Saturn Aura

Design

Exterior

Note that the rear of the Aura sits higher than the front.

The Aura is a new styling direction for Saturn, with styling that resembles its cousin, the European Opel Vectra. All Aura models come standard with folding side mirrors and side marker lights, lending to its European stylings.[7] The design of the Aura Special appearance pieces include an integrated radio antenna in the rear window, a chrome appearance package available on XR models, standard 17 inch wheels with five-spoke wheel covers and P225/50R17 all-season tires on XE models, and standard 18 inch polished aluminum 14-spoke wheels on the XR with high-performance Goodyear Eagle LS2 P225/50R18 T tires.

Interior

2007 Saturn Aura XR Interior

The interior of the Aura also marks a new interior direction for Saturn, moving to a more European-style interior. The design of the interior of the Aura differs from that of the Ion, which was highly criticized.[8][9] On the upscale XR model, the interior comes with an option for saddle leather and paddle shifters, as well as an option for back seat radio controls. Despite being praised for its design and fit and finish, the Aura's interior has been criticized for using cheap materials.
The Aura XR's standard features include: automatic climate control, remote vehicle start, Stabilitrak stability control, backseat audio controls, heated seats, six airbags, ABS four-wheel disc brakes, steering wheel audio controls, universal home remote,OnStar and a "Driver Information Center".

Models

Aura XR

2009 Saturn Aura XR

The Aura XR is the top-line Aura model. The XR is fitted with the 3.6 L DOHC V6 with VVT, rated at 252 hp (188 kW) at 6200 rpm and 251 lb·ft (340 N·m) of torque at 3100 rpm. This engine was first used in the Cadillac CTS and marks its second use in a North American GM car. With this 3.6 L engine, the Aura is the first front-wheel drive GM passenger car to use the new Hydra-Matic 6T70 six-speed automatic transmission.[12] The transmission features TAPshift, which allows the driver to manually select gears by using paddles located behind the steering wheel.[13] The Aura XR is the performance-oriented version with a taut, but not harsh, suspension and the more powerful engine. Available interior colors in the XR are tan and grey leather (available in the XE), along with the XR-specific black or Morocco Brown leather. Cloth is standard. Other standard features include the Advanced Audio Package, 18 inch alloy wheels, chrome exterior door handles, and remote vehicle start.

Aura XE

2007 Saturn Aura XE

The base version is the Aura XE. Equipped with the 3.5 L VVT V6 (LZ4), the engine is matched with the 4T45-E four-speed automatic transmission. In the Aura, the engine produces 219 hp (163 kW) and 220 lb·ft (300 N·m) of torque.[12] Traction Control, six airbags, V6, automatic, auto headlights, CD with AUX, 17 inch wheels, among other features, comes standard.[7] The Aura XE has a softer suspension, but still handles very well. A Special Edition version of the XE will include equipment upgrades, the option of the XR-only black or Morocco Brown leather, along with new, SE-only 18 inch machined alloy wheels. Beginning with the 2008 model, the 2.4 L LE5 Ecotec 4-cylinder will be available. Under the revised 2009 EPA fuel economy tests, this engine is rated at 22 miles per US gallon (11 L/100 km; 26 mpg-imp) in the city, and 33 miles per US gallon (7.1 L/100 km; 40 mpg-imp) on the highway.

Aura Green Line

2007 Saturn Aura Green Line

The Aura Green Line is a mild hybrid, following the Vue Green Line as the second vehicle in Saturn's lineup incorporating GM's belt alternator starter system. It rides on the XE's suspension.[16] It has been on sale since late March 2007.
As in the Vue, the Aura Green Line is equipped with the 2.4L Ecotec engine mated to an electric motor/generator and the 4T45-E four-speed automatic transmission.[16] This powertrain is rated at 164 hp (122 kW) and 159 lb·ft (216 N·m) of torque. The electric motor/generator augments the gasoline engine during launch and under wide-open throttle.[16] The Aura Green Line has an EPA estimated fuel economy of 26 mpg-US (9.0 L/100 km; 31 mpg-imp) city and 34 mpg-US (6.9 L/100 km; 41 mpg-imp) highway (for the 2007-08 model years it was 28 mpg-US (8.4 L/100 km; 34 mpg-imp) city and 36 mpg-US (6.5 L/100 km; 43 mpg-imp)), which Saturn claims is up to a 30% improvement over the Aura XE.
The Saturn Aura Green Line was eligible for a $1300 US Federal tax credit, as well as several state tax credits.
Prior to the shutdown of Saturn, the company had said it would introduce a new hybrid system in summer 2010.

Engines

[edit]Reception

Reception to the Aura has generally been positive. The Aura has been described as the best looking sedan to come out of GM in quite a while. The Aura was also praised for its performance. The Aura has been described as "the best Saturn yet", and fit and finish and ride quality are regarded as greatly improved over previous Saturns. Other improvements include reduced road noise, attributed to the fact that this model doesn't use polymer body panels like its predecessors. The Aura also garnered praise for its value, as it is noted that an Aura XE loaded up with certain options costs less than the standard MSRP of the Toyota Camry with a V6. The Aura finished fourth out of six places in a Car and Driver comparison test, ahead of the Chrysler Sebring and the Toyota Camry, but fell behind the Honda Accord. Despite this, it was the best performing out of the cars compared.[25] The Aura also got praise for the craftsmanship of its interior and its European flair. The Aura also got a favorable review by Consumer Guide, with it being a recommended pick.[27] It also got more than favorable reviews from actual owners of the vehicle.

Despite this, the Aura has a few criticisms. The Aura's interior has been criticized for using cheap materials.^[10][11][25] Also, the steering wheel has been criticized for being too big for some drivers^[24] and that rear headroom was tight when equipped with the optional sunroof.^[27] The Aura was also criticized for being noisy over bumps^[11] and its lack of a rear armrest and head restraint,^[24] and that the push button controls on the steering wheel cannot be operated while holding the wheel.^[11] Robert Cumberford of Automobile Magazine claimed that the Aura is a good car watered down by GM's cost cutting department.^[10]