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Last week’s showing of a compact SUV points a new direction for Saturn.

The all-new SUV, sized to compete against vehicles such as the Ford Escape, Mazda Tribute, Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4, is unique to Saturn and will be built in its Spring Hill, Tenn., factory. It goes on sale in the fall of 2001.

“Adding a sport utility vehicle to the Saturn line is the logical next step in a strategy to expand the Saturn brand with a portfolio of innovative, larger vehicles,” said G. Richard Wagoner Jr., president and CEO of General Motors, at Friday’s vehicle unveiling at the South Florida International Auto Show in Miami. The first Saturn was shown at the Miami show 10 years ago.

“The market for compact sport-utility vehicles is expected to nearly double over the next five years, giving Saturn a great opportunity to continue to bring new customers to the General Motors family,” he said.

The new SUV will be fairly straightforward. It retains Saturn’s well-known dent-resistant polymer plastic body panels mounted on a steel space frame. It will come in front-wheel-drive or four-wheel-drive models, and offer the choice of a 4-cylinder or a V6.

Innovations such as a continously variable transmission (CVT), electrically assisted power steering and an interior with new levels of flexibility are also incorporated into the vehicle.

The 2.2-liter, 4-cylinder engine is a 138-horsepower unit that will be mated to a five-speed manual or the CVT. The CVT is similar in concept to the transmission in a snowmobile. A pair of variable-diameter pulleys and a special steel belt precisely match engine output to vehicle speed. The engine maintains a relatively constant speed while the transmission pulleys change ratio, accelerating the vehicle without traditional gear changes. The CVT provides seamless acceleration and Saturn claims fuel economy is improved over traditional transmissions because the engine operates in its ideal power band most of the time.

The 3.0-liter V6, with 181-horsepower, is the same as the one used in the large L-series Saturns, and it has a 5-speed automatic transmission.

The all-wheel-drive system’s transfer case is placed just in front of the rear axle. When the front wheels slip, as much as 100 percent of the power can be transferred to the back wheels, according to Saturn. The system is so compact it does not need a drive-shaft tunnel, which results in a flat interior floor.

The body design continues Saturn styling cues, including a subtle swoosh line in the lower body-side panels. The wheelbase is 106.6 inches and overall length is 181.8 inches. Sixteen-inch wheels are used, and bumpers are located at the same height as a regular car to provide protection from parking damage.

The suspension is a four-wheel, independent design that has adequate ground clearance for unpaved roads but sits low enough for good control in city driving. This SUV is not intended as an off-road vehicle .

Saturn says the interior is designed for new levels of user friendliness. The driving position is high enough to offer a commanding view, yet step-in height is low enough to be convenient.

The 70/30 folding rear seat has a two-position recliner. The front passenger seatback folds forward to accommodate long items such as an 8-foot ladder or a surfboard.

The instrument panel is designed to slope away from occupants to create a feeling of spaciousness. Thoughtful storage spaces are included throughout the vehicle. There is a place for a purse or a planner in the front center console, while around back, the cargo area has storage pockets to keep small items, such as a jug of milk, from rolling around. There are three plastic hooks for grocery bags and four tie-down loops for securing larger objects.

Saturn says it has paid particular attention to vehicle safety. The space frame is constructed almost entirely from high-strength steel, according to press mater ls, and it incorporates full-length frame rails and a rugged steel safety cage in a single, welded unit.

Saturn says it uses advanced child seat anchors for the rear seat, and side-curtain air bags are also available.

Sales of Saturn’s mid-size L-series have been sluggish of late, and I suspect dealers would like to have the SUV today instead of next fall.

To get in touch with Tom Strongman call (816) 234-4349 or e-mail: strongmn@kcstar.com.

There is no At A Glance box because this is not a test drive.

SPECIFICATIONS:

Engine: 2.2-liter, 4-cyl.

or 3.0-liter V6

Transmission: Five-speed manual, CVT or automatic

Front-wheel or four-wheel drive

Wheelbase: 106.6 inches

Curb weight: 3,175 to 3,471 lbs.

Prices have not been announced