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The compact Ion is offered in two trim levels, including the Ion 2 and Ion 3 sedan and quad coupe body styles; the former Ion 1 sedan has been discontinued for 2006. The coupe comes with rear-hinged half-doors to ease entry and exit into and out of the back seat. 2006 interior updates include a redesigned center console/center stack that provides additional leg and knee clearance, an additional storage pocket above the radio, and revised seat fabrics add a more contemporary appearance. Both sedans and coupes come powered by a just-adequate 140-horsepower, 2.2-liter four-cylinder engine. A sporty Red Line edition of the Ion Quad Coupe offers a quicker 205-horsepower, supercharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, among other upgrades. New for 2006 is an available Enhanced Performance Package on Ion 3 models that includes a 2.4-liter in-line four engine with variable valve timing that delivers 170 horsepower; it also comes with modifications to the suspension to provide a firmer, sport-oriented ride. Either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic gearbox is available. Among its myriad options are anti-lock brakes and traction control, a power sunroof, the OnStar communications/safety system, and XM satellite radio.

Introduced last year, along with its other General Motors minivan family members, the Buick Terraza, Chevrolet Uplander, and Pontiac Montana SV-6, the Saturn Relay offers an SUV-flavored look and a slightly higher ride height as an alternative to traditional minivan styling. The seven-passenger Relay carries its own interior and exterior styling touches and equipment levels. It's surpassed by most other makers' minivans on several fronts, however. The vehicle comes powered by a lackluster 200-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6 that's mated to a four-speed automatic transmission. Both front- and all-wheel-drive versions are offered. Anti-lock disc brakes come standard, while an enhanced traction control system is optional, along with GM's StabiliTrak, stability control system. Family friendly features include air conditioning, a CD/MP3 stereo with rear controls and headphone jacks, a DVD entertainment system, cruise control, keyless entry, and the OnStar communications/safety system. Available options include a hard-drive-based digital media system, a second-row toy box, XM satellite radio, and a remote starter function. For 2006, the Relay adds available first- and second-row seat-mounted side airbags that provide additional head and thorax protection. The optional OnStar communications/safety system adds Spanish and French to its voice-recognition capabilities later in the model year. Also later in '05, a more powerful 3.9-liter V-6 engine - with variable valve timing and 235 hp - will be offered on the Relay 3 FWD version.