|
Walkaround
About the new exterior look. All coupes now have exposed headlamps. In the first generation, the headlamps on SC2 models were pop-ups. The roof takes a gentle arch to the rear glass, then down to a stubby deck lid. The rear bumper is massive and is a significant styling feature. It's also body-colored, unlike basic editions of the sedan and wagon. The taillights wrap around and the trunk lid is covered with reflective materials of various colors--red, yellow, white. The trunk lid opens to vertical and the lift-over is quite low, which makes loading easy. The rear seatback has a 60/40 split. All in all, the SC1 is about as good-looking as coupes get these days, unless you're enamored by the radical design of the Mitsubishi Eclipse. All Saturn bodies use a space frame which allows the use of polymer doors, fenders, quarter panels and fascias, a feature that helps keep Saturn owners so loyal. This material is highly ding- and dent-resistant; it's also rust-proof and recyclable. Major repairs require the simple removal of a panel. Saturns use a standard MacPherson strut front suspension with a tri-link design at the rear--two unequal-length links to control lateral movement, with a single longitudinal link looking after fore and aft movement. Brakes are disc in front, drums at the rear. As mentioned, the ABS is optional ($695), but includes traction control, which can be switched off if the driver desires. Tires are a modestly hefty P175/70R-14 for all Saturns. Optional tires for the SC1 are P185/65R-15 radials mounted on aluminum wheels.
Interior Features
The SC1 is low slung, so getting in is a bit like, literally, dropping in. And getting out is somewhat of a climb. One tester's initial reaction to the interior was plain, but not unattractive." Good summation. The cloth is good quality and the pattern pleasingly subtle. The theme is ovoid shapes and rounded corners, with a modular center pod for audio and climate controls. Simplicity is repeated in the instrument cluster which has a speedometer, a tachometer, a fuel gauge and a temperature gauge. The steering wheel is adjustable up and down. There is no lidded console, just an open catch-all tray. Two cupholders sit in front of the shift lever, one with a removable ash tray insert. The seating position is close to the floor, the window ledge high, so shorter occupants may feel a bit deep into the SC1. We found the seats rather uncomfortable, even on short runs. The bottom cushion is short front to rear and lacks support for even average-height occupants. Similarly, lateral support for back and thighs is less than we would like. With the driver's seat in position for a six-foot driver, a six-foot rear passenger found his knees virtually under his chin. The rear seats are little more than padded depressions, so don't sentence friends to extended periods back there. But let's not make too much about the back seats. This is a small sport coupe built for fun, not rear-seat comfort. Saturn's sedan and wagon models have more rear seat room if that's what you need."
|
Add your own review or comments
