At last, a new Saturn interior! The old instrument panel is gone, replaced by a dashboard carrying big, clear gauges, user-friendly switches and, finally, the passenger's half of the dual airbag system.The airbags not only enhance occupant safety, but also - hallelujah - require the banishment of the motorized belt restraints, the industry's irritating interim answer to passive safety standards. Proper 3-point belts are now supplied. Audio and climate-control panels are installed on a new center console pod. Atop the pod are switches for rear-window defogger, foglamps and climate control (the latter two are optional). And the new 2-spoke steering wheel looks and feels better than the previous 3-spoke model. Other interior features are up to class standards. The seats are comfortable, the driving position is ergonomically sound and the coupe's large glass area largely eliminates blind spots. In coupe versions, Saturn does shortchange rear-seat passengers. Legroom is minimal, headroom is restricted, and getting in or out requires some twisting and turning. The coupe has slightly less cargo space than its sedan sibling, too, but this is typical of most small coupes. For a really deluxe Saturn coupe, go for the SC2, which has a handsome leather seat option. Air conditioning, sound system upgrades and a sunroof are a few other options that can be added to either model.
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