Spring Hill finally has something to crow about, quietly.
By Steven D. Gatt, Automotive Editor
For 1997, Saturn has hatched its first complete redesign of the coupe lineup: SC1 and SC2. Recently, I had the chance to spend a week in the up level SC2. Saturn has made vast improvements in sound insulation. That is big news, for Saturn has long been known for obtrusive noise levels.
Saturn took specific steps in curing noise level problems that journalists and owners have been complaining about for years. The engine mounts and torque struts were improved, to reduce vibration and noise from the engine. New front-of-dash and pass-through mats were installed, reducing noise even more. Door seals were further improved and sound-absorbing material added between exterior door panels and the door frame.
The SC2 has an all-new exterior with exposed headlights and full-width tail lamps. The headlamps are very bright and feature daytime running lights. Overall, the silhouette it creates is similar to the Eagle Talon. Saturn has stuck with the plastic, dent resistant, exterior panels on the doors, fenders, quarters and facias. The center high mounted stop light (third brake light) is now at the top of the rear window providing better visibility and more safety to other drivers. Front and rear crumple zones help protect occupants from injuries in severe accidents. The new exterior has a surprisingly low coefficient of drag: .31. The new coupe is based on the sedan platform, giving the SC a longer wheelbase and increasing interior space.
The larger interior space is visible in expanded rear seat compartment, additional knee room and plentiful headroom for taller passengers. The front seats now have longer seat tracks providing front occupants with more legroom. The interior also features driver lumbar support (manual), fold-down rear seat backs (split 60/40) and a rear window defroster. Unfortunately, the Saturn is still missing a factory installed center armrest between driver and front passenger. The Saturn is unique in the fact that it is a true four-seater: the coupe has two bucket seats front and rear.
The Saturn SC2 features the dual overhead cam version of the 1.9L found in the base coupe. While the engine in the SC2 remains the same, it has been refined since the original introduction. It now features equal-length drive shafts, in order to reduce torque steer. Power output is a reasonable 124 hp, and when mated to a 5-speed manual seems more powerful than some competition. Mileage ratings, as provided by the EPA, were 27 city and 37 highway. During my week long drive, I achieved 30 mpg.
The small, sporty subcompact market is a crowded one. The Saturn SC2's key competitors are: Dodge Neon Sport Coupe, Nissan 200SX SE-R, and Chevy Cavalier Z24. Ford won't have the new Escort GT on the market until the end of the first quarter 1997. The Saturn features a better exterior design than the aforementioned competitors, but the interior lags behind. The dashboard is quite large, and it seems to me more interior room could be found if the dash was pushed forward. I care for the steering wheel design either, the horn buttons are small, hard to find in the dark and the wheel doesn't have a comfortable 3 and 9 position. I prefer a horn pad instead of buttons, but with airbags it isn't safe. The passenger side airbag has a strange looking lip just above it.
With a base price of $13,695; destination $400; $695 anti-lock brakes; $375 AM/FM stereo cassette upgrade; $2,180 preferred power convenience package, for a total price of $17,345, the Saturn coupe isn't cheap. Built in Spring Hill, Tennessee, the all-new SC2 is significantly refined. Knowing that, and how fabulously you will be treated at the retailer, the 1997 Saturn SC2 is worth serious consideration.