exterior panel, all glass and light assemblies have received a striking

makeover." Agreed. All coupes have exposed headlamps this year. Previously,

the headlamps on SC2 models were pop-ups.

The roof takes a gentle arch to the rear glass, then down to a stubby

deck lid. The rear bumper is massive and is a significant styling feature.

It's also body-colored, unlike basic editions of the sedan and wagon. The

taillights wrap around and the trunk lid is covered with reflective materials

of various colors--red, yellow, white. The trunk lid opens to vertical

and the lift-over is quite low, so loading is easy. The rear seatback has

a 60/40 split.

All in all, the SC1 is about as good looking as coupes get these days,

unless you're enamored of such free radicals as the Mitsubishi Eclipse

and Eagle Talon.

All Saturn bodies use a space frame which allows the use of polymer

doors, fenders, quarter panels and fascias, a feature that helps keep Saturn

owners so loyal. This material is highly ding- and dent- resistant, and

major repairs require the simple removal of a panel. The material is also

rust-proof and recyclable.

Saturns use a standard MacPherson strut front suspension with a tri-link

design at the rear--two unequal-length links to control lateral movement,

with a single longitudinal link looking after fore and aft movement.

Brakes are disc in front, drums at the rear. As mentioned, the ABS is

optional ($695), but includes traction control, which can be switched off

if the driver desires. Tires are a modestly hefty P175/70R-14 for all Saturns.

The option for the SC1 is P185/65R-15 tires on aluminum wheels.