Acceleration

XE	XR	XR with Panoramic roof	Green Line	Class Average
6	7	7	4	5.9

XE delivers reasonably brisk takeoffs and decent highway passing punch. XR models livelier in all situations; our test example reached 60 mph from a stop in an impressive 6.5 seconds. Aura automatic transmissions commendably smooth and responsive.

Hybrid Green Line is significantly slower than other Auras, but copes reasonably well with traffic. Hybrid system is almost imperceptible in operation.

Fuel Economy

XE	XR	XR with Panoramic roof	Green Line	Class Average
5	5	5	7	5.1

Test XRs averaged 20.4-21.8 mpg in routine driving, 26.3 with more highway use. No opportunity yet to measure with XE. Green Lines averaged 24.2-27.9 mpg. All engines use regular-grade fuel.

Ride Quality

XE	XR	XR with Panoramic roof	Green Line	Class Average
6	6	6	7	6.1

Little difference in suspension tuning between XE, XR, and Green Line. All have firm but agreeable ride. Body control generally good, though our testers noted some jiggle and body drumming on rippled surfaces. Green Line rides on the smallest wheels and has the most comfortable ride of the three.

Steering/Handling/Braking

XE	XR	XR with Panoramic roof	Green Line	Class Average
7	7	7	6	6.2

Near sports sedan agility. Always feels balanced and well-planted. Modest cornering lean and good grip. Green Line, with smaller tires, has slightly less grip than XE and XR. Steering has quick response, but not all testers pleased with weighting and road feel. XR and Green Line's standard antiskid system a safety plus; Saturn should offer it on the XE as well. Strong, stable braking marred by oddly dull and heavy pedal action.

Quietness

XE	XR	XR with Panoramic roof	Green Line	Class Average
6	6	6	5	6.2

Main demerit here is marked coarse-surface tire thrum. Also, moderate wind rush at highway speeds. V6 engines sound pleasant enough, though neither is as smooth as class leaders. Green Line's four-cylinder has to work hard to keep up with traffic, and is generally more intrusive.

Controls

XE	XR	XR with Panoramic roof	Green Line	Class Average
6	6	6	6	6.7

Gauges are large and legible. Controls are mostly handy and intuitive, though some testers find steering-wheel controls