Saturn released their first hybrid suv in late 2006 as a 2007 model year, but don’t expect to find many available on dealer lots. Aptly named the “green line”, production shortages of the GM green machine have made them scarce over the past few months. Now, the 2008 hybrid Saturn Vue is nearly ready for release - and surprisingly, Saturn isn’t providing much new infomation (link is below, for what it’s worth).
Maybe part of the reason for the hush is because GM has already hinted that a year from now (Fall of 2008), the 2009 Saturn Hybrid Green Line will debut with a more sophisticated, two-mode hybrid system that could improve fuel economy (over the non-hybrid Vue) by more than 45%. While some customers may choose to wait, the 2008 version promises to remain a viable option, with it’s previous best in class fuel economy and affordability.
GM made a bold statement earlier this year (albeit one with no deadline), when they announced that…GM is committed to producing a plug-in version of the Vue Green Line that will double the fuel economy performance of any SUV currently on the market. No date has been set for the introduction of the plug-in hybrid, but it is a top priority program for the company. So, we have that to look forward to sometime in the future, and more details can be found on the autobloggreen site as well.
So, with just one more year of the only option being a Belt Alternator Starter (BAS), “mild hybrid” system - the Greenline is set to return - bringing with it some potentially promising changes that are just around the corner. We now have to wait to see if the 2008 model can again deliver 27-32 mpg fuel economy, a repeat of its 5-star safety ratings, and a price tag under $25,000. Looking forward to taking this one for a spin!
Get a free quote on a Saturn Vue hybrid!
2008 Saturn Vue Green Line Hybrid Reviews and Information:
[…] 4-cylinder 2007 / 2008 Saturn Vue Green Line models have been judged as something less than full hybrid suvs. Like the current Saturn Aura […]