Suspension components consist of MacPherson struts in the front with a
four-link independent setup in the rear, hopefully calibrated with a more sporting crowd in mind. However, bearing in mind the strong Epsilon platform that underpins European standouts like the Saab 9-3 and Opel Vectra, GM will no doubt create a more forgiving ride that caters to North American tastes while retaining a large dose of that European handling flavour.
Safety equipment is wide ranging, starting with that platform, which has been reinforced with cross beams and high-strength steel inserts, standard four-wheel-disc brakes incorporating ABS, a range of electronics from traction control to Stabilitrak stability control, not to mention a slew of airbags. Considering the Malibu's strong safety record (IIHS silver medal), the Aura should provide one of the best protective bubbles in its class.
It's premature to judge if Saturn can help the General reclaim lost
profit share that continues to slip away thanks to perennial import defectors, but with GM's rising reliability and safety record, coupled with Saturn's newfound good looks and lingering customer loyalty, great things can happen. All the pieces are in place, but sadly, GM is coming to Saturn's aid a little late in the game and much too slowly, and whether anything can be salvaged from this once promising brand remains to be seen. If they can offer pricing competitive to the Korean brands (the new market share grabbers) and interior quality that really is as good as VW or Honda, GM can relaunch this relatively young brand back into its proper orbit.
Preliminary Specifications:
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| More creature comforts: rear passengers have individual stereo control with headphone jacks. (Photo: General Motors of Canada) |
Safety equipment is wide ranging, starting with that platform, which has been reinforced with cross beams and high-strength steel inserts, standard four-wheel-disc brakes incorporating ABS, a range of electronics from traction control to Stabilitrak stability control, not to mention a slew of airbags. Considering the Malibu's strong safety record (IIHS silver medal), the Aura should provide one of the best protective bubbles in its class.
It's premature to judge if Saturn can help the General reclaim lost
 |
| With an edgy style and quality-look interior, the Aura looks to be the car to return Saturn to its import-fighting status. (Photo: General Motors of Canada) |
Preliminary Specifications:
- Price Range (est. MSRP): $30,000 - $37,000
- Type: 4-door, 5-seat sedan
- Layout: front engine, FWD
- Engine: 224-hp, 220 lb-ft of torque, 3.5L, 12-valve, VVT OHV V6
- Opt. Engine: 252-hp, 251 lb-ft of torque, 3.6L, 24-valve, VVT DOHC V6
- Transmission: 4-spd auto (opt. 6-spd auto w/ manual mode)
- Brakes (front/rear): disc/disc, ABS
- Dimensions (L/W/H/WB): 4,851 / 1,786 / 1,464 / 2,852 mm (190.0 / 70.3 / 57.6 / 112.3 in)
- Competitors: Chevrolet Malibu / Impala, Chrysler Sebring / 300, Dodge Charger, Ford Fusion / Five Hundred, Honda Accord, Hyundai Sonata, Kia Magentis, Mitsubishi Galant, Nissan Altima, Pontiac G6, Toyota Camry, Volkswagen Passat, Volvo S40
- Website: www.gmcanada.com
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