Model Strengths:

Smooth ride and handling; interior comfort with upscale look and feel; strong performance; available as a hybrid

Model Overview

Six trims are available for 2010. The base XE, XE Preferred, XR and XR Premium all come with a 2.4L inline 4-cylinder engine offering 169 horsepower at 6400 rpm and 160 pound-feet of torque at 4500 rpm. The XR V6 and the XR V6 Premium come with a 3.6L V6 engine that offers 252 horsepower at 6300 rpm with 251 pound-feet of torque at 3200 rpm. All engines utilize variable valve timing. The hybrid also has a 2.4L inline 4-cylinder engine and comes with 164 horsepower at 6400 rpm and 159 pound-feet of torque at 5000 rpm. All trims are sedans come with a 6-speed automatic transmission and front wheel drive. No other options are available on any engines. Inside, the gauge cluster uses amber-glow LEDs for instrument-panel lighting. All trims include a Driver Information Center with real-time fuel economy and other important vehicle status updates. All trims also feature TAPShift paddles as part of Driver Shift Control (DSC), which enables the driver to manually shift through gears via steering wheel-positioned paddles. Standard safety features on all Auras include 4-wheel ABS, 4-wheel disc brakes, tire pressure monitoring system, traction control and electronic stability control. Airbags that cover the driver, passenger, side, rear body, side head, rear head are also standard on all trims. Standard features on the base XE trim include air conditioning, power doors and windows, power driver and passenger mirrors, cruise control, keyless entry, AM/FM/CD and Satellite Radio, steering wheel controls, anti-theft system, and an auxiliary audio jack. Standard equipment for the XE Preferred include everything standard on the XE, plus front and rear floor mats, leather wrapped steering wheel, wireless cell phone hookup and compact spare tire. The XR adds aluminum wheels, 8-way power driver's seat, leather seats and heated driver and passenger seats. The XR Premium also includes heated mirrors, heated exterior driver and passenger mirrors, an electrochromic rearview mirror, universal garage door opener, remote engine start and power passenger seat. Standard equipment on the hybrid is the same as for the XR, except for leather seats, heated seats and a compact spare tire. Climate control, however, is standard on the hybrid. Standard equipment on the XR V6 includes everything found on the XRs plus climate control and fog lamps. The XR Premium V6 also adds 6-way power passenger seat, rear seat audio controls, power tilt/sliding sunroof with sunroof sunshield or sun/moon roof without sunshield. Other available options include woodgrain interior trim and Saturn's Advanced Audio System.

Model Changes

Last year, just three trims- the base XE, XR and XR V6- were offered. For 2010, these same trims will be offered, in addition to XE Preferred, XR Premium and XR V6 Premium. All Saturn Auras for 2010 provide the same engine performance and specifications as 2009. Once again, a hybrid version will be available.

Model Value

The 2010 Saturn Aura is based on GM's Epsilon 2 platform, which is also the basis for the European Opel Insignia. The Aura has a distinct appearance inside and out, with LED tail lamps and detailed, jewel-like headlamps that allow extra visibility and safety. The Aura provides a roomy interior and features a crisp, sporty handling suspension without sacrificing ride comfort. For 2010, it is better detailed than would be expected from a value-priced, mid-size sedan. The Aura XE gets 22 mpg in the city and 33 mpg highway.