What is it?
2007 Saturn Aura
What's special about it?
After a few misses, Saturn is taking another stab at the midsize segment with the Aura, a car designed to go head to head with the big guns from Honda and Toyota.
To some extent the 2007 Saturn Aura is a reskinned version of the Pontiac G6. According to Gary Kovacic, vehicle line director for midsize vehicles, the Aura shares about 50 percent of its parts with the G6. But as Gary quickly pointed out, almost all of those parts are underneath the skin. "The Aura doesn't share any body panels with the G6. Everything you see on the outside is unique to the Aura," he told us at the NY auto show. Consider the makeover one of the Aura's biggest upgrades, as it has a much more refined look than the Pontiac.
Another big improvement over the Pontiac is the 3.6-liter V6 offered in the top-of-the-line Aura XR. It uses dual-overhead cams, four valves per cylinder and variable valve timing. With preliminary estimates of 252 horsepower and 251 pound-feet of torque, the Aura's V6 puts it up there with the class-leading Camry in terms of power. And like the Camry, the Aura has a six-speed automatic transmission.
Base-model XE Auras don't get the same level of technology, but they don't get a four-cylinder engine either. GM's 3.5-liter V6 is the standard engine, and with 224 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque it's a big step up over the competition's four-cylinder models. Next spring, a hybrid drivetrain will be added to the lineup that will combine a 2.4-liter, four-cylinder gas engine with electric motors to deliver even better mileage without sacrificing performance.
Both Aura models are front-wheel drive and both use a MacPherson strut front and a four-link independent rear suspension. Saturn sees the Aura as a sport sedan, so it didn't skimp on the wheels either. Base models get 17-inch wheels standard while the XR wears 18s.
As a concept, the Saturn Aura made a big splash with its unique interior. Some of those design elements carried over into the production model, like the optional saddle brown leather seating. Features like automatic climate control, a driver information center and slick-looking controls in the center console are all standard equipment. Options include a four-panel panoramic sunroof, heated seats and adjustable pedals.
Some of the switchgear is recognizable from other GM vehicles, but the overall layout is far better than any previous Saturn's. Materials quality is up, too, although the mix of different panel grains in the Aura we sat in looked a little strange. If you're looking for a big backseat, the Aura is competitive there as well. Saturn's engineers extended the cabin 3 inches in back compared to the G6.
No pricing has been set for the 2007 Saturn Aura, but expect it to fall right in line with its competitors when it goes on sale late this summer.
What's Edmunds' take?
It may not be the import killer Saturn fans were hoping for, but if it's priced right the Aura could steal more than a few Camry customers looking for more memorable styling. — Ed Hellwig
2007 Saturn Aura
What's special about it?
After a few misses, Saturn is taking another stab at the midsize segment with the Aura, a car designed to go head to head with the big guns from Honda and Toyota.
To some extent the 2007 Saturn Aura is a reskinned version of the Pontiac G6. According to Gary Kovacic, vehicle line director for midsize vehicles, the Aura shares about 50 percent of its parts with the G6. But as Gary quickly pointed out, almost all of those parts are underneath the skin. "The Aura doesn't share any body panels with the G6. Everything you see on the outside is unique to the Aura," he told us at the NY auto show. Consider the makeover one of the Aura's biggest upgrades, as it has a much more refined look than the Pontiac.
Another big improvement over the Pontiac is the 3.6-liter V6 offered in the top-of-the-line Aura XR. It uses dual-overhead cams, four valves per cylinder and variable valve timing. With preliminary estimates of 252 horsepower and 251 pound-feet of torque, the Aura's V6 puts it up there with the class-leading Camry in terms of power. And like the Camry, the Aura has a six-speed automatic transmission.
Base-model XE Auras don't get the same level of technology, but they don't get a four-cylinder engine either. GM's 3.5-liter V6 is the standard engine, and with 224 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque it's a big step up over the competition's four-cylinder models. Next spring, a hybrid drivetrain will be added to the lineup that will combine a 2.4-liter, four-cylinder gas engine with electric motors to deliver even better mileage without sacrificing performance.
Both Aura models are front-wheel drive and both use a MacPherson strut front and a four-link independent rear suspension. Saturn sees the Aura as a sport sedan, so it didn't skimp on the wheels either. Base models get 17-inch wheels standard while the XR wears 18s.
As a concept, the Saturn Aura made a big splash with its unique interior. Some of those design elements carried over into the production model, like the optional saddle brown leather seating. Features like automatic climate control, a driver information center and slick-looking controls in the center console are all standard equipment. Options include a four-panel panoramic sunroof, heated seats and adjustable pedals.
Some of the switchgear is recognizable from other GM vehicles, but the overall layout is far better than any previous Saturn's. Materials quality is up, too, although the mix of different panel grains in the Aura we sat in looked a little strange. If you're looking for a big backseat, the Aura is competitive there as well. Saturn's engineers extended the cabin 3 inches in back compared to the G6.
No pricing has been set for the 2007 Saturn Aura, but expect it to fall right in line with its competitors when it goes on sale late this summer.
What's Edmunds' take?
It may not be the import killer Saturn fans were hoping for, but if it's priced right the Aura could steal more than a few Camry customers looking for more memorable styling. — Ed Hellwig
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