2007 Saturn Aura

The mid-size family sedan segment is a tough place to compete. Market leaders Toyota Camry and Honda Accord are so good; it’s hard for any newcomer to make a mark. But Saturn is determined to carve out a piece of the mid-size pie with its all-new Aura sedan. That’s a tall order. But then, Saturn is not just another car company.

Poised to add bedazzle to Saturn’s plain Jane image, the all-new Aura is clearly intended to give mid-sized import-brand stalwarts some healthy domestic competition.  But, it will do so by first attracting buyers with its very European charms. Aura’s distinctive continental styling sets a tone that conveys both elegance and capability with purposeful lines from head to tail.

Like the striking Sky Roadster, the Saturn Aura’s fresh look includes expressive details like jeweled flared headlamps and a wide chrome bar grille.  Indeed, Saturn has aptly achieved a premium appearance for their new family sedan. In addition, dual exhaust, short overhangs and deck lid, and optional 18 inch, 14-spoke cast wheels make sure Aura’s sporty credentials are also firmly planted.

A substantial presence on the road, the Aura’s wheelbase measures a considerable 112.3 inches. That’s long for its class and ensures a roomy interior. Overall length is 190 inches. Perched atop GM’s advanced “Epsilon” platform, also used by the Saab 9-3, Pontiac G6, and Chevrolet Malibu, the Aura’s foundation is solid. And stiff, as this competent chassis delivers a compliant yet comfortable ride regardless of surface.

Our first-time with the Aura took us to Santa Barbara where we sought out curvy canyons to put it through its paces.  The tuning of the four-link independent rear suspension allowed for ambitious driving. The hydraulic rack-and-pinion steering has good on-center feel and a fast degree of maneuverability.

At the heart of the front-wheel drive Aura lies one of two familiar GM V6s.  The base XE launches by way of a 3.5 liter pushrod V6 with variable valve timing, hooked to a 4-speed automatic. Output is 224-horsepower and 220 pound-feet of torque. 

The upgraded XR that we drove boasts a totally contemporary 3.6-liter twin-cam 24-valve V-6, also with VVT.  Joined up with a Hydramatic 6T70 six-speed automatic, this combo yields a lofty 252 horsepower and 251 pound-feet of torque. That’s more torque, or pulling power, than either Accord or Camry.

The 3.6 mates to GM’s first front drive application of a six-speed automatic transmission. It includes a manual shift mode for a more driver-controlled experience. We found shifts to be quick under full throttle and seamless while cruising.

Fuel economy is fairly typical for its class. The Aura has government fuel economy ratings of 20 city/28 highway using regular gas, and we see no reason to doubt them. Stopping is enforced by standard four-wheel disc brakes with ABS.  Available on our XR model, StabiliTrak stability control enhances both bad weather and dry handling traction.

Open the doors of the Aura and step into an upscale, well-appointed cabin that outclasses Accord and easily rivals the new Camry. This is the best car interior that GM has ever done. The contemporary dash houses sharply defined controls and a gauge cluster that aptly stands out.  Standard features in the base XE model are above average for its class, and graduate nicely with the well-equipped XR. Amenities there include eight-way power driver’s seat with heat, automatic climate control, a 6-disc CD changer and MP3 player with auxiliary input jack, and OnStar.

The Aura’s longer than normal wheelbase pays a handsome dividend in the form of ample rear seat room.  The well finished trunk measures a big 14.9 cubic feet. 

On the pricing front, the Aura again has an edge over both Camry and Accord.  The XE model is base priced at $20,595.  That’s at least $3,000 lower than a V6 Camry or Accord.  The uplevel XR model comes attractively outfitted for a still reasonable $24,595.

Well, across the board, the Saturn Aura showed us it is indeed a very worthy opponent. A highly refined five-seat four-door that is ready and willing to entice consumers with all its many charms.  And once again Saturn proves it is not just another car company, as the 2007 Aura is the most impressive family sedan from General Motors in decades.