Saturn's revolution of fresh new vehicles continues with the all-new mid-size Aura sedan. Earlier this year, Saturn introduced the two-seat rear-drive Sky Roadster, a fun-to-drive two-seat soft-top convertible with an attractive exterior and even more attractive $23,115 starting price. While the Sky Roadster shares some underpinnings with it's sister Pontiac division's Solstice two-seater, the new Aura shares heritage with the Pontiac G6 sedan. Both Pontiac and Saturn are part of the General Motors family of vehicles. The 2007 Aura went on sale this past summer.
The 2007 model year finds not only the debut of Aura and Sky, but also the Outlook, a large, car-based eight-passenger vehicle offering SUV styling without heavy truck underpinnings. The Outlook is now arriving at dealers in limited quantities with full production expected by Christmas. Also debuting earlier this year as a 2007 model was the gas-electric hybrid version of the mid-size, car-based Vue sport utility. Returning in the 2007 model year are the compact Ion coupe/sedan, Relay minivan and gasoline-powered Vue. Saturn first began selling vehicles in the early 1990s.
The front-wheel-drive Aura replaces the under performing mid-size Saturn L-Series which fizzled out a couple of years ago. Saturn has already scored points with a pleasing sounding and easy to remember Aura name rather than a harder to conceptualize L-Series moniker. Aura also differs from the L-Series because no four-cylinder powertrain is offered. Customers get to choose from two V-6 engines. Many vehicles in the mid-size segment offer the choice of a four or six-cylinder engine with the most notable exception being the redesigned 2007 Chrysler Sebring which is a four-cylinder exclusive. Aura is a sedan exclusive while the L-Series was available in both a sedan and station wagon version most of its existence.
Two Aura trim levels are offered. The XE trim features the base 3.5-liter V-6 engine mated to a four-speed automatic transmission (generating 224 horsepower) while the uplevel XR has a 3.6-liter V-6 mated to a standard six-speed automatic transmission (and generating 252 horsepower). Regular octane fuel fills the 16.3 gallon tank and is recommended for both engines. Next spring, Saturn introduces a gas-electric hybrid version of Aura; the Aura green line to battle existing mid-size gas-electric hybrid sedan versions of the mid-size Toyota Camry and Honda Accord.
These bigger engines help alleviate earlier concerns found in four cylinder Saturns. These smaller engines, while fairly dependable, were loud and somewhat under powered. Fuel economy is average for the six-cylinder powertrains with the 3.6-liter engine generating an estimated 20 miles per gallon in city travel and 28 m.p.g. highway. The 3.5-liter V-6 adds one mile more per gallon highway.
Our mid-size XR trim included a starting price of $23,945. After factoring in most of the options available including a leather trim package ($800), power passenger seat, adjustable pedals ($424), sunroof ($800) and XM Satellite Radio ($199) the bottom line ended up at $26,919 including a $650 destination charge. The entry XE trim sneaks in a hair below $20,000 at $19,945.
This mid-size sedan segment provides the backdrop for one of the fiercest battles among automakers in the United States. In addition to DaimlerChrysler's Chrysler Group redesign the mid-size 2007 Sebring sedan (starting at $18,320 for the four-cylinder exclusive model), Ford Motor Co. has recently introduced the mid-size Fusion sedan (starting at $20,880 for the lowest-priced six-cylinder model). It's corporate cousin, the Mazda6 has had success in Europe and the U.S. Leading the pack in sales volume are the Toyota Camry, also redesigned for 2007, and the mid-size Honda Accord. Adding to the mix are the Hyundai Sonata (redesigned in 2006), the Chevrolet Malibu, Pontiac G6 and Nissan Altima. Aura's toughest job may be name and product recognition in a segment full of well-known and popular nameplates.
General Motors, Saturn's parent, made a commitment earlier this Millennia to improve the look and quality of its vehicle interiors. Too often in the past cheap looking plastic parts made the interior . . . well . . . cheap looking. This was especially true in the Saturn lineup. Aura's interior is welcoming and much warmer than Saturn's tested a decade ago, although the optional leather seating and black color scheme helped the ambiance. Aura also incorporates GM's new audio layout with a large center dial monitoring sound and two rows of buttons for station presets and compact disc functions. A digital window with orange lighting above lists stations and the time. Below two rotor dials control fan speed and direction while two push buttons move temperature settings up or down. Absent are ceiling grab handles.
