Saturn Vue Hybrid - Take 2

As I mentioned in this post, I am interested in a Saturn Vue hybrid (technically, a Saturn Vue "Green Line.") Well, Kyle Johnson, Communications Director at Saturn, saw the blog and emailed me a PDF file.

The file is a memo from AMCI Marketing, an independent marketing firm. They did a "real world" fuel economy test of several hybrids. It was a combination of city and highway driving in and around Phoenix, AZ, using 2006 model year vehicles. Here are their stated testing parameters:
• Driving Speed: 5 MPH over the posted limit
• Acceleration Rates: Moderate throughout, full throttle acceleration at freeway on-ramps
• Stop: Stop signs, tight turns and red lights vehicles came to a complete stop
• AC: On and in position 1
• Fuel Grade: Utilized manufacturers recommendation for each vehicle
• Tire Pressure: Utilized manufacturers recommendation.

(drumroll please) The results were:
Test Vehicles............Average Mileage..........Economy Relative To VUE Green Line
Saturn VUE Green Line-------------29.7----------N/A
Saturn VUE (4-Cylinder)-----------25.0----------4.7 MPG less
Toyota Highlander Hybrid----------30.5----------0.8 MPG more
Lexus RX400h ---------------------28.9----------0.8 MPG less
Ford Escape Hybrid----------------31.6----------1.9 MPG more

Interesting, I say. Now, the next question - how does the Green Line do in snow?