2007
Saturn Aura

by Steve Schutz, MD

Saturn, General Motors’ import-fighting brand conceived almost 20 years ago, is changing… a lot. Instead of selling small cars and SUVs with soft plastic bodies, Saturn will morph into an outlet
for Americanized Opels.

It makes sense, really. U.S. buyers clearly love European automotive brands — last year we purchased more than one million new Volkswagens, BMWs, Land Rovers and other nameplates from the Old Country — and General Motors’ Opel division is a well respected company in Europe. Why not rebadge German Opels as Saturns and sell‘em over here?

Well, for one thing, it’s not as easy as one might think. In fact, the US market is littered with Americanized cars introduced here by European subsidiaries of U.S. companies with high hopes, only to flop.

Remember the Ford Capri and Opel Kadett from the 70’s, the Merkur XR4ti and Scorpio from the 80’s and the Ford Contour from the 90’s? They all failed here despite excellent track records “across the pond” and carefully considered business case analyses.

Prediction: the Saturn Aura, a rebadged Opel Vectra, will succeed here for two reasons. First, the Aura fits our market much better than the failed cars listed. And second, our tastes are more continental than they’ve ever been.

A primary problem with most of the above noted unsuccessful imports was a lack of interior space. Europeans used to driving shorter distances and carrying less gear than we do — oh, and much pricier gas — cheerfully put up with tiny cars.

Here we like things bigger, so the Aura couldn’t make it with a Contour-like cabin. And it doesn’t have one. The rear seat is spacious and comfortable for two and not bad for three, and there’s plenty of elbow room all around. Interior dimensions are on a par with the class benchmarks Toyota Camry and Honda Accord, which is where they need to be.

Interior quality is impressive, too. Saturns in the past have had mediocre interior materials and ergonomics, but the Aura was a pleasant surprise. Like the GM Hummer H3 and Chevy Tahoe reviewed in this space recently, the Aura features solid buttons and attractive dials that are a pleasure to use. And tasteful faux aluminum accents add a welcome“touch of class”. Except for some plastic panels that look and feel cheaper than I’d like, Saturn has produced a very nice interior. The new Camry remains best in class, but Saturn is catching up.

The Aura’s not bad exteriorwise, either. Unlike the forgettable L-series, the Aura looks modern, fresh and almost sleek. Large headlights and taillights, generous fender openings and striking alloy wheels catch your eye, and nice details like tasteful chrome accenting give the sedan a luxurious, umm…aura. And the chiseled profile is unmistakably European, which should help sales.

Aggressive pricing should also help. Top-of-the-line Auras like my tester, which came loaded, sticker for just over $26,000. Avoid tacking on options, and you can get one for about $22,000, which is very competitive in this market.

The driving experience is competitive, too. Family sedan customers are generally focused on more serious considerations like resale and utility, but even non-enthusiasts appreciate a car that drives well. Around town and over surface streets, the Aura handles with as much poise as any Camry.

Still, athleticism isn’t really its thing, so if you push too hard, under steer and body roll are there to remind you that this is a family sedan, not a sports car.

Two trim levels are offered. The base XE comes with 17- inch wheels, air-conditioning, full power accessories and a stereo with CD player and auxiliary input jack. The XR is more of a luxury sport sedan, thanks to standard goodies like 18-inch alloy wheels, leather seating, power driver’s seat, six-disc CD changer, heated front seats, remote starting, auto-dimming rearview mirror and steering wheel-mounted audio controls.

Notable options include power-adjustable pedals, a fourpanel panoramic sunroof, two-tone “Moroccan” leather trim and XM satellite radio.

XE models are equipped with a pushrod 3.5-liter V6 producing 224 HP and 220 lb-ft of torque mated to a fourspeed automatic transmission. XR Auras receive a 252 HP DOHC 3.6-liter V6 and six-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters. I haven’t driven the XE yet, but I don’t see the point of a less powerful engine and two fewer gears (Frankly, I think it’s time all 4-speed automatics were put out to pasture).

Well done, Saturn. Instead of more dull-mobiles, GM is treating us to their European Opels, in this case the Vectra, and it’s a win for us. As more Opels turn into Saturns, I predict Saturn sales will continue to grow. Camry and Accord beware.

Note — as this column was being finalized, the Aura was voted the 2007 North American Car of the Year by a panel of journalists at the Detroit Auto Show.