When we first saw pictures of the new Saturn Aura, and then in person at the North American International Auto Show, we were duly impressed with its stance, crisp lines and overall character. You really can't call this a replacement to the rotund LS-series. No, the Aura is what the LS should have been and where Saturn should have started back in the day.
With an aire of sophistication
never before deemed possible by the fledgling automaker, the Aura has set a
new standard for the import fighter that we can only dream will catapult the
rest of Saturn's lineup into the outer cosmos...or, at least, out near Neptune.
Driving the Aura is a pleasure
usually reserved for those who plunk down big bucks for Infiniti, BMW, Acura
or Mercedes, to name a few. Yes, the Aura is in that league of astonishingly
fun sports sedans, but for a fraction of the cost.
With a 3.6-liter V6 with
variable valve timing and 252 horsepower and 251 lb.-ft. of torque, a six-speed,
manually controllable transmission, four disc brakes with ABS and a stout suspension,
the Aura can hold its own with many more expensive vehicles.
On our handling loop, we
found driving at 8 or 9 tenths was easily accomplished and we seemed to make
record time getting through the tight, twisty turn section. Speaking of that,
we noticed speeds reaching 60 miles per hour on more stretches than in previous
drives. Quite a feat for a GM sedan, not to mention a Saturn.
When we first got the Aura,
we thought the brakes were soft and required a little too much pressure to stop
the 3600-pound Saturn. After driving our test loop, we now know that the brakes
are spot-on awesome and we wouldn't change a thing. Also, we noticed hardly
any fade, and we were on the brakes more so than usual (due to traffic and the
aforementioned higher speeds).
Out on the open road, the
Aura is composed and a delight to pilot. With all that power on tap, passing
is a non-issue and keeping pace with traffic is not needed, since you will be
making the pace. Never did we notice any float or unwelcomed suspension vibrations.
Our only real gripe with odd noises is the tendency of the sunroof shade to
bounce on its track. It was just a bit loose and more than once we had to push
it back in the open position when it slid forward. (Couldn't have done that
from our driving!)
Inside the Aura, you find
a tranquil, pleasing, luxurious place to conduct the business of driving. The
leather seats, wheel and shifter, coupled with the satin metallic-looking trim
give this big Saturn an upmarket, sporty feel. The gauge cluster is neat and
concise, with quickly read gauges and controls that fall at hand. We felt like
we knew this car the first time we drove it.
If you are safety-conscious,
like most of us these days, then you'll be pleased to know that the Aura comes
with a plethora of airbags like dual-stage frontal, head-curtain side impact
and front-seat-mounted thorax protection. Also, the National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration rated the Aura with five stars in both frontal and side
impact tests.
Aura also comes in XE trim
with a 3.5-liter V6 (224 horsepower and 220 lb-ft. of torque) and four-speed
automatic, along with struts up frint and the same independent rear suspension
as the XR, though tuned a bit less sporty, and 17-inch wheels and tires. Expect
a base price about $21k.
With the XR as the top of the Aura line, you expect it to be more expensive, but at a base price of $23,495.00, you sure do get a lot.
Expect a year of OnStar,
the 3.6-liter V6 and six-speed automatic transmission with steering wheel paddles,
disc brakes all around with antilock, remote keyless entry and vehicle start,
dual frontal/head curtain/outboard rear side impact airbags (That's a lot of
bags!) and so much more.
Such a long list of standard
items means not many options are needed to make you happy, right? Well, we got
some very nice ones to keep us company on the long road, wherever it takes us:
For starters, our tester had the Premium trim package with leather seats, wheel
and shift knob ($800); the Enhanced Convenience package came with a six-way
power seat for the passenger and power adjustable pedals ($425); the sunroof
($800); XM ($199) and premium trunk and floor mats ($100) for a grand total
(with $650 in destination charges) of $26,919.00.
For the price, you get a
European-inspired sedan with solid looks, great handling and an interior trimmed
with the finest materials this side of a BMW or Mercedes, for half the price.
How can you go wrong?