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First Drive: 2007 Saturn Aura
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“The Aura delivers solid road manners, great looks inside and out and tremendous value.” That’s how Deputy Editor Matt DeLorenzo summed up Saturn’s all-new sedan when he penned a First Drive feature in the October 2006 issue.
This new-look 4-door mirrors the enticing show car unveiled a couple of years back at the Detroit auto show; its supple lines and broad wheel arches (unfortunately not as big and bold-looking as those on the original concept machine) are welcome eye candy in the segment’s otherwise me-too, white-bread offerings.
The look, material quality and fit and finish inside the cabin have not only made major strides over previous Saturn models but the styling is arguably snazzier-looking than Honda’s latest Accord.
Another feather in its cap: Many cool upgrade accessories can be had at a bargain price — from leather trim (an $800 option) to the stylish two-tone, textured Moroccan leather for only $100 more; and XM satellite radio is a steal at only $199.
The Aura’s ride quality is very refined and comfortable, but the smooth, softly-sprung suspension that serves it so well out on the highway comes with a price....
Out at the track, it was a different story when we put this front-wheel-driver through our standard testing. The Aura carries the bulk of its mass up front — our measurements yielded a 61/39 weight distribution — so the car demonstrated heavy understeer when circling the skidpad, posting a not-so-hot 0.77g. The Aura worked better weaving through the slalom, displaying a more moderate degree of push. Putting it through its paces out on a winding road proved to be more rewarding: The handling and steering feel were good overall but would benefit greatly from a more performance-oriented set of tires. Another revelation: The feedback from the brake pedal is good, but the braking system’s decent stopping power could be a little better. We’re confident that Saturn will address our criticisms about the chassis with the debut of the Aura Red Line.
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