ENHANCEMENTS TO 1999 SATURN WAGONS ADD TO VALUE STORY

TROY, MICH. - With significant enhancements made to decrease powertrain sound levels and vibration, Saturn's 1999 wagon family can continue to be described as segment leaders in value, comfort and quality. Providing convenient features and versatility, with class-leading reliability and dependability, the '99 Saturn SW1 and SW2 wagons are affordable vehicle alternatives for today's practical lifestyles.

SW1 Wagon                                                             SW2 Wagon

POWER MODULES    

Saturn's family of four-cylinder engines and transmissions manufactured and assembled in Spring Hill, Tennessee provide dynamic levels of driving performance, durability, and fuel economy.

The lost foam casting process permits the Saturn facility to produce a single aluminum engine block for both the single-and dual-overhead cam versions of the 1.9-liter design. Crankshafts, also cast by the lost foam process, and connecting rods are also shared components among the SOHC and DOHC variants. This assures a high level of consistency and quality, while decreasing in-plant machining requirements and complexity.

With special attention given to the reduction of noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) characteristics for '99, hardware changes to the engines include a new crankshaft with eight counterweights (increased from four), new lighter-weight aluminum alloy pistons, longer powdered metal connecting rods, a new 8mm pitch timing chain and revised engine front cover.

The 1999 models continue to benefit from an extensively revamped exhaust system introduced midway through the 1998 model year. With its large volume muffler and changes to the resonator, down-pipe and flex joint, mid-range frequency noise peaks are substantially reduced during most driving conditions.

The DOHC engine includes a redesigned composite cam cover. Additionally, a new roller follower hydraulic valve train with racing-type needle bearing rocker arms contribute to lower operating friction, mass reduction and improved fuel efficiency.

Fed through a sequential port fuel injection (SPFI) system, the 16-valve DOHC produces 124 horsepower at 5600 rpm and 122 lb. ft. of torque at 4800 rpm. When outfitted with the standard close-ratio five-speed manual gearbox, the SW2 can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in under nine seconds; with the available four-speed electronically-controlled automatic transmission that speed can be attained in 9.6 seconds.

Estimated EPA fuel economy ratings are equally impressive: 27/38 mpg for the manual in city/highway driving (up from 26 and 36 last year), and 25/35 mpg for the automatic (up from 24/34 last year).

EXTERIOR

The exterior of the Saturn wagons maintain their unique exterior styling theme featuring an upswept, wedge-shaped look. The fenders, doors and quarter panels manufactured from a ding-and dent-resistant polymer material, allowing all Saturns to maintain their good looks long beyond the time they leave the showroom.

Every panel is covered with a universal-primer-finisher before the application of an environmentally-friendly waterborne basecoat. Then they receive a final clear coat finish to give them a long lasting shiny finish.

The wagon's exterior is complimented with a strong commitment to safety.

The front and rear bumper systems include an aluminum bumper bar coupled with a honeycomb energy management system underneath the fascias. Both the front and rear bumper systems are designed to meet all federal safety standards, including impact protection up to 5 mph with no visible damage.

Also highlighting the brand's commitment to safety, all Saturn wagons are equipped with Daytime Running Lamps (DRLs), providing increased visibility of the vehicle by others during daylight hours. Foglamps, available on the SW2, assist in driving during inclement weather conditions.

The front doors of the wagons swing out a full 66 degrees and rear doors open 74 degrees, allowing easy entry and egress.

The distinctly designed rear hatch is manufactured from sheet molding compound and is supported by counterbalanced gas struts. It automatically locks each time it is latched and can be easily released via a remote mechanism located alongside the driver seat or by key from the outside. The hatch also includes a rear wiper/washer system as standard equipment for both and
the SW1 and SW2.

A low liftover height of 25.5 inches makes for easy cargo loading. Width at the lower portion of the gate is 36 inches, providing significant area for large packages. Extra cargo space is available from a roof-mounted luggage rack, available as a retailer installed accessory.

New for '99 is a seal system added to the flush-mounted exterior glass for increased reduction in wind noise.

INTERIOR

The accommodation for five occupant (two front and three rear), an array of standard and convenient features, along with generous storage space, make Saturn wagons an attractive selection in the compact vehicle segment.

As part of Saturn's commitment to safety, driver and front passenger Reduced Force Air Bags are standard equipment. Occupants should always wear seat belts even in vehicles equipped with air bags, and sit as far away as possible from the air bag module while still being able to maintain proper control of the vehicle. Three-point active seat belts are included for all outboard positions.

Further evidence of this commitment to safety are the improvements made in the safety belt system for 1999. For example, the front belt inboard latches are 22mm longer for improved belt accessibility and occupant comfort. There is also a new front belt load-limiting retractor, and improvements have been made to the front shoulder belt height adjusters for enhanced ease of operation.

A child seat locking mechanism is included for use in securing a child restraint seat.

The rear seat in the wagons includes a structural beam for safety in side impacts.

Driving and riding is also enhanced in the wagon with its adjustable headrests standard on all SW2 models. The headrests move up and down and include a locking feature, while the SW1 models have integral headrests. Driver and front passenger seats in all wagons are equipped with manually operated reclining seat backs.

Three interior trim selections are available for 1999 wagons, depending on the model. Standard interior for the SW1 is cloth/vinyl. SW2 models are equipped with a standard cloth intenior and leather-trimmed seats are available.

Rear seats are designed to accommodate three passengers and include a 60/40 split with fold down seat backs that optimize rear storage space. With the seats folded, the rear cargo area provides more than 58 cubic feet of available space. Cargo capacity with the seats upright is 24.9 cubic feet.

Storage space for personal items is substantial with a standard front console on both models. The rear storage area of the front console has two levels. The upper level is designed for small accessories such as jewelry, coins or a wallet while the lower level can be used for larger items including tapes and soft drink cans. A lockable center armrest console unit is available as a retailer installed accessory.

(* NOTE: The primary benefit of any frontal air bag is to help protect occupants in certain collisions by supplementing the protection provided by safety belts. Reduced Force Air Bags inflate with reduced speed and deployment force, helping reduce the risk of deployment injury. However, even with Reduced Force Air Bags, there remains fatal risks to infants in rear-facing infant restraints and to other children who are not properly secured when the air bag inflates. Never secure an infant with a rear-facing restraint in the front seat of any vehicle with an active air bag. Other children are also safer is they ride properly secured in a rear seat. Remember, everyone should always use safety belts and proper child restraints. See the Owner's manual for more safety information.)