In between the front bucket seats were dual beverage holders in a diagonal layout with a molded area for cell phones and other portable devices. When not in use, this area can be cloaked with a sliding cover. The six-speed automatic transmission shifter is just ahead while a bi-level storage bin, hinged at the rear, is behind. The ignition cylinder is on the dash, right of the steering column.
The instrument panel consists of three independent, deep set circular (mostly analog) gauges with orange-lit trim. The larger, center gauge houses the speedometer (with digital outside temperature and odometer readouts) while flanked by slightly smaller tachometer gauge to the left and fuel information to the right.
Power mirror controls are found on the driver's side interior A-pillar adjacent to the mirror itself. Power window and locks are on the driver's door. Also on the driver's door is a trunk-release button adjacent to the small map pocket. All four arm rests have recessed cup areas for stowing coins, jewelry or other small items.
The three-spoke steering wheel includes cruise control functions at 3 o'clock. The XR edition adds secondary audio controls at 9 o'clock Headlights monitor from the turn signal stalk while windshield wipers activate from a right-hand side stalk. At the far left of the dashboard is a retractable storage bin large enough to stow a cell phone when not in use.
The back seat fits two average-sized adults for long journeys. In a pinch, three riders could squeeze in for short treks. Rear seat backs fold down with a 60/40 split with accessibility to the trunk. With 15.7 cubic feet (average for this segment), the trunk has a temporary spare under the flat floor. Shock-absorber-type hinges are conveniently outside the cargo area. The outside lid could use a slight cup or indentation to assist when grabbing and lifting the trunk lid once it's unlocked.
Aura offers a decent number of standard safety features. Front-seat mounted side impact air bags for front seat passengers are standard along with head-protecting air bags for front and rear riders. Dual front air bags are also standard as are anti-lock brakes.
Aura is built in Kansas City, not Spring Hill Tennessee where Saturn's first assembly plant is located. Vehicles built at the Spring Hill plant (the mid-size Vue and compact Ion sedan) still utilize plastic side panels that help absorb little dings and dents. Aura incorporates the more conventional steel side panels so be wary around wayward mall shopping carts.
With its understated good looks, Aura reminded me of a stylized Buick upon seeing it for the first time several months ago. That's meant as a compliment. Exterior styling veered away from a rebadged Chevrolet Cavalier which earlier compact and mid-size Saturns were reminiscent. Our XR trim had chrome enhancement along the belt line just below the rather diminutive side windows. The small raised rear deck lid and large square rear window added to the sporty look as did strap-like door handles and dual exhausts on our XR trim.
As with other 2007 Saturn vehicles, the Aura is marketed with Saturn's one-price policy where the window sticker price requires no negotiating. Thanks to this long-running strategy, Saturn scored well in the latest JD Power and Associates study detailing customer satisfaction. Saturn ranked as the highest non-luxury brand in the survey released earlier this month.
General Motors' recently announced upgraded warranty program is another plus. This past September, GM implemented a 100,000-mile/five year (whichever comes first) powertrain limited warranty covering 2007 model year cars and light trucks across its division lineups. No deductibles are involved so if the engine needs servicing, headaches and hassles should be at a minimum. Items included are engine, transmission, transfer case and final drive assemblies. This warranty is fully transferable enhancing vehicle value during its duration. Non-powertrain components are covered for three years or 36,000 miles on Saturn vehicles.
Driving wise, the Aura's interior is much quieter than that of small and mid-size Saturns past. Turning radius was average at best, but drivers have good perception in all directions with a minimum of blind spots.
Thanks to increased power and more opulent feel, Aura has the potential for customers to forget about prior, less enthusiastic mid-size sedan attempts from Saturn; but the question remains if Aura can cut into sales momentum of the class-leading Camry and Accord, both of which offer the choice of V-6 punch and more fuel-efficient four-cylinder engines. |