The new Saturn Aura is a light-year leap ahead of the 4-door model it replaces. We clocked an impressive 0–60-mph time of only 5.9 seconds, equaling our runs in the 274-bhp, 260-bhp and the 340-bhp, and besting the 268-bhp by two-tenths of a second. The 6-speed automatic transmission with steering-wheel-mounted sequential paddle shifters doesn't waste a single one of the 252 horsepower produced by the 3.6-liter dohc V-6 equipped with variable valve timing - turn the traction control off, and it will spin its front tires in wild burnouts on command. We're confident that Saturn will address our criticisms about the chassis with the debut of the Aura Red Line.īut one dimension of this eye-catching sedan that we wholeheartedly salute is the powertrain. Another revelation: The feedback from the brake pedal is good, but the braking system's decent stopping power could be a little better. Putting it through its paces out on a winding road proved to be more rewarding: The handling and steering feel were good overall but would benefit greatly from a more performance-oriented set of tires. The Aura worked better weaving through the slalom, displaying a more moderate degree of push. The Aura carries the bulk of its mass up front - our measurements yielded a 61/39 weight distribution - so the car demonstrated heavy understeer when circling the skidpad, posting a not-so-hot 0.77g. Out at the track, it was a different story when we put this front-wheel-driver through our standard testing. The ride quality is very refined and comfortable, but the smooth, softly-sprung suspension that serves it so well out on the highway comes with a price.
2007 SATURN AURA XE REVIEW UPGRADE
Īnother feather in its cap: Many cool upgrade accessories can be had at a bargain price - from leather trim (an $800 option) to the stylish two-tone, textured Moroccan leather for only $100 more and XM satellite radio is a steal at only $199. The look, material quality and fit and finish inside the cabin have not only made major strides over previous Saturn models but the styling is arguably snazzier-looking than latest. This new-look 4-door mirrors the enticing show car unveiled a couple of years back at the Detroit auto show its supple lines and broad wheel arches (unfortunately not as big and bold-looking as those on the original concept machine) are welcome eye candy in the segment's otherwise me-too, white-bread offerings. "The Aura delivers solid road manners, great looks inside and out and tremendous value." That's how Deputy Editor Matt DeLorenzo summed up all-new sedan when he penned a feature in the October 2006 issue.
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