The dashboard borrows from the Sky the aluminum-chrome theme in a wise and tasteful fashion. The circular gauges are not spectacular but effective; they allow a quick and accurate reading no matter what the lighting conditions are.
The climate and audio controls in the middle of the centre stack are doubled by steering wheel mounted buttons, which makes them more user-friendly. However, a little backlighting would have allowed an even easier manipulation. This goes to show you how nothing is ever perfect.
The seats are good, but not quite as supportive as I would have liked. Clearly, Saturn chose comfort over sporty driving. Fortunately, there's enough space to accommodate all passengers, even those in the back.
Two models, two visions
The Aura is available in two models. Wiser folks will opt for the XE, which is slightly less luxurious but still equipped with a 224-hp 3.5L V6 engine that is powerful yet somewhat restive. That's not the case of the XR model with its 252-hp, DOHC 3.6L V6, which proves to be efficient and entertaining. Actually, you can feel the added muscle; accelerations are more linear and more direct, while the 80-120 kph sprints are achieved with no hesitation.
There's another significant benefit with the bigger engine; it comes standard with a 6-speed automatic transmission that allows smooth shifts and a greater use of the available power. This gearbox also offers steering wheel mounted paddle shifters for driving enthusiasts. I must say, however, that these paddles are awkwardly placed and require the driver to considerably stretch his or her fingers in order to reach them.
The Aura has almost no major flaws, but it certainly won't win the award for the most responsive steering. Like many other midsize family sedans, the Aura's steering gives very little information on road conditions -- even though the European-inspired suspension settings are better suited than those of most other GM sedans.
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| The layout of the various materials is tastefully done. |
The climate and audio controls in the middle of the centre stack are doubled by steering wheel mounted buttons, which makes them more user-friendly. However, a little backlighting would have allowed an even easier manipulation. This goes to show you how nothing is ever perfect.
The seats are good, but not quite as supportive as I would have liked. Clearly, Saturn chose comfort over sporty driving. Fortunately, there's enough space to accommodate all passengers, even those in the back.
Two models, two visions
The Aura is available in two models. Wiser folks will opt for the XE, which is slightly less luxurious but still equipped with a 224-hp 3.5L V6 engine that is powerful yet somewhat restive. That's not the case of the XR model with its 252-hp, DOHC 3.6L V6, which proves to be efficient and entertaining. Actually, you can feel the added muscle; accelerations are more linear and more direct, while the 80-120 kph sprints are achieved with no hesitation.
There's another significant benefit with the bigger engine; it comes standard with a 6-speed automatic transmission that allows smooth shifts and a greater use of the available power. This gearbox also offers steering wheel mounted paddle shifters for driving enthusiasts. I must say, however, that these paddles are awkwardly placed and require the driver to considerably stretch his or her fingers in order to reach them.
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| The paddle shifters could be repositioned. |
The Aura has almost no major flaws, but it certainly won't win the award for the most responsive steering. Like many other midsize family sedans, the Aura's steering gives very little information on road conditions -- even though the European-inspired suspension settings are better suited than those of most other GM sedans.