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The ION continues to use Saturn's unique space-frame body design with attached polymer (plastic) body panels on vertical surfaces. As before, the polymer panels are rust-proof, dent-resistant, and easy to replace. The ION will be built on a shared assembly line with the new VUE sport utility vehicle at Saturn's facility in Spring Hill, Tennessee.

The ION QC will be available in two trim levels; starting price will be highly competitive at $14,595.

Ion sedan and Quad Coupe share a common wheelbase, engine, and electrical architecture, but are fundamentally different. Despite the same number of doors, the Quad Coupe is longer, can carry an eight-foot kayak in its cabin, and offers a CVT.

GM hopes new model will rescue the division, and stave off threat from Japan and Korea.

Saturn is adding a new small car to invigorate its product line and appeal to young, budget-minded car buyers who tend to gravitate toward entry-level Japanese or South Korean compact cars.

Saturn plans to stop production at its Spring Hill assembly plant for two weeks in March to adjust production to sales and get ready for the new quad-coupe model of its Ion sedan.

Saturn is adding a new small car to invigorate its product line and appeal to young, budget-minded car buyers who tend to gravitate toward entry-level Japanese or South Korean compact cars.

Saturn marketing chief Jill Lajdziak echoed Lutz's emphasis, calling the ION "an integral part of GM's small car strategy."

Saturn's small car is going to get bigger. The Ion is about 2 inches taller and 6 inches longer than the S-series cars it will replace this fall.

A new car may stand for something beyond the sheet metal, the engine or the car itself. The Nissan 350Z sports car, for example, represents the Japanese vehicle maker's effort to turn around its image and business.