2007 Saturn Aura Review

Two models are offered for the standard 2007 Saturn Aura. The base XE model comes with a 3.5L pushrod V6, which makes 224 horsepower and is paired with a four-speed automatic transmission. The uplevel, sporty XR gets a 252-horsepower, 3.6L DOHC V6 with a new six-speed automatic featuring TAPshift paddles, positioned next to the steering wheel, which allow the driver to easily select shifts manually.

Slotting between the two variants in price is the Aura Green Line hybrid, which offers a 2.4-liter four-cylinder Ecotec engine, supplemented with an electric motor system and running through a four-speed automatic transmission. Altogether, the powertrain makes 164 horsepower and returns EPA fuel economy ratings of 28 city, 35 highway. Additionally, Aura Green Line owners may be eligible for a federal tax credit of $1,300.

The Aura is one of the lowest-priced vehicles to extensively use LED lamps. In the taillamps, they bring a distinctive appearance and also provide extra safety, as LEDs illuminate faster than conventional bulbs. Inside, LED lighting is used for gauges, an overhead lamp, and door pocket lamps.

The base XE comes well equipped with popular conveniences like air conditioning, cruise control, a CD sound system with auxiliary input, and a 60/40-split folding back seat for larger cargo items. Additional XR equipment includes a dual exhaust system, projector beam fog lamps, automatic climate control, a power driver's seat, and a remote vehicle starter.

A four-panel, power retractable panorama glass roof is an especially notable option on the XR, while other options include leather seating and a package with adjustable pedals. An Advanced Audio System, with MP3 play compatibility, rear-seat controls and headphones, and 240 watts is available, along with XM Satellite Radio.

XE models come with 17-inch wheels and tires, while XR models ride on 18-inch polished cast-aluminum wheels and performance tires.

In addition to XE equipment, Green Line models get automatic climate control, plus special instrumentation, including a gauge to monitor when the hybrid system is charging or assisting.

Safety equipment includes head curtain side-impact air bags to cover front and rear outboard occupants, and front-seat-mounted thorax protection side air bags. Four-wheel disc brakes with ABS are standard on all Auras, while Stabilitrak is standard on the XR and the Green Line. The Aura earned five stars in the federal government's tests for frontal and side impact.

One year of OnStar Safe & Sound service is included. There's also a new extra-cost service available called OnStar Turn-by-Turn Navigation available on the Aura, in which a live advisor can send step-by-step driving directions through the vehicle's audio system.

The Aura is available in a wide-ranging palette of nine exterior colors.
The Saturn Aura is an all-new mid-size sedan for 2007, replacing the L-Series. The Aura boasts more design-savvy appeal than the plainly styled L-Series, with a contemporary appearance and premium interior features, while the new Green Line model boasts an impressive EPA fuel economy figure of 35 mpg highway. The top Aura XR features a new six-speed automatic transmission with steering-wheel-positioned paddles. Unlike former Saturn models, the Aura is a steel-bodied car and does not have the plastic body panels that were originally a selling point for Saturns. see less