As the entry-level model, the SW1 comes with enough standard features to get by. Saturns come with a 1.9 liter single overhead cam four cylinder engine that produces 100 horsepower and 114 lb-ft of torque. It accelerates well enough, though the engine doesn't like high RPMs. Saturn has done well to reduce some of this harshness since the original back in 1991, and has quietly improved the design each year since then. Improvements like a stiffer engine structure to reduce shaking, sequential port fuel injection for reliability and intake system recalibration have all contributed to the best base model engine yet.
Traction control is optional.
We found its handling to be acceptable, but a larger set of grippier tires would make a big difference in the base model's cornering ability. As equipped, the tires squeal heavily and fold onto their sidewalls under duress, and the body dips and leans. Remember, however, this is not a performance car. The SW2 version handles much better. The steering is a bit on the heavy side, and doesn't give much road feel.