV owners. The new transaxle works well with the 2.2-litre, 16-valve, 4-cylinder, DOHC engine which produces 140 horsepower at 5,800 rpm and 145 lb-ft. of torque at 4,400 rpm.
In previous Ion test drives, I noticed that the automatic transmission, typically at higher rpm's, generated a loud, revy sound. However, the 2005 Ion-3 was remarkably quieter thanks to improvements to noise, vibrations and harshness (NVH) levels. By adding a new acoustic cover for the engine, acoustic clips for the fuel line, piston coating and a new exhaust down pipe, noise levels are reduced, making for a quieter ride.
The reduction of outside noise made it more pleasurable to listen to all my favourite songs on the optional six-disc in-dash
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| The optional six-disc in-dash CD and MP3 player, is part of the Technology Package. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press) |
CD and MP3 player, which is part of the Technology Package which also includes an OnStar communication system and a travel package ($1,635), coupled with six premium speakers for an extra $425. It's a good system.
What I found to be the most impressive of all the upgrades was the improved ride and handling quality as a result of new hydraulic rear bushings and improved front lower control arm bushings, as well as the revised steering calibration (as mentioned earlier).
I found that the suspension was stiffer and sturdier than last year and it made everyday driving an enjoyable experience. It's funny how a few tweaks here and there can make a world of difference. If you had asked me a year
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| The Ion-3 was quite hard to throw around in tight turns because the traction control took action promptly. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press) |
ago how I felt about the Ion's ride quality, I probably would have replied "it was alright." Now I can say it's pretty darn good.
The brakes and optional traction control system were also pretty darn good. Equipped with front ventilated discs and rear drums plus the optional ABS with traction control ($670), the Ion-3 was quite hard to throw around in tight turns because the traction control took action promptly. And if I needed to stop promptly the brakes were there to back me up. Setting off the ABS was actually harder than usual. Sometimes I find that even the slightest bit of slip on the road can set the ABS off. Not so in the Ion.
What I found was not so optimal was the fuel efficiency and I'm not sure why. Estimated fuel consumption is recorded at 9.9
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| Estimated fuel consumption is recorded at 9.9 L/100 km in the city and 6.6 L/100 km on the highway. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press) |
L/100 km in the city and 6.6 L/100 km on the highway. I only drove approximately 314 kms before the "LOW FUEL" light went on and the needle on the gas gauge was almost dipping below its last line.
I estimate that I would have had at least another 60-70 kms to go before I completely ran out of gas. I don't like to play the odds when it comes to low fuel so I just filled up. It just seemed odd that I was filling up gas on Thursday rather than on the weekend. Perhaps the Ion's gas tank size is relatively small. Oh well.
The Ion still continues to use the centre-mounted instrument cluster which is not my favourite configuration. Yes, it's growing on me, but not at the speed of a weed. While it is in the same horizontal sight line as the side-view-mirrors, I just like the tachometer and speedometer in front of me.
The 2005 Saturn Ion-3 is a strong sedan. With its upgraded interior and exterior, not only does it look good inside and out, it feels good too.
Specifications
- Price Range (MSRP): $20,890- $24,055
- Body Type: 4-door sedan
- Layout: front engine, FWD
- Engine: 140 hp, 145 lb-ft, 2.2L, 16-valve DOHC I-4
- Transmission: 5-spd man (opt 4-spd auto)
- Brakes (front/rear): disc/drum (opt ABS)
- Curb Weight: 1,255 kg (2,766 lb)
- Seating Capacity: 5
- Cargo Volume (trunk): 416 L (14.7 cu ft)
- Fuel Economy (city/hwy): 9.9 / 6.6 L/100 km (29 / 43 mpg) (manual)
- Warranty (mo/km): 36/60,000 comprehensive - 60/100,000 powertrain
- Direct Competitors: Chevrolet Cobalt, Dodge SX 2.0, Honda Civic, Hyundai Elantra, Kia Spectra, Mazda3, Mitsubishi Lancer, Pontiac Pursuit, Subaru Impreza, Suzuki Aerio, Toyota Corolla, VW Golf
- Web Site: www.gmcanada.com
Note: Additional larger photos are available in the photo album.