General Motors has unveiled the first complete redesign of its entry-level Saturn small car line-up since the innovative plastic-panelled S-series arrived – along with the brand – in 1990.


Billed as a 2003 model and re-christened Ion, the new range of sedan and quad coupe (a coupe with a rear-hinged “access door” on each side) will go on sale in the fourth quarter of this year.


The two new models are built on GM’s new Delta global small-car platform and have the 2.2-litre EcoTec four-cylinder petrol engine already used in Saturn’s Vue SUV and L-series mid-sized car model. There is a choice of three transmissions: five-speed manual or conventional automatic and a new CVT.


GM is going after more young buyers with the Ion and thinks easy personalisation will be a key attraction of the new range.


Various “personal accents” kits will include interchangeable roof rails that are colour-coordinated with interior trim kits consisting of bezels for the centre-mounted instrument panel, shifter and climate control panel. Saturn also plans to offer a full range of dealer-installed accessories.

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While Saturn dealers can apply the exterior and interior accents, GM estimates that most customers can make the changes themselves in less than one hour with proper tools. The ease of changing means a customer can vary the car’s appearance several times, and still change back to the original look at any time, such as at resale time of resale.


Saturn plans to price the kits so they will be affordable to younger buyers with tight budgets.


The Ion will be built with the Vue SUV in a partial split-line arrangement at Saturn’s factory in Spring Hill, Tennessee.


Both vehicles continue the division tradition of polymer side panels fixed to a tough steel frame.


Ignoring recent new cars like the Toyota Yaris/Echo, Mini and Nissan Primera and X-Trail which already feature centre-mounted dials, GM describes the Ion’s also-central instrument cluster as “innovative” and, much like the other manufacturers, claims it “enhances the driving experience by helping keep the eyes closer to the horizon”.


The Ion is 50mm (two inches) taller and 150mm (six inches) longer than its predecessor with a wider track (about 50mm) and longer wheelbase.


GM says the new, stiffer Delta platform brings significant improvements in noise and vibration, as do the hydraulic engine mounts, dual balance shafts on the Ecotec powerplant and improved noise dampening throughout.


Inside, the seating position is significantly higher for both front and rear occupants, improving entry and exit. The quad coupe is equipped with “fold-flat” passenger front and rear seats.


GM expects the ION sedan to have the largest boot in its class and claims that the quad coupe – thanks to those dual rear doors and fold-flat seats – can carry items like a small stepladder or a small kayak.


The Ion has electronic power steering – a first-time small-car application on a domestic GM vehicle – which is said to improve fuel efficiency by eliminating the power steering pump. The speed-sensitive system incorporates variable effort steering.


Independent front and semi-independent torsion beam rear suspension is fitted with GM claiming that front and rear stabiliser bars, a wider track, and a longer wheelbase improve the Ion models’ ride and handling over their S-series predecessors.


Dual-stage driver and passenger air bags are standard, and a head-curtain air bag system is optional.