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?

2007 Saturn VUE hybrid: Image source: Edmonds.comNearly all of us interested in living greener lives like the idea of hybrid vehicles; that doesn't mean that we've all driven one. That was my situation until a week ago when I took delivery on a Saturn VUE Hybrid that GM has loaned me for a couple of weeks.

Like many of you, I'm wary of SUVs in general — for the most part, I'm one of those folks that equates "SUV" with "gas guzzler." Yet, I was intrigued by the idea of trying out a hybrid SUV — if automakers can produce larger vehicles that get better gas mileage, that's a "win-win"… right? So, while I don't drive a lot (I work from home), I have used the VUE for almost all of my regular trips in the past week, and even made one or two extra ones to get a full picture (may the green gods forgive me!).

I was expecting a different driving experience, but any differences I have noticed stem mostly from being in a bigger vehicle: the hybrid elements are nearly unnoticeable. If I listen very carefully, I can notice the gas engine shutting down when I come to a stop; the tacometer also registers that. But, overall, the driving experience is quite similar to that of a conventional car .

That doesn't mean that I end up driving the VUE like a normal car. GM hybrids don't have a display of current gas mileage like Japanese models, but there is a light just to the left of the steering column (appropriately reading "eco") that comes on when the electric motor kicks in. Just as drivers of Priuses and Insights report altering their driving habits to keep that mpg display high, I find myself adjusting my driving to get that "eco" light to come on. I'm less likely to speed up at a yellow light. I lay off the accelator more. I wave others on at four-way stops.

The EPA lists the gas mileage of the VUE hybrid at 27 city/ 32 highway/ 29 combined. Not the best mileage of any vehicle, but certainly better than the conventional VUE (21/19/25). Saturn claims the VUE Hybrid has the best highway mileage of any SUV, and EPA's "real world" database seems to bear this out. The 2008 VUE Hybrid will incorporate the "dual-mode" hybrid system, which GM claims will increase the vehicle's fuel efficiency by 45%.

So, would I buy a VUE Hybrid? Probably not, but that's just because I don't need anything that big. At $23,000, it's definitely a reasonable option for drivers who need more space.

This weekend, I plan to get the VUE out on the road… I'll report back with what I find.

Chevy VoltJust spent some time with my blogging compadres at a "walk-through"viewing of the Chevy Volt concept vehicle. As you can see, it's a beautiful car! That was part of the plan, we learned — "green vehicles" aren't always particularly sexy, so Chevy wanted to bring some of the emotional attachment of the Corvette and Camaro to a greener vehicle.

The Volt's been covered widely around the green blogosphere because it's a plug-in hybrid. That is, it has greater battery capacity than traditional hybrids, and can run in an electric-only mode for up to 40 miles. Since that covers the range most people drive in a day, there's potential for tremendous fuel savings (and lower emissions). Though, as some will certainly point out, the source of the electricity that goes into it (and this is the case with an plug-in electric vehicle or hybrid) can still undermine the "clean/green" potential…

Several members of the design team talked about the car with us. I tracked down lead interior designer Wade Bryant after his talk to find out a little more about the materials that go into the interior (they definitely go for an "eco" look and feel inside). Bryant admitted that the materials in the concept vehicle weren't necessarily chosen for their light environmental impact and/or re-use/recyclability potential, but that's "on the shelf" for the production model. He included materials such as bioplastics, and greener fabrics as part of the mix under consideration. He also claimed that most car interiors currently are very recyclable — I'd love to hear if any of you can speak to that…

There's no doubt that the Volt is a very sweet concept — at this point, it's just a concept, though. I'll be talking to GM VP of Reseach & Development and Strategic Planning Larry Burns this afternoon, and will be focused on productions plans for this vehicle… Stay tuned.

Cross-posted at Sustainablog.