The Saturn Vue Hybrid is a good choice for a family vehicle that balances fuel economy and utility.

This five-passenger, "one mode" hybrid shuts off the four-cylinder gasoline engine at traffic stops, gives a boost of power on acceleration through electric motors and uses regenerative braking to channel kinetic energy back to the hybrid battery. But it can't be driven under battery power alone.

Fuel-mileage ratings are 25 mpg city and 32 highway, using 87 octane. In a week of driving, I was averaging 24 to 25 mpg for combined city and highway driving, according to the onboard computer. And I expect I could do better.

The Vue Hybrid had been in short supply because of a battery problem, but that has been fixed, and vehicles should be rolling into dealerships now.

The 2008 Vue Hybrid just had a price increase, which bumped the sticker to $26,270. Standard features include 17-inch chrome-alloy wheels, low-rolling-resistance tires, body-color front and rear fascias, rear spoiler, single-zone automatic air conditioning and steering-wheel-mounted buttons for audio and cruise control.

This is pushing the limit for many family budgets, but a nicely done, non-hybrid Vue starts at $22,150 and has fuel-mileage ratings of 19/26.

The hybrid's closest competitor is the two-mode Ford Escape Hybrid (34/30 mpg), which costs about $28,000 when comparably equipped to today's test vehicle.

The delay of 2008 vehicles is also running into the launch of the 2009 model, which goes on sale in August. Prices haven't been announced. But the way manufacturers have been raising prices to cover the cost of materials and freight, it's likely that the '09 will cost more.

This generation of the Vue is a vast improvement over earlier ones. The cabin is comfortable, with durable fabric, simple layout of controls and good-quality assembly. There's adequate soundproofing and a comfortable ride, but the suspension is clunky over rough roads.

The driver has good sightlines, and the steering is well-boosted for nimbleness in tight parking lots, but a wide, 40-foot turning circle diminishes some of that handiness.

The back seat gains points for a flat floor and comfortable window seats, but it loses points for not offering a center rear head restraint. The center seat is fine for youngsters, as long as they aren't taller than the seatback. There are many details, such as grab handles at all doors, seatback pockets, door-panel storage, a rear folding armrest with storage, and reading lights front and rear.

The cargo area is spacious and easily expanded by folding seatbacks, including the fold-forward front passenger seat. The tailgate has an awkward leverage point because the release handle is about in the center of the door.

It's an accommodating vehicle to drive, and acceleration is quite acceptable, particularly as drivers now care more about how fast the gas gauge moves.

I like the one-mode Vue for its simplicity. It should be low maintenance for long-haul ownership. The hybrid components and 36-volt battery pack have warranties for eight years or 100,000 miles. And, as always, the Vue has Saturn's 30-day or 1,500-mile vehicle exchange policy.

There's something reassuring about checking the onboard computer and seeing 460 miles until empty, or more with a full 19-gallon tank.

For now, the 2008 Vue Hybrid is the price of entry for a simple hybrid sport utility vehicle.

SATURN VUE HYBRID

Body style: compact, five-passenger sport utility vehicle.

Engine: 169-horsepower, 2.4-liter four-cylinder with electric motor generator and 36-volt hybrid battery.

Transmission: modified four-speed automatic.

EPA fuel-economy estimates: 25 mpg city, 32 highway; 87 octane recommended.

Length/wheelbase: 180.1/106.6 inches.

Curb weight: 3,789 pounds.

VEHICLE SPECS

Standard equipment includes: remote locking, automatic climate control, driver-information readout, steering-wheel radio and cruise controls, floor mats, visor mirrors, power locks/mirrors/windows, six-speaker CD audio system with MP3 capability and one year of XM satellite radio, overhead console and floor. console with storage, 17-inch alloy wheels and low-rolling-resistance tires

Safety features include: six air bags, including head curtain bags; active head restraints; four-wheel, anti-lock disc brakes; Stabilitrak with trailer stability assist.

PRICING

Base: $26,270, including $625 freight charge.

Where assembled: Ramos Arizpe, Mexico.

PLUSES: Low-maintenance system for extended fuel mileage. Good quality and features for the price.

MINUSES: Clunky suspension; no center rear head restraint; wide, 40-foot turning circle.

HYBRID HIGHLIGHTS

The Saturn Vue Hybrid saves fuel by:

Providing electric boost while accelerating.

Engine shuts off when stopped. Cabin functions - air conditioning, audio, etc. - are maintained by the hybrid battery.

Regenerative braking: When braking, kinetic energy is captured from the wheels and stored in the hybrid battery.

Early fuel cutoff: When the vehicle begins to decelerate, the hybrid powertrain controls cut off fuel to the internal-combustion engine.

Intelligent battery charging: Electronic controls monitor the hybrid system and identify the most efficient times for additional recharging from the internal combustion engine to the hybrid battery.

ECO light: The green ECO light in the center of the gauge cluster illuminates when the instant fuel-economy performance meets or exceeds the EPA estimates. At lower speeds, the light is tied to city mpg ratings and at higher speed it is tied to highway mpg. Drivers can also monitor fuel-economy performance by setting the driver information center to "Instant Fuel Economy" or "Average Fuel Economy."

COPYRIGHT 2008 THE SAN DIEGO UNION-TRIBUNE.

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