Saturn Overhauls Its Mid-Size Line

PONTIAC, Mich. Ed Garsten of the AP reports that Now in its second decade, the company that captured the public's imagination with its plastic paneled cars, no-haggle price policy, attentive service and touchy-feely dealerships says it's ready to reclaim the momentum it lost when it failed to update its product line quickly enough.

``This is an important time for Saturn. This is a growth year,'' said Jill Lajdziak, vice president for sales, service and marketing at Saturn Corp., a subsidiary of General Motors Corp.

Epitomizing the growth is the updated version of Saturn's L-Series mid-sized car, shown to reporters at GM's truck product development center Thursday.

First introduced in 2000, the L-Series marked Saturn's move to larger, roomier, vehicles after selling only compact sedans and coupes.

During its first calendar year 94,034 L-Series cars were sold and that number rose to 98,227 or 4.5 percent, in 2001, according to Saturn.

While its styling was clean it was not distinctive. However, the L-Series was touted as one of the few car in its segment with standard head curtain air bags and antilock brakes.

For 2003, the L-Series has been given a serious facelift. The redesigned front end features a new grille and raised hood with what Saturn calls ``jewel-like'' headlamps. They do sparkle.

The larger grille allows for greater airflow to the engine and makes room for a three-dimensional-appearing Saturn logo, known as a badge.

Replacing its predecessor's wedge shape, the 2003 looks more balanced by adjusting the heights of its springs. The front end was raised 9 millimeters and the rear was lowered by 8 millimeters.

Two types of 16-inch wheels are offered: chrome clad or five-spoke alloy.

A chrome strip replaces the horizontal red applique across the rear of the trunk lid and the black rocker panels and lower sections of the front and rear fascia are now the same color as the car's body.

Interior changes include brushed aluminum inserts in the center console, white faceplates on the instrument panel and European-style seat upholstery.

Pricing for the 2003 L-Series has not been set yet, Lajdziak said.