2009 Saturn Aura Review

Saturn's flagship vehicle, the Aura sedan, is a keystone point of strategy for the arm of General Motors most associated with innovation and fuel economy. This sedan is a refined platform that delivers comfort and performance with excellent fuel economy. Other than the hybrid Aura, the Aura is the most intriguing vehicle in Saturn showrooms.

The Aura, Saturn's flagship vehicle, has helped Saturn redefine its lineup. Aura is a remarkably refined vehicle with a pleasing ride and comfortable cabin.

Saturn hopes its emphasis on Aura's impressive fuel economy will help increase sales of their newest sedan.

Saturn has dropped the 3.5-liter V-6 engine and now offers just two engines: a fuel-efficient 2.4-liter four-cylinder and a potent 3.6-liter V-6.

All Aura models (except the Hybrid) come standard with a six-speed automatic transmission. The Aura XE features the 2.4-liter engine, while new for 2009 is an up-level four-cylinder Aura XR model. The Aura XR can also be had with the 3.6-liter V-6.

Four-cylinder Aura models achieve EPA fuel economy of 22 mpg city and 33 mpg highway. At 33 mpg highway, the Aura is tops among midsize sedans in highway fuel economy.

I was pleasantly surprised with my four-cylinder powered Aura XR tester. Rated at 169-horsepower, the I-4 engine won't snap your head back when you jab the throttle, but it delivers enough pep to easily keep up with other traffic.

If I hadn't known that my Aura XR tester featured a four-cylinder engine, I would have guessed it had a V-6. The 2.4-liter I-4 was very quiet with decent acceleration.

At times, I found that I had to push the accelerator pedal a bit farther down to get the car to step out and pass other vehicles, but the transmission down-shifted and the engine delivered adequate power when called upon.

Those that travel by car should know that my four-cylinder powered Aura XR was especially comfortable cruising along at highway speeds.

The passenger compartment is comfortable and there's plenty of head and leg room for taller passengers. My passengers quickly commented on how quiet and smooth my Aura tester felt while motoring along I-294 during a trip from Chicago's South Side to the North Side.

Aura's cabin is nicely styled and appointed, too. For 2009, both four-cylinder and V-6 XR models get standard heated leather seats. The Ebony/Morocco Brown interior leather is available on both the four-cylinder and V-6 XR. That's what my tester came fitted with and I enjoyed its look and feel.

Bluetooth hands-free phone technology is standard on Aura XR models and available on XE and hybrid when the Preferred Package is ordered.

Lighting is a key element of the Aura's premium interior feel. At night, the cabin delivers a warm upscale feel. The gauge cluster uses LED-lit analog instruments and LEDs are utilized to project an amber glow from the overhead lamp and front door release pockets.

Aura is loaded with safety features, too. All Aura models feature anti-lock brakes, traction and stability control, front and rear head curtain airbags, front side impact airbags, and OnStar with one year of Safe & Sound service.

With all that, you might expect Aura's pricetag to be closer to $30k, but it's not. The Aura XE is priced at $22,430. The upscale Aura XR is $24,535 (four-cylinder) and $26,925 (V-6).

While the Aura shares its platform with the Chevy Malibu and Pontiac G6, the sheet metal and cabin are unique. Those in the hunt for a nice mid-size sedan should drive the Aura.

2009 Saturn Aura XR

Engine: 2.4-liter (169 hp) I-4

Transmission: 6-speed automatic

Drive type: FWD

Fuel economy: 22 city/33 highway

Base price: $23,450

As tested: $25,915 (including $650 destination charge)

Web site: www.saturn.com