You sometimes know very quickly when first driving a new model whether it s right or wrong. With the all-new Aura XR from Saturn, I was smiling and thinking how good it felt within the first few blocks after getting behind the wheel. The Aura is based on the same platform used by the Saab 9-3, so it s not surprising to find this new Saturn exhibiting a very European-like driving personality and in the process giving the GM division its first-ever genuinely competitive entry in the mid-size family sedan segment of the market. My Aura XR tester is the top-of-the-line model and features the more powerful of two available V-6s, a 3.6 liter unit producing 252 horsepower that is connected to a six-speed automatic transmission with Saturn s oddly named Tap-Shift manual shifting paddles on the steering column. The 3.6 liter unit produces excellent power throughout its rev range and does so without undue noise or drive-train vibration or harshness. The six-speed is a little slow about downshifting occasionally in the Tap-Shift mode, but is otherwise rather well-matched to the V-6. On the road, the Aura XR rewards the attentive driver with a tautness and solidity associated with more expensive European sedans. The steering gives good feedback and the brakes are powerful and easily modulated. Inside the Aura is a passenger cabin that provides abundant room and convenience for four adults and is not at all over-matched when a fifth adult joins the crowd, although there isn t a headrest for the middle rear seating position. Being a tad narrower than a Camry, the XR offers slightly less hip and shoulder room. A couple with two younger kids, however, would probably find the Aura an ideal family sedan. My XR tester came with a rich-looking dark brown leather covering the seats that contrasted well with the shades and textures seen elsewhere in the cabin. I also appreciated the placement and ergonomics of the switch gear and other controls, especially those for the stereo. Also contributing to the Aura s attractiveness as a family sedan is its equipment list and competitive pricing. Even fully loaded, the XR tops out under $27,000 on the sticker, yet includes GM s fine StabilTrak vehicle stability control, as well as anti-lock brakes and a plethora of air bags front, side and rear. As this is written, the Aura is a finalist for North American Car of the Year for 2007. Whether or not the Aura takes that particular title, there seems little doubt it will be among Saturn s biggest success stories for the coming year. Next Mark Tapscott gets behind the wheel of the Jeep Compass.
