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I wrote last year about the Saturn VUE Green Line (Saturn prefers to capitalize the name), a "mild" hybrid introduced in the 2007 lineup that uses electric power to reduce gas consumption.

But that was before Saturn's design and engineering gurus tapped into General Motors' European Opel division for the VUE. For all '08 models, they swapped in new VUEs based on Opel's successful Antara. So the new Vue Green Line tester I got behind the wheel of had a sweet European design aesthetic and a glitzier exterior and interior, all while carrying forth the "green" torch.

Still here is the 2.4-liter 4-cylinder Ecotec engine, paired with a 36-volt battery that stores power to keep everything going in the VUE when it's stopped briefly, say, at a stoplight, or to help the gas engine when the vehicle is accelerating. The system is thrifty, but provides just enough power when you're getting onto the highway or pulling into traffic. I drove my obligatory 200 miles and still had more than half a tank of regular unleaded gas left in the 18-gallon tank. I averaged 25.2 mpg in mostly city driving. Estimated annual fuel cost stands at $1,499, based on driving 15,000 miles at $2.80 per gallon.

A few other points about this powertrain: It's quiet. The gas engine turns off when you come to a complete stop. That takes getting used to. But that's where the savings are. Also, the transmission is a 4-speed automatic with a manual-shift mode.

Take all the hybrid stuff away, and there's plenty to attract one to the VUE hybrid. Based on the front-wheel drive, bottom-rung XE model, it comes with such standards as electronic stability control; a full slate of airbags; OnStar with a year of service; active head restraints; 4-wheel, antilock disc brakes; and an AM/FM/CD radio with MP3 capability and six speakers. I especially liked the instrument panel's bright bezels setting off the instrument gauge cluster, vents and knobs. The cloth upholstery looks like it would wear like iron — good for kids! — and there are other thoughtful touches like four overhead grab handles to assist getting in and out, and net pockets on the front seatbacks. I continue to be impressed with the VUE's cargo area, which includes under-floor storage compartments to organize small items. The cargo floor folds flat and is at a nice liftover height, too. Tires have been increased in size from 16-inchers to 17-inchers.

Like-minded buyers must be in agreement with me about this VUE — the VUE hybrid was GM's No. 2 best-selling hybrid in October, behind the Chevrolet Malibu. Saturn's reputation for being extremely customer-focused continues to serve it well. Year-to-date sales through the end of October are as good this year as they were in '07. These days that says a lot.

View photos of the 2008 Saturn VUE Green Line hybrid here.

Amy Rollins is Wheels editor at the Dayton Daily News and may be reached at (937) 225-6901 or arollins@coxohio.com.