2008 Saturn Aura

Styles

Overview

The 2008 Saturn Aura is now offered in four different models, each well equipped but with its own distinct powertrain. At the low end of the price range is the XE-4 (four-cylinder) model, which comes with a fuel-efficient 169-horsepower, 2.4L DOHC four-cylinder engine and four-speed automatic transmission. The XE-6 upgrades to a 3.5L pushrod V6 with variable valve timing, making 219 horsepower, and also comes with a four-speed automatic. The most luxurious model in the range is the XR, which features a 3.6L DOHC V6 with variable valve timing, making 252 horsepower and fitted to a six-speed automatic. The XR model's six-speed automatic transmission has a TAPShift feature that enables the driver to manually select shifts with steering-wheel-mounted paddles.

For eco-conscious buyers there's also the Green Line model, which brings the 2.4L four-cylinder engine rated at 164 horsepower and combined with a motor/generator hybrid system and four-speed automatic. The Green Line model's hybrid system is a so-called "mild hybrid" system, meaning that it can't propel the vehicle on electric power alone but the electric motor system helps the gasoline engine to operate more efficiently by boosting power, allowing it to shut off when idling and decelerating, and saving energy lost in braking within an advanced nickel-metal-hydride battery.

With the four-cylinder engine, the Aura gets 22 mpg city, 30 mpg highway in the EPA cycle; the Green Line does even better, with an estimated 24 mpg city, 32 mpg highway.

The Aura has a distinct appearance inside and out, with LED taillamps that allow extra visibility and safety, detailed, jewel-like headlamps, and a radio antenna built into the rear window. Body-color door handles and power folding side mirrors come on even the cheapest XE-4 model.

With a relatively long wheelbase and stiff chassis, the Aura allows a roomy interior, and suspension tuning oriented toward crisp, sporty handling without sacrificing ride comfort. XE four-cylinder and Green Line models have an electric power steering system, while V6 models get a hydraulic system.

Inside, too, the Aura is better detailed than is expected from a value-priced mid-size sedan. The gauge cluster uses amber-glow LEDs for instrument-panel lighting and a warm tone. XE and XR models now include a Driver Information Center, with real-time fuel economy.

The Aura includes a long list of standard safety features, including four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes, front seat-mounted thorax air bags, and head-curtain side-impact air bags. The StabiliTrak electronic stability control system is standard on all models except the XE four-cylinder.

The XE model, whether equipped with the four-cylinder or V6 engine, comes with tilt/telescoping steering, a 60/40 split folding back seat, cruise control, remote keyless entry, air conditioning, and a six-speaker CD/MP3 sound system. From the XE, the Green Line-in addition to its hybrid powertrain-upgrades to machined alloy wheels, automatic climate control and special instrumentation.

At the top of the line, the XR adds many luxury features including front heated seats, a power driver's seat, steering-wheel mounted audio controls, leather trim, a remote vehicle starter, a universal garage door opener, and an eight-speaker, 240-watt sound system with six-disc changer rear audio controls, and wireless headphones. Major options include leather seating, woodgrain trim, a power sunroof, embossed seat inserts, and adjustable pedals. One year of OnStar Safe & Sound service and a three-month trial service to XM satellite radio are included across the line.

Value

With the addition of a base XE four-cylinder model, the 2008 Saturn Aura is now an even better deal than before and offers something for all types of sedan buyers, standing out as an especially sophisticated and sporty-yet frugal-sedan. At the other end of the line, the XR model, with its more powerful V6 and six-speed automatic, offers a driving experience that rivals that of luxury-brand sedans costing much more. The Green Line, as well, is attractive-and attractively priced-for those who want to minimize their fuel bills and energy use yet need a roomy sedan.