2007 Saturn Aura XR

Saturn has introduced an all-new mid-size sedan called the Aura. Compared with Saturn's last mid-size car, the unloved L-Series sedan and wagon that died quiet deaths back in 2004, the Aura is decidedly modern and fresh, with Euro character. Interestingly, the Aura has none of the plastic body panels that made Saturn famous in the 1990s. The Aura is based on the same safe, solid architecture as the Saab 9-3, which sells for thousands of dollars more. Compared with the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry and Ford Fusion, the Aura is well equipped with safety and comfort features. Underway, the Saturn Aura is quiet and handles well. We found it drives like a European family sedan, taut and responsive, with brakes, suspension and powertrain working together to respond to the driver's wishes. This is not surprising, given the Aura shares its structure with the German Opel Vectra.

The Aura XR ($26,919) features a 252-hp V6 and a six-speed automatic transmission with manual shift control paddles on the steering wheel. The Aura XR also features automatic climate control, an eight-way power driver seat, front seat heaters, a remote engine starter, an eight-speaker stereo with an in-dash six-disc CD changer, rear audio controls, a universal garage door opener, 18-inch wheels, and fog lamps. The climate controls that come standard as well as the optional automatic climate controls are single-zone only. Also, there are no rear-seat air conditioning ducts, a glaring omission in this class of car. At least the XR's standard remote engine starter can help get a head start on heating or cooling the vehicle before occupants get inside. I was not impressed with the automatic volume adjust that raises or lowers the volume on the radio depending on the noise level in the car. Jeanie would get irritated as I had to keep manually adjusting it to keep it at the level I wanted. All told, the Aura's interior is comfortable in spite of its occasionally sub-par materials and missing features like a rear armrest and rear-seat air registers. And while it doesn't quite match the refinement of, say, the Toyota Camry or Honda Accord, it is a huge accomplishment for Saturn and one that should more than satisfy its owners. The XR's 252-hp 3.6-liter V6 is powerful and is very responsive in either mountain or highway driving conditions. The six-speed automatic comes with optional Tap-Shift paddle shifters on the steering wheel to make manual shifting possible when the selector is moved from D to M. Fuel efficiency is excellent and compares favorably with other mid-size sedans. The Aura XR is rated 20 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. Credit the taller gearing of the six-speed automatic, which allows the engine to spin at a lower rpm at highway speeds.

The 2007 Saturn Aura XR is a classy, mid-size family sedan that combines front-wheel-drive dynamics with contemporary styling, a decent interior and very good fuel economy. It is safe and easy to drive. The Aura's attractive price and good fuel economy make it a compelling choice for buyers looking at Toyota Camry, Nissan Altima, Honda Accord and Ford Fusion.

Denis and his wife Jeanie, live near Bailey and own the Mountain Man Nut & Fruit store in Evergreen