Saturn ion
| Saturn | |
|---|---|
 Saturn Ion (2003-2004)
|
|
| ion | |
| Production period: | 2003-2007 |
| Class : | Compact class |
| Body versions : | Limousine , coupe |
| Engines: |
Petrol engines : 2.0–2.4 liters (104–177 kW) |
| Length: | 4686-4699 mm |
| Width: | 1707-1725 mm |
| Height: | 1412-1458 mm |
| Wheelbase : | 2621-2629 mm |
| Empty weight : | 1203-1248 kg |
| Previous model | Saturn S-Series |
| successor | Saturn Astra |
The Saturn Ion was a compact car from the American General Motors car brand that was produced from early 2003 to late 2007. It was based on the GM Delta platform . In North America it was one of the small cars. A special feature was the coupé, which had so-called suicide doors .
history
2003-2004
At the beginning of 2003, the Ion came on the market with a 2.2-liter DOHC Ecotec I4 engine with 104 kW (140 hp) as a four-door sedan and a so-called four-door coupé ( including suicide doors ).
The speedometer unit was not mounted behind the steering wheel, but in the middle of the dashboard. A Getrag F23 5-speed manual transmission or an Aisin AF23 5-speed automatic transmission were optionally available. The compact 5-speed automatic transmission had several unique features. It lacked an overdrive , so five forward gears were packed the size of a typical four-speed manual transmission. Both brought a tight gear ratio for better acceleration and better fuel efficiency.
For the 2004 model year, in addition to better interior materials and the range of new sound systems, electric power steering was standard.
2004-2006
In autumn 2004 the Aisin 5-speed automatic transmission was replaced by the GM 4-speed 4T45-E, the 2005 models received a new steering wheel.
In mid-2005, the basic model received higher quality seat covers and height adjustment. In addition, the Quiet Stahl multilaminate sound technology was introduced in the vehicles to reduce engine and interior noise. The front of the body has been redesigned with a larger grille and redesigned bumper. There were also new hub caps and alloy wheels.
The 2006 model year saw only minor cosmetic changes. The Level 2 and Level 3 models were offered with new GM radios with MP3 playback. In addition, a 170 hp (127 kW) 2.4-liter inline four-cylinder engine with variable valve control has now become available. Many 2006 Ion model owners have been unhappy with the reliability of the ignition and the lack of adequate customer service / warranty.
2006-2007
In autumn 2006 the 2.2-liter Ecotec engine was increased in output from 104 kW (140 PS) to 108 kW (145 PS), the 2.4-liter Ecotec received an increase of 127 kW (170 PS) ) to 130 kW (175 PS). The coupe received redesigned front and rear bumpers, side moldings, elliptical fog lights and a chrome tailpipe.
The sedan was discontinued in March 2007. In the fall of the same year it was replaced by the Saturn Astra , which corresponded to the Opel Astra H with hatchback.
The end of 2007 also ended the sale of the Ion Coupé, which was replaced in spring 2008 by the Saturn Astra GTC ( Opel Astra H GTC).
Red Line Edition (2004-2007)
Saturn produced the Red Line edition of the Ion Coupe from mid-2004 to autumn 2007 . This was developed in cooperation with the GM Performance Division and tested on the Nürburgring . The engine was a 2.0 liter Ecotec LSJ engine, which delivered 153 kW (205 hp) with an Eaton M62 Roots compressor and intercooler . There was also the stronger F35 5-speed manual transmission from the Opel shelf.
The chassis was lowered by 10 mm compared to the standard coupé and had larger 4-wheel disc brakes. The car was also fitted with 17-inch alloy wheels and Recaro sports seats. Also included was an exhaust system with a chrome tailpipe, which provided a more aggressive engine sound from the exhaust. The Ion Red Line started with a base price of $ 20,950.
An optional competition package has been introduced for the 2005 model year. This included 17mm Gunmetal Painted aluminum rims , boost pressure indicator, limited slip differential and projector beam fog lights.
There were two optional engine kit upgrades in mid-2006, with power increasing by 31 to 236 hp for around $ 500 USD. For around $ 750 USD you could increase it again to 241 hp.
