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Saturn AURA: 2007 North American Car of the Year

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Contributed by: Edward Vossen on 2/4/2007

At a press conference Sunday, January 7th, the Saturn AURA was named the North American Car of the Year. The award is presented annually by a jury of 49 prominent journalists from throughout the United States and Canada.

The AURA features the design found on all new Saturn vehicles. It also exhibits the brand's new attention to detail on both the exterior and interior. The up-level AURA XR marks the first use of the six-speed automatic transmission in a front wheel-drive vehicle from General Motors.

In addition to its design and driving character, the panel recognized AURA for its overall value.

With its long list of standard safety equipment, the AURA's safety credentials rate among the best in the industry. It earned five stars - the highest rating possible - in all four metrics from the government's new car assessment program.

Saturn will add a hybrid model this Spring. This affordable hybrid will start at under $23,000 and will get 25% improvement in fuel economy over the AURA XE.

Some quotes from journalists:

AutoWeek: "The Aura is seen as a turnaround player for the Saturn brand. Dimensionally, the Saturn rides on a longer, 112.3-inch wheelbase, while the Toyota Camry sits on 109.3. The Aura's wider rubberdid pay dividends to better the Camry with regard to "g" forces. The Saturn feels a lot more stable on the skidpad than the Camry; the line is a lot more stable, less nervous.

Staffers preferred Aura's fun and more composed everyday ride quality over Camry's comparatively twitchy ride.

Moneywise, the Aura holds an advantage over its Japanese challenger, with the XR coming in at nearly $4,300 less than the Camry as tested price.

Aura held the upper hand and impressed the staff with high quality materials equal to Camry's and great overall build quality.

On styling our staff tips its hat to the Saturn Aura. Aura is a handsome car, clean with a bit of jewelry. Day to day testing had us walking away in favor of Aura's superior on-road manners, interior styling and value.

Aura is a clear winner in my book. the interior is well done, and the two-tone leather looks great.

Go drive both and I bet most will bring the Saturn Aura home."

Other reviews:

"More fun to drive than Toyota's Camry"

"A striking and entertaining family sedan alternative to Camry and Accord"

"The Saturn AURA is a breakthrough for GM. The exterior styling, interior upgrades and drive train, especially the 3.6 liter V6. The road manners are solid, the interior is beautiful, and the overall fit and finish is top-notch."

Playboy's Ken Gross: "This smart Euro-styled sedan is well thought out, very nicely styled, entertaining to drive and thoughtfully priced"

More information about the 2007 Car of the Year, the Saturn AURA, can be obtained from Ed Vossen of Saturn of Stuart. Ed is an 11 year veteran sales consultant that currenly leases a Saturn AURA XE.

Saturn of Stuart is located at 3131 SE Federal Highway, Stuart, near the intersection of US 1 and Indian Street. You may contact Ed Vossen at 772-403-5927 or email him at evossen@suburbancollection.com.