Saturn ion

POV Drive: 2007 Saturn Ion Redline

The Saturn Ion is a compact car that was first introduced by the American automobile company General Motors under the Saturn brand in 2003. This model is based on the GM Delta platform. Saturn Ion car replaced the previously released model Saturn S-Series.

Introduced in 2003, the Saturn Ion was equipped with a four-cylinder DOHC Ecotec engine with a 2.2-liter capacity and 140 hp. Later a 2.4 liter engine was proposed, whose power was 170 hp. There were two transmissions offered. The model could be equipped with either a 5-speed manual gearbox Getrag F23 or 5-speed automatic transmission Aisin AF23. Also, cars could be equipped with a VTi CVT CVT.

The Ion model was available in two body styles: a coupe and a sedan. The coupe modification was called the "Quad Coupe" for having small doors at the back of the car. Of the features relating to the cabin, it is worth noting the dashboard, which is located in the middle of the dashboard, and not behind the steering wheel.

In 2004, a special top version of the Saturn Ion model called "Red Line" was introduced. The car was equipped with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, whose power increased to 205 hp, as well as a new, more reliable model of the 5-speed manual transmission - Getrag F35. The brake system has been improved. In the cabin were installed sports seats Recaro. Also this year the special version "SE" (Special Edition) was presented. She was represented in the sedan and had a two-fold leather trim, embroidered floor mats, chrome exhaust pipes, as well as a rear-view mirror with automatic dimming, a compass and a temperature indicator. The version was available in three color options: black (Black Onyx), red (Chili Pepper Red), and blue (Electric Blue).

In 2005, the new 4-speed automatic transmission of the 4-speed 4T45-E replaced the previously used automatic transmission and the variator. Also this year, the front part of the sedan car has been updated.

In 2007, the engine capacity of 2.2 liters increased to 145 hp, and the engine capacity of 2.4 liters to 175 hp

In March 2007, the production of the Saturn Ion model was completed, and in its place came a car called the Saturn Astra, which is now manufactured under the Opel brand (Opel Astra).