Part 10 of an 11-part series
The 2007 Saturn Aura debuted in August 2006, the buzz spread quickly, and the downtrodden manufacturer rekindled itself.
In December, 2006 the Aura sold 5,800 units in the United States, and it received considerable honors, including North America Car of the Year honors, The award is voted on by 49 prominent national auto reviewers.
The Aura, which shares its wheelbase and front-wheel platform with the Chevrolet Malibu Maxx hatchback and Pontiac G6 sedan, is available in XE and XR models. Both are four-door-only sedans with the latter model the premium offering.
I drove the XR model, which has a slightly larger and more powerful, 3.6-liter, 252-horsepower engine, 18-inch wheels and a six-speed automatic transmission, The XE features a 3.5-liter, 224-horsepower engine, with a four-speed automatic and 17-inch wheels.
Saturn doesn't skimp on standard features. The XE's list is long, but the additions to the XR include: manual-shift capability (small steering wheel shifting paddles), an anti-skid system, automatic climate control, heated front seats, eight-way power driver seat, heated power mirrors, remote engine start, in-dash six-disc CD/MP3 player, steering wheel front and rear radio controls, automatic day/night rearview mirror, universal garage door opener, fog lights and alloy wheels.
The new Saturn has an aura, no doubt. It's a midsize family sedan that wouldn't lose much status if it were positioned in the premium midsize class. In fact, it may be the best Saturn ever offered.
Facts & Figures: Safety – Dual front side and side curtain airbags; Fuel Mileage (estimates) – 18 mpg (city), 27 mpg (highway); Warranty – Bumper to bumper, 3 years/36,000 miles; Powertrain, 5 years/60,000 miles, Corrosion, 5 years/unlimited miles; (24-hour) roadside assistance program, 3 years/36,000 miles; Base price – $23,945.00
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