Saturn Offers 2007 Aura Hybrid Car for the Budget Conscious
By Todd Kaho
Want to go green without busting the budget? The Saturn Aura Green Line is one of the lowest-priced hybrids on the market, period. With a base price under $23,000, this mid-size sedan offers 25 percent more mileage and lower emissions than the entry-level, traditionally-powered XE. Yet, Green Line's base MSRP is just $1,700 more than the XE, and buyers should get most of that back as a tax credit, at least at this point in time.
Some detractors point out that the Aura Green Line, like the Saturn VUE Green Line and new Chevy Malibu Hybrid, are mild hybrids that can't be propelled by electric power alone. They dismiss them because they're not "full" hybrids or examples of General Motor's new advanced two-mode hybrid technology.
Well, that may be. But, at this price point the upside far outweighs the down. In fact, in this case the mileage gain alone will quickly put an Aura Green Line owner in the savings column. Often left out of the hybrid discussion is that the stop-start feature used in a belt-alternator-starter (BAS) mild hybrid system offers a major reduction in around-town tailpipe emissions since the car doesn't idle at stops.
Green Car recently spent two weeks behind the wheel of an Aura Hybrid. Overall, this roomy mid-size sedan leaves an impression of being solid and capable. Plus, it benefits from standard StabiliTrak electronic stability control for sure-footed road manners.
Power comes from an electric motor/generator mated to a 2.4-liter Ecotec DOHC four cylinder that produces 164 horsepower and 159 pound-ft of torque. The motor/generator pulls power from a 10 kW, 36 volt nickel-metal-hydride battery pack. While it's easy to appreciate many things about the Aura Hybrid, acceleration clearly isn't one of its strong suits. While certainly adequate, it's far from exciting with nearly 11 seconds required to go from 0 to 60 mph. Plus, at full throttle the Ecotec engine buzzes while it moves the Aura down the road.
Changes in EPA fuel economy-test procedures for 2008 bring the Aura Hybrid a fuel economy rating of 24 mpg city and 32 mpg highway, with a combined 27 mpg average. That's a migration downward from the 2007 EPA ratings of 28 mpg city and 35 mpg highway, with a combined 30 mpg. These new fuel economy tests more accurately reflect the way most Americans drive and have impacted fuel economy figures for hybrids across the board. At legal speeds on the highway, the Aura's 16.3-gallon fuel tank can yield a cruising range of 500 miles or so between fill ups.
Drive the Aura by the green "eco" light positioned just above the gas gauge and, like most hybrids, the Aura will deliver much better fuel economy. Across from the fuel gauge, the Aura's instrument panel features a gauge that shows motor/generator activity with a needle that swings from "assist" to "charge." Both are good indicators of how economically you are driving. Bottom line: If you're in the market for an economical and green family car, the Saturn Aura Hybrid deserves a test drive.
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