VUE'S EXTERIOR DESIGN BALANCES FRIENDLY SATURN STYLE WITH RUGGED LOOKS

In creating the Saturn VUE, designers faced the challenge of balancing Saturn brand characteristics - approachable and friendly - with the rugged and substantial looks that customers expect in a sport-utility.

"For the Saturn VUE, we adopted a contemporary look with a strong presence," said Dan Magda, Saturn lead exterior designer. "We wanted the VUE to be approachable, not intimidating like a lot of SUVs. As a result, the VUE retains the proportions of a sport-utility, but with the clean, efficient look found in leading industrial designs."

Finding the right balance
VUE designers used consumer research to help find the right balance. For example, when consumers originally were shown a fascia that was predominantly gray, they said it was too intimidating. That prompted the addition of body color at the front of the vehicle.

To create an integrated appearance in front, designers covered the bumper with a full fascia, giving a smooth shape without the typical offset between bumper surfaces and surrounding areas. Designers added gray accents at the lower portion of the fascia to emphasize a high-riding look, while still allowing the front bumper to be aligned at car height for optimum collision performance.

The Saturn brand character is incorporated in the front-end design with horizontal headlamps separated by a body-colored center panel and a prominent Saturn emblem. The fascia's lower area consists of an air intake with a center split bar. Outboard air inlets feature grills on front-wheel-drive 4-cylinder models, and are filled with fog lamps on all-wheel-drive 4-cylinder and V6 models.

Easy entry
The VUE's space-frame design allowed the fore-aft frames to be located below the floor. That enabled designers to lower the rocker panels, providing a convenient step-over height for easy entry to the interior without needing to climb over a tall sill. Gray accents in the rocker area provide the appearance of an SUV-like height, while still providing the advantage of convenient entry.

The VUE uses polymer exterior panels, a characteristic of Saturns since the original S-Series debuted as a 1991 model. The dent-resistant composite panels contribute to the VUE's clean look, because they eliminate the need for add-on cladding to protect against dings.

A high belt line and strong wheel flares both lend a sturdy, substantial look to the VUE. The standard 16-inch steel wheel covers and two optional wheels present a bold look consistent with an SUV. Open-section grab-type door handles offer convenience with a more rugged feeling.

A roof rack is integrated into the roof panel, helping to maintain the vehicle's clean profile while providing a convenient means for customers to carry additional cargo.

Saturn 'swoosh'
The VUE is linked to other products in the Saturn showroom through use of a side-view swoosh that curves subtly upward and adds tension to the side surfaces.

The rear bumper is neatly integrated with a smooth shape and virtually no offset at the corners. A strong horizontal feature across the middle of the liftgate emphasizes the width of the rear and accentuates its SUV character. The taillamp, running from the bumper to the belt line, defines the corner of the vehicle in a strong, elegant manner that is consistent with the clean look of the VUE.

Car-friendly bumpers not only help provide protection from parking lot damage, but they also complement the VUE's balanced, integrated form.

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