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VUE'S THOUGHTFUL,
VERSATILE INTERIOR MEETS NEEDS OF ACTIVE LIFESTYLES
With a thoughtful design that emphasizes versatility
and intuitive operations, the Saturn VUE sets a new
benchmark in its segment for user friendliness. The
VUE offers plenty of room for people and cargo, along
with a host of useful features.
"Customers will love using the VUE," said Arthur
Pryde, lead interior designer. "The VUE provides surprising
space, seating flexibility and creative storage solutions,
all in a stylish package geared to meet the needs
of active lifestyles."
 Easy-to-understand controls, gauges
Consistent with its exterior design themes, the VUE's
interior controls and gauges are clean and direct.
The easy-to-understand entertainment and environment
controls are all clustered in a central pod. A second
pod, directly in front of the driver, houses all the
instrument gauges, which are large and easy-to-read
through the steering wheel. Cruise controls are located
on the steering wheel, and the driver can honk the
horn by pressing anywhere on the air bag cover.
While the VUE's space-frame design permits a low
step-in height, its front seats still allow a commanding
view. A four-way adjustable driver's seat assures
the commanding view and also offers excellent support
and comfort. Cup holders are conveniently located
and easy to use, and instrument panel surfaces have
been pushed forward to open up the interior and enhance
the feeling of spaciousness.
Consistent with other Saturns, power window switches
are near the center of the vehicle, on a horseshoe-shaped
trim plate fitted around the shift lever. Power mirror
controls and the auxiliary power outlet also are located
on the trim plate. Large, high-mounted air ducts deliver
heated or cooled air to rear seat passengers; the
center outlets are oval shaped, and outboard outlets
are half ovals for consistency.
Choice of audio systems
The standard audio system on 4-cylinder models is
an AM/FM stereo radio with electronic tuning and four
six-inch speakers, one located in each door panel.
A system that adds CD-play capability and two tweeters,
one in each mirror patch trim area, is standard on
6-cylinder models and optional on 4-cylinder models.
Two other systems are optional on all VUEs. The
first includes AM/FM stereo with electronic tuning,
cassette player, single-CD player and six speakers.
The top-of-the-line option is similar but features
an in-dash six-disc CD changer. These two up-level
audio systems are compatible with the optional OnStar
system.
Unique center console
Because the VUE's all-wheel-drive system operates
automatically, no transfer case shifter is necessary.
As a result, designers simplified the center console
and created a more useful storage area. The transmission
shifter is located on an extension of the instrument
panel's center pod. As a result, the shift knob is
higher and further forward than normal - but the lever
is shorter than normal and somewhat angled to maintain
the right ergonomic balance. This arrangement allows
a large, open area between the front seats that is
an ideal spot for a purse, planner or small bag of
groceries. Just to the rear, there's a medium-sized
console storage box that accepts up to six CDs.
Door surfaces have built-in recesses to accommodate
the instrument panel, which gives the appearance of
a wider cabin. The instrument panel, forward door
inserts and carpeting are a darker tone than the rest
of the interior. The interior color choices include
shades of gray or light tan, and multi-grained surfaces
are used for a more upscale appearance. The entire
center instrument panel pod is finished with an ebony
mica black soft-touch paint.
One-hand operation
Many of the VUE's interior features were designed
for easy, one-hand operation. A good example is the
design of the rear seat backrests, where one hand
is sufficient to release the seatback, fold it forward
and latch it securely in place, or change the recline
position. There's no need to fiddle with or remove
the headrest. Releasing the backrest to the upright
position also is a one-hand operation.
The rear-seat backrest can be adjusted to either
of two positions to suit passenger preferences. The
70/30 fold-down design allows customers to configure
the seat position to meet their needs. The backrest
on the front passenger seat also can be folded flat,
and it features a durable scuff-resistant surface.
With the front passenger seat folded down in line
with the folded rear seat, customers can carry long
objects such as an 8-foot long ladder with the tailgate
closed.
The liftgate also opens with a one-hand operation,
and with no need to move a spare tire out of the way,
as is the case with some compact sport-utilities.
Gas struts hold the liftgate open, and integrated
liftgate lamps light automatically. The spare wheel
and tire are stored out of the way under the cargo
floor, allowing them to remain clean. Storing the
spare in the floor also significantly reduces the
potential for damage from low-speed rear impacts.
Innovative storage
 VUE's rear cargo compartment was designed to give
customers the flexibility to handle a variety of demands.
The level cargo floor is at about knee height, for
easy liftover and loading. The rear cargo compartment
expands from 30.3 cubic feet to 63.5 cubic feet with
the rear seats folded forward.
An innovative pop-up cargo organizer helps keep groceries
and other objects from tipping over or sliding around.
The organizer can be set up by flipping up a divider
panel and snapping side walls into place.
Recessed storage bins, each large enough to hold
a gallon jug, are located just behind each rear wheelhouse.
Three hooks for light items, such as plastic grocery
bags, plus four tie-down rings for heavier items help
secure cargo. In addition, all four doors have storage
pockets.
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