1999 Saturn Sc2

1999 SATURN SC2 Saturn is the General Motors division that likes to say it sells “a different kind of car”. The 1999 SC coupe fits this description in that it has an innovative third door on the left side, to facilitate access to the rear. Interior and trunk Getting in and out of a car this low requires a fair amount of flexibility. The front buckets are comfortable though broad-shouldered people would probably appreciate a wider backrest at shoulder level. Access to the rear is facilitated by a small door on the left that opens front-to-back like the “suicide” door on some pickups. Unique in a car, the door would be appreciated more if it provided access to a comfortable seat. This is not the case: the backrest is straight and poorly shaped, the seat cushion is not much better, and head and leg room are tight. In short, a seat for emergencies and short hops. The third door creaked on bumps, something we hope is limited to our test car. The trunk is relatively big and easy to load, and has a handy storage space for windshield washer containers and other such things. Folding the 60/40 split seat frees up more space. Safety and convenience Much quieter inside than the other Saturns we’ve tested, the SC2’s interior is also better finished. However, using the controls in general, and the turn signal and windshield wiper levers in particular, still requires more effort and concentration than is acceptable in this day and age. Storage spaces are relatively limited but handily located. Instruments and controls are generally well laid out. The air conditioner works well but is slow to cool down the interior at temperatures above 25 degrees. Safety devices include dual front air bags, lockable head restraints and optional anti-lock brakes. However, the headlights should be brighter, the dash reflects off the windshield, and there are large blind zones on both sides of the car. The head restraints do not provide adequate protection for anyone of average height or taller. The horn has just two buttons, and they are small. Engine and transmission Unlike the SC1 versions with their single-overhead-cam engine, SC2s are equipped with a dual- overhead-cam engine which develops more horsepower and torque, and delivers livelier standing and passing acceleration. The engine is responsive and well adapted but a bit noisy in heavy acceleration. Despite the rather long throw, the manual transmission is fun to use. Clutch action is progressive and responsive. On the road The Saturn SC2’s fully independent suspension is very well calibrated. It absorbs rough pavement firmly, without disturbing passenger comfort. The SC2 displays a firm grip in turns and holds its trajectory without a struggle. In brief, very interesting road holding and well- balanced comportment. A model of its kind, the variable-assist steering provides very good road feel. It is also stable, precise and reasonably quick. Our only gripe concerns the turning circle, which is a bit long. The brakes are powerful and resistant to fade. The SC2 is well built overall, but our inspection at the CAA-Quebec inspection centre showed that there are no protective plates for the brake discs and no shielding for the brake lines. Conclusion The sporty-looking SC2 does a very competent job. Not to be mistaken for a Porsche 911, it nonetheless provides reasonably lively, satisfying performance. Balance and good road sensation make the SC2 fun to drive in all conditions. FOR AGAINST Smooth ride Windshield reflections Road holding Small horn buttons Pleasant steering Balky controls Practical 3rd door Low head restraints Soundproofing Uncomfortable rear seating Well-adapted engine Narrow back rests 1999 SATURN SC Engine: 8-valve, 1.9-litre 4-cylinder; 16 Horsepower: 100 hp @ 5,000 rpm; 124 hp valve @ 5,600 rpm Torque: 114 lb-ft 2,400 rpm; 122 lb-ft @ Transmission: 5-speed manual; 4-speed 4,800 rpm automatic Suspension: fully independent Brakes: front disc-rear drum Length: 457.4 cm Width: 170.9 cm Height: 133.3 cm Wheelbase: 260.1 cm Weight: 1,050 kg to 1,095 kg Tires: P175/70R14; P185/65R15; P195/60R15 Towing capacity: 454 kg Air bags: standard dual Fuel consumption (124-hp engine and manual transmission): − Transport Canada rating: city: 9.1 L/100 km (31 mpg); highway: 5.8 L/100 km (49 mpg) − Test result: 8.7 L/100 (32 mpg) Fuel tank capacity: 45.8 litres Acceleration: 0-100 km/h : 94 seconds 60-100 km/h : 6.1 seconds Competition: Chevrolet Cavalier, Ford Escort ZX2, Honda Civic, Htundai Tiburon, Pontiac Sunfire, Toyota Paseo, Volkswagen New Beetle Maintenance (amount may vary from dealer to dealer): Frequency: 3 months/5,000 km; Total cost to 100,000 km: $1,197 Warranty: − Full basic coverage: 3 years/60,000 km − Powertrain: 3 years/60,000 km − Surface corrosion: 3 years/60,000 km − Perforation damage: 6 years/160,000 km − Emissions control system: 3 years/60,000 km (full coverage); 8 years/130,000 km (catalytic converter, electronic control module) Factory replacement parts: Rear bumper: $658 Front brake disk: $92 Brake pads: $94 Muffler: $168 Front fender: $316 Average insurance premium (Quebec City, replacement cost endorsement, claim-free insurance record, female driver or male driver 30 to 40 years old): $584 to $904 Price according to trim line: SC1: $16,618; SC2: $20,848 Main options: Automatic transmission: $1,000 ABS: $920 Air conditioning: $1,210 (SC1) Option groups: $1,070 to $1,080 Price as tested: $23,238 Freight and preparation: $505 Dealers: Quebec: 17 Canada: 46 CAA-Quebec, August 1999.

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