The Saturn Aura Green Line is the only hybrid that passed our stringent All-American criteria (the Ford Escape Hybrid has only 40 percent domestic content). But it stands out on its own for several reasons. The Aura has been praised since its introduction for its European-flavored design and driving dynamics that set Saturn in a new direction.
Due to its anonymous styling, middle-of-the-road performance and cut-rate cabin, Saturn's L-Series, the company's previous midsize family car entry, was never a favorite of ours. (And based on sales figures, nor would it seem to have been a favorite of the general public.) But Saturn's fortunes in the midsize sedan market are changing. For the 2007 model year, it's releasing its new Aura, and this one finally looks to be a car that you'll want to take a look at.
As is the case with most General Motors products, the 2007 Saturn Aura's mechanical underpinnings are similar to those used in other models. In the Aura's case, it uses a stretched version of the "Epsilon" platform that's also employed for the Pontiac G6 and Chevrolet Malibu Maxx. The Aura is front-wheel drive and features a MacPherson strut front suspension and a four-link independent rear suspension design.
For the outside, Saturn chose to give the Aura a European look. The car's chiseled physique draws inspiration from some Opel products (a European-only GM division), while the cabin has an upscale ambiance never before seen in a Saturn. Further differentiating the Aura from its other GM relatives is the Aura Green Line, GM's first hybrid passenger car ever.
