Saturn VUE Hybrid: Image source: BusinessWeek.com

Last week, I gave you some of my initial impressions of the Saturn VUE hybrid that GM loaned me to test out for a few weeks. On Tuesday, I turned the keys back over to the company that handles press cars for GM. I enjoyed my time giving the vehicle a spin, and look forward to the release of the 2008 model, which will incorporate the "dual mode" hybrid system that GM created in partnership with DaimlerChrysler and BMW.

I mention the release of the new version because it occured to me this past week that the 2007 VUE Hybrid, while an impressive vehicle, is a "mild hybrid": the electric engine helps power the gasoline motor so it doesn't burn as much fuel, and keeps systems operating when the gas engine shuts down at a full stop. This is helpful in terms of achieving higher fuel efficiency than the standard model (and the VUE Hybrid does get the best highway gas mileage of any SUV); the dual mode system (which will also be available in the Chevy Tahoe and the GMC Yukon) will be much more similar to a full hybrid like the Toyota Prius. The dual mode system will include:

• Engine off at idle
• Low speed electric-only propulsion
• Electric boosting during brisk acceleration, climbing steep grades or towing
• Cutting off fuel to the engine during vehicle deceleration
• Regenerative braking
• Engine speed and load control

I bring all of this up to say that I think the '08 model will be worth waiting for. According to GM, these features will increase fuel efficiency by 45%, making the VUE competitive on gas mileage with many smaller cars. And, of course, GM has also promised a plug-in model in the near future (though the company has not specified a date for it).

The '07 Model: Week 2

All of this probably sounds like I'm not that impressed with the current model VUE hybrid. That's not the case, though: it certainly did all of the things I needed it to do. When I did get it out on the highway (unfortunately, only for relatively short distances), it picked up and handled fine. It was definitely nice to have a vehicle with some room for carrying items: don't know how I'd have gotten the new crate for my big puppy home without it.

The Charge Assist Gauge in the VUE Hybrid: Image Source: AllWorldCars.comMore importantly, though, the current VUE model does sip gas compared to other SUVs. I don't have exact figures, as I never had to put any gas in it while I had it. I used roughly a half-tank of gas doing my normal driving, plus a few extra trips such as picking my wife up at the airport.

With that said, I don't think this is the vehicle for someone who drives like I do: primarily running errands and such. The VUE Hybrid is kind of unique among hybrids in that its gas mileage figures parallel those of traditional vehicles: it gets better mileage on the highway than in town. As such, I'd recommend it to someone who does more highway driving than I do. If you commute long distances, for instance, this is probably a better choice than a full hybrid. Unless you need the extra space, though, a smaller, high-mileage car may be your best bet in terms of fuel efficiency and sticker price. If you're a traveller, this may be the exact vehicle you want, as it combines plenty of storage space with good highway fuel efficiency. It's also quite reasonably priced for an SUV: just under $23,000.

I enjoyed driving the VUE hybrid for a couple of weeks, and am now having to get used to my own car again. We'd be really interested in hearing from anyone who does own one of these vehicles — is your own experience similar to mine?