The centre console is sharp, with plastic facing that looks like
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| Specs list is also pleasing with many different options to suit the tastes of luxury-minded buyers. (Photo: General Motors of Canada) |
sandblasted metal, large knobs ringed in chrome with a very clear, conventional layout. The gauges are also ringed in chrome, and set deep to prevent glare and brightly backlit in yellow LED light. For a truly modern look, the GM designers have filled the backdrop with a ridged horizontal surface that looks great at a distance, especially in contrast to the polka-dotty pattern of the needle housings.
With great focus on the Aura's interior design, the equipment list was not overlooked. Filling the menu of requisite creature comforts are power-adjustable pedals, an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, a garage door remote, steering wheel audio controls and a four-panel sunroof (no doubt borrowed from the G6). All models get XM Satellite radio, and audiophiles can upgrade to an eight-speaker system with a 240-watt amp plus CD and MP3 capability.
Overall,
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| Metal-ringed gauges with an amber and white display are an usual touch. (Photo: General Motors of Canada) |
I'd have to rate the new Aura a smashing success considering Saturn atrocities like the SC coupe exterior and Ion interior, and it fulfills the need to distinguish the brand's new flagship from its Chevrolet Malibu and Pontiac G6 cousins. To further distance it from its cousins, the Aura gets a completely different engine lineup starting with the 3.5L OHV V6 from the Impala, while the upgrade is the Australian-designed 3.6L DOHC V6 with VVT (you may recognize those stats from the Cadillac CTS) mated to an all-new six-speed automatic transmission. The Aura is the first car to get GM's new six-speed slushbox, so it's nice to see that they're backing up the stylish design with some modern equipment.
New technology doesn't stop with the gearbox, as Saturn announced that later in the 2007 model-year the Aura will become available as a Green Line hybrid, with a 2.4L Ecotec-based hybrid system similar to the one going into the Vue Green Line.
Hybrid aside, the starter conventional engine for the XE trim level is GM's 3.5L V6 that makes
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| Borrowing power from Caddy's mid-range CTS, the top-line Aura boasts 252 hp from a new 3.6L VVT V6 engine. (Photo: General Motors of Canada) |
224 horsepower and 220 lb-ft of torque. I wouldn't dare call it an old-fashioned lump, as it features variable valve timing on its overhead valve construction, and it is very impressive as a base engine when compared to its four-cylinder-powered entry-level rivals. With an efficient hybrid coming later in the year, it sits in the middle of the fence offering performance and economy plus fairly low emissions. It won't impress too many with GM's ubiquitous 4T45-E four-speed automatic, but just the same this is a proven combination right out of the Impala and therefore should provide ample motivation for the 1,600-kilo (3,528-lb) car.
The
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| Though the old Saturn L (pictured) was engineered in Europe, it didn't have the technological advantages of the Aura. (Photo: General Motors of Canada) |
headline grabber is the 3.6L V6 designed by Holden in Australia, and destined for the top of the line Aura XR. Its 252 horsepower and 252 lb-ft of torque aren't staggeringly superior numbers to the base engine, but the six-speed transmission mentioned earlier should help it knock seconds off the base package's 0-100 time. The six-speed transmission is a completely new option to the GM lineup, so expect it to pop up on many updates in the GM lineup in the next couple of years. This sixer also gets Driver Shift Control (DSC), allowing the driver to choose his or her gear by flicking the thumb paddles positioned on the steering wheel.
