CTC Review: 2007 Saturn Aura XR

[CD_Editor]

Picture Gallery:  2007 Saturn Aura XR


Day 1:

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This week, I'll be driving an all-new car from a company that is trying to redefine itself in the marketplace.  Saturn's new slogan is "Like always.  Like never before,"  signifying they are still about being different but with a whole new look, new design and new target market segment.  Gone are the plastic panels and with them, the horrible fit and finish.  Welcome to a new era of Saturn. More ...

[Bullet Blue]

For some reason the multispoke alloys look odd on this car to me. I think 5 or even 6 spoked wheels would look better. Other than that it looks great. Leather is definately different, I'm sure you'll get used to it Wing.

It's much improved over the L-series. $35K is a tough segment to compete in though.

[Demosthenes X]

What's the issue with the leather?  Colour?

[Bullet Blue]

I have no issue with the leather, but wing states "“Ummmm, not so sure about that leather.” which I assumed he was talking about the colour.

[airbalancer]

Nice looking car, or is just the great pixs
Leather looks nice
AT 35gs, there is alot to look at that price

[UDB]

I'm anxious what is going to be the real gas mileage with the new 3.6.  Me too, I don't like much the wheels on the XR but I guess GM offer other models in its acessories catalogs.  It will deserve a test drive next spring.  Hope the headroom isn't too low.

[Blueprint]

Wing, one thing I'd like to read in your reports is child seat compatibility.  Some GM cars are designed to house 3 of them (my own needs), most will take 2, and some don't allow you to put one in the middle ! (previous CR-V, TrailBlazer, ...).

Some cars can't even take rear-facing seats !

I had the privilege of working with Car and Driver on their 2004 minivan comparo, and wrote a sidebar on the topic.

[jww]

In response to your "Wow - this is Saturn?" question, I reply "Welcome to the world of GM overseas - aka Vauxhall/Opel!"

I continue to be a fan of the Vauxhall variant Aura (it even sounds like a Vauxhall name variant - think Astra, Vectra, Corsa....), and look forward to see further Vauxhall variants coming to our shores. Sure hope they bring over the Corsa. While the Astra seems slated for our shores, I haven't heard any word on the sub-compact Corsa coming our way anytime soon.

I like the stance of the Aura alot - but agree that the wheels somehow look out of place - they just seem too busy to me. Interior is wonderful, but I think it would take some time for the camel coloured variant on the leather. Although charcoal or blonde would have been more acceptable to me, I do get that Saturn/Vauxhall/Opel are trying to make a unique statement about themselves with this vehicle.

Looking forward to more data as you continue your week in an Aura.

[Shemp]

Wow , priced BETTER than the accord or Camry , better looking , terrific euro design, good job GM.

[UmroAyyar]

GM is doing something different, looks good. I am looking forward to your day-to-day experience with this car and comparison with the main contenders Camry/Accord/Sonata. You've driven them all.

[JamesP]

The door panels appear to be leather covered, or they simply leather colored plastic.

Properly padded door panels is one thing that i find missing in my G6 V6 vs the Passat, and it looked like the doors were designed for it in the G6, just cost cut out.

Also how is the fuel economy of the 3.6 over the 3.5, with mainly city i get 9.0-9.5 L/100kms on the 3.5, and mid sevens cruising on the highway.  With the 6 speed and modern engine over the old 4 speed and old school it should be comparable in real world driving even with the extra 30+ HP.

[MKII]

For some reason the multispoke alloys look odd on this car to me. I think 5 or even 6 spoked wheels would look better. Other than that it looks great. Leather is definately different, I'm sure you'll get used to it Wing.

It's much improved over the L-series. $35K is a tough segment to compete in though.

BB, how about a wheel style like these http://www.opel.ee/site/images/showroom/gallery/vectra_gal_06_b.jpg
Seems more suitable for the Aura.

Look forward to your write up on this car Wing, especially after your tests in premium level vehicles lately.

[sirAQUAMAN64]

BB, how about a wheel style like these http://www.opel.ee/site/images/showroom/gallery/vectra_gal_06_b.jpg

God, I hope that's what they do for the Red Line, bumper and all (which is like the Aura Concept).

At first I didn't like the wheels, but got used to them. They're elegant and polished, but not overly so to look chintzy.

I like the Morocco Brown saddle leather, and in fact think your colour combo is the one I'd choose if buying an Aura.  I'm not so sold on the wood trim with this leather tho - somehow think a nice brushed aluminum would complement it better. The grey leather in the XE looks pretty nice too tho.

To me, the car has a nice stance but the greenhouse is too low. Not only does this take away from headroom and limits the feel of roominess, it makes the whole car appear somewhat stretched. Maybe this is what they were going for, but at times I catch myself thinking it looks off.

And yes, the Aura can get up in price dang quickly, especially with the packaging on the XR. If you had the Pana Sunroof you'd be up to $37Gs... that's well into luxury brand territory and those cars are coming well equipped nowadays, although most aren't the size of the Aura. Main competitor would be the Passat I guess, which is steeply priced as well, along with Altima 3.5, Camry V6, etc, which reach into the $30's. But, with Saturn having the no-dicker pricing policy and this vehicle being critical for Saturn's existence, it's very important to price these puppies right from the get-go, and my feeling is they're a bit on the high side. There's nothing here segment-breaking, but it's certainly competitive and worth a look if shopping in this segment.

[Bullet Blue]

For some reason the multispoke alloys look odd on this car to me. I think 5 or even 6 spoked wheels would look better. Other than that it looks great. Leather is definately different, I'm sure you'll get used to it Wing.

It's much improved over the L-series. $35K is a tough segment to compete in though.

BB, how about a wheel style like these http://www.opel.ee/site/images/showroom/gallery/vectra_gal_06_b.jpg
Seems more suitable for the Aura.

MUCH better. Gives it a sporty, yet elogant looking. As SAM suggests, a possible redline candidate.

[Giant Dwarf]

[I like the Morocco Brown saddle leather, and in fact think your colour combo is the one I'd choose if buying an Aura.  I'm not so sold on the wood trim with this leather tho - somehow think a nice brushed aluminum would complement it better.

  I'm with you on that one, SAM.  The colour scheme of Wing's test car is great -- really sets it apart from what else is out there, that's for sure! 

Being 'less-tall' than you, the reduced headroom of the short greenhouse appeals to me though from an aesthetic standpoint. 

If the quality stays up there on this product over the long term and GM offers their typical year-end discounts, picking one up for the low 30s could be a heck of a deal.

[Zombie]

Definitely the best looking sedan that Saturn has ever made but that isn't saying much. The interior looks pretty nice as well.
I will be interest to see what James has to say about how it drives.
I'm not sure if I would choose this car over a Camry or an Accord, especially a V6 accord with the six speed manual.
That price does seem a bit high for this car, for just a bit more you can get a Cadillac CTS.

[sofyst]

I'm just trying to see how well the integration is between your board and your blog...

[sofyst]

Sweet! Works grand. I can't wait until I integrate my wordpress and my forum!!! I have been searching forever for an integration between wordpress and phpbb, looks like I was looking in the wrong place!!!!!

[sirAQUAMAN64]

Sweet! Works grand. I can't wait until I integrate my wordpress and my forum!!! I have been searching forever for an integration between wordpress and phpbb, looks like I was looking in the wrong place!!!!!

Royalties for the idea/execution to Wing? 

[wing]

Idea was Giant Dwarf's... well his probing of "why are the comments different" made me do it.

I did implement though