When Three Doors Just Aren't Enough
When Saturn first came out with the three-door SC coupe back in 1999, I thought it a very bold, but odd move. A 3-door coupe? I mean, doesn't that defeat the purpose of a coupe in the first place? I guess not, as now the General Motors division has upped the anti by introducing the new ION Quad Coupe. But while it might have two doors and then some, this vehicle holds true to the coupe designation.
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| Although it has four doors, the Saturn ION Quad coupe holds true to its 'coupe' designation. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press) |
After picking up the ION I headed over to my second job, which just happens to be located up the notoriously winding Sea-To-Sky Highway. What better a way to get acquainted with my new toy than to test out its handling prowess in turns and available power on a passing lane or two?
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| The Quad handles curves well and has a fair bit of get up and go, due to its 140-hp 2.2-litre, 16-valve, 4-cylinder DOHC engine. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press) |
I anticipated that the Quad would handle more like a sedan than a coupe but it proved me wrong. Its front suspension is semi-independent with a stabilizer bar, and the rear semi-independent with a torsion beam and stabilizer bar; making for a stiff ride - very coupe-esque! It also has electric power steering with variable assist making turning in and out of corners quite easy and accurate.
Powering the ION is a 2.2-litre, 16-valve, 4-cylinder DOHC engine, providing 140 horsepower at 5,800 rpm and 145 lb-ft of torque at 4,400 rpm. This is a decent amount of pep considering the ION only weighs 1,256 kg (2,769 lbs), zipping me up and down the highway without even breaking a sweat.