Saturn shows flexibility with new hybrid model
In the looks department Saturn’s Flextreme Plug-in has what it takes to attract attention to the benefits of hybrid vehicles.
Email
Print
Letter to Editor
Share
Hybrid and fuel cell cars are all well and good with their ability to reduce both fossil fuel consumption and harmful emissions.
But for them to really catch on they have to be reliable, comparable in cost to internal combustion technology and look the part of a futuristic vehicle.
Toyota learned that particular lesson in terms of looks when it introduced the Prius.
It was styled very much like the old Echo which meant it was rather drab—narrow, tall, with skinny tires. If there ever was a class geek on wheels, the first Prius was it.
It did sell well in Japan. And when it arrived in Canada the same body style found a market.
But when the time came for a second generation facelift, the change was pleasing to the eyes as it started looking the part of a car for the future.
That’s where Saturn comes into the picture.
It has already entered the hybrid wars with its VUE 4-by-4 which subscribes to the philosophy of making a hybrid almost indistinguishable from gasoline-only powered versions of the same model.
But the maverick marque from GM is making noise with its Flextreme Plug-in.
Based on the platform used by the much-anticipated Chevrolet Volt which bills itself as an extended range hybrid, the Flextreme Plug-in manages to outdo its cousin in terms of looks.
Sure, the Volt has a catchier name, but its rebirth as a four-door sedan as it nears the reality of production has taken away some of the wow factor when it first appeared as a concept.
Saturn has managed to add more sizzle with the Flextreme Plug-in’s squat jelly bean profile. Think of what Nissan’s Murano crossover would look like if is was lowered and slightly squashed.
Add to that a dramatically penned nose with an original “X” styled headlamp housing which is divided by a small grille, and you have a car which is an eye-catcher.
Also screaming for attention is the fact the Flextreme Plug-in is said to be able to travel up to 55 km using its lithium ion battery before the gasoline engine kicks in.
And when you do arrive at your destination you simply plug it in from a household power outlet to recharge the battery.
Actual fuel efficiency numbers are not immediately available, but rest assured, they should be pretty good.
And that’s essentially what this new Saturn is—pretty easy on the eyes and good for the wallet and environment.
v2
