Saturn VUE

General Motor’s Non-traditional division is introducing a compact sport utility this spring. Embodying such Saturn core values as dent - and chip resistant polymer side panels, space frame body construction and Saturn’s highly rated ownership experience, the VUE launches into a booming SUV market.

What makes the VUE worthy of consideration among so many competitors? Innovation. The VUE is the SUV with standard power assisted rack, and pinion steering and the first to offer an optional continuously variable transmission and side curtain airbags. The VUE is also a good value; its base price starts well under $20,000.

The VUE is also a large valve. About the size of a Jeep Grand Cherokee, defining characteristic of the VUE include a stability enhancing long wheel base, carlike low step in height and a 4 ft. wide rear cargo opening. Yet the VUE offers compact SUV efficiencies and fuel economy. The VUE platform can be configured with front or all wheel drive. Power train choices include a 4 cylinder mated to a 5 speed manual or continuously variable transmission, and a V6 teamed with a 5 speed automatic. The V-6 is available only with all wheel drive.

Volvo XC90

Volvo’s Station Wagons have provided some alternatives for people who prefer not to own a sport utility. Now the Swedish automaker has created its own SUV, and it might well be the sport utility for people who never thought they’d owe one. Styling for the XC90 comes not from Volvo’s design studio in Goteborg, Sweden, but from Camarillo, California. Penned by an American, Doug Frasher, and the SUV’s shape mirrors all the latest design cues from Volvo cars, though exaggerated for this larger vehicle.

Although only 5 in. longer than a BMW X5, the XC90 is a 7 passenger vehicle, thanks to clever packaging. Using transverse inline engines – a 2.5 liter 5 cylinder or a turbocharged 2.9 liter 6 cylinder allowed the power plant, wheels and dashboard to be moved forward. With the rear wheels pushed as far back as possible, designers were able to create a large cabin.

The interior isn’t just big, its also quite flexible to accommodate different configurations. To aid this, the second row of seats can be moved fore and aft. Parents of younger children will appreciate that the centre seat in the second row can be slid forward, to bring the child almost level with the front seat passengers.

Mazda Truck

Mazda did a major rework of its B-Series truck, giving it s distinctive look to go with the brawn of its new optional 4.0 liter V-6. As before, however, the Mazda remains a restyled Ford Ranger. Mazda is burnishing the line’s image as a go anywhere hauler by adding a new Off Road package. The rugged looks of the Mazda Truck are enhanced by 15-in, tear drop alloy wheels sporting 31x 10.5R-15BFE Goodrich tires, tie down rails on top of the cargo box and new side steps. Inside, the cockpit gets a new full length centre console, bucket seats and an AM/FM/CD/MP3 player.

Beneath the skin, Mazda has the goods to back this look up. The top line B4000 (the B-name may be gone, but the model designations remain) is powered by a 207 bhp 4.0 liter V-6 that makes 238lb ft, of torque. Fitted with the standard limited slip differential and Class III trailer hitch, this model is capable of towing nearly 5900 lb. That figure covers numerous midsize travel and utility trailers.

The mid range truck is the B3000. It features a 3.0 liter V-6 that makes 147 bhp and 179 lb-ft of torque. The entry level model is the B2300. It’s fitted with a 135 bhp 2.3 liter inline 4 that produces 153 lb-ft. of torque. A new SE-5 model is offered in this range and includes 15-in. wheels, air conditioning, AM/FM/CD, a 60/40 split cloth bench and full carpeting.

GMC Sonoma

Sonoma roster is slightly downsized from 2001 with the deletion of Regular Cab long box model. That means none of the Sonomas can receive a sheet of plywood with the tail gate up, but a newly available bed extender made for the wide bed models helps when it’s time to haul a big load. Customers have a choice of three Sonoma models Regular Cab, Extended Cab, and Crew Cab. Both the Regular and Extended Cab can be optioned with the 2 Speed transfer case for 4wd operation. The Crew Cab, which features four full size doors and seats five, comes standard with the 4x4 drive train. Additionally, the third door is now standard on all Extended Cabs.

Another area of simplification can be seen in the trim level offerings. It’s now down to two: the base SL and the uplevel SLS. The good news is that some of the old SLE items such as the chrome grille trim and matching wheel centrecaps have been folded into the SLS package. But simplification does not mean a crimp in diversity. Two wheel drive versions are powered by the gas sipping Vortec 2200 4 cylinder, or can be optioned with the stouter Vortec 4300 V-6 that offers a pleasing 19-mpg combined fuel economy rating. The Sonoma’s transmission lineup includes two 5 speed manual, and a 4 speed automatic that comes standard with the Crew Cab.