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2007 Saturn AURA: Dressed to Impress
One of my first jobs was as a door-to-door insurance salesman. As a rookie, I was subjected to hours of cheesy training that would make any plaid-suit wearing encyclopedia-pushing knucklehead proud. But one item proved worthwhile and prophetic: the concept of under-promising and over-delivering. It’s pretty hard to disappoint when expectations are set low and results blow those expectations out of the water. My expectations weren’t low heading into my test drive of the 2007 Saturn AURA, but let’s just say the car certainly had room to impress me.
A vehicle’s outward appearance weighs heavily in attracting buyers and establishing its reputation and fortunately, the Saturn AURA makes an outstanding first impression. The AURA is roomy, sophisticated and from every angle looks like it would be just as comfortable on the streets of Europe as it would on Main Street, USA.
 Available in two trim levels -- XE and XR -- the AURA offers plenty of style and creature comforts. But the car pulls off a premium, upscale feel without pretense. One of the AURA’s lead designers conducted our press group’s walkaround and explained the detail with which the vehicle was designed and engineered. Bold, outward appointments include aggressively flared fenders, dual halogen headlamps and LED tails, stock seventeen and optional eighteen-inch wheels, dual chrome-tipped exhausts (XR) and a wide chrome trim band on both the grille and trunk lid. Inside, there was little distinction between this Saturn and one of GM’s more luxury-oriented brands. From the burlwood (XR) and stainless (XE) trim across the instrument panel and doors, to the center console with amber lit displays and a tasteful use of chrome, the AURA impressed me with its high quality feel. The optional Morocco Brown leather interior, optional on the XR, made me want to light up a fine Cuban and sip on a snifter of cognac.
In the crowded mid-size sedan market, looks can only carry a car so far. You need special features and here, the AURA shines as well. The requisite offerings like leather, power windows and locks, and single CD are all there. But the AURA provides more, like optional heated seats in cloth or leather, automatic climate control, power adjustable pedals and the slickest sunroof I’ve ever seen in a sedan in this class. The four panel glass roof is powered by a one-touch dial control and extends almost to the rear of the car, providing a panoramic view.
 The biggest difference between the trim levels is under the hood, where Saturn offers two powertrains. The entry XE is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 with variable valve timing that puts out 224-horsepower. I found this engine to do most things well, but it didn’t excel under any particular circumstance. In fact, in around town driving, it could’ve used a bit more torque for quicker acceleration. Step up to the XR, and you’re blessed with a 3.6-liter DOHC V6, also with variable valve timing, that boasts an additional 28-horsepower and 31 pound-feet of torque. From a dead start, and in highway passing situations, it is clear these additions give the XR noticeably stronger acceleration. To boot, the AURA XR’s engine is mated to GM’s first six-speed, front-wheel drive automatic transmission with Driver Shift Control. This tranny, with steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters, makes driving the AURA not only spirited, but fun.
For the most part, the AURA’s road manners kept pace with its design and features, but was an area I believed offered Saturn the most room for improvement. The suspension was generally supple and soft overall but stiffened adequately in cornering or on rough roads. Unfortunately, the roughest pavements, like you’d experience in many urban driving situations, threw the AURA for a loop. I felt a slight loss of control as the AURA bounced around like its struts were blown, and suspension noise was prominent over potholes and other road obstructions. Some additional tuning here and the AURA will have covered all the bases.
When the AURA hits showrooms, some traditional Saturn buyers may think they’ve stumbled into the wrong dealership. The key to this car cracking the upper echelon of mid-size sedans will be how many non-traditional Saturn buyers will make their way into those same showrooms. The AURA starts at $20,595 for the XE and $24,595 for the XR.
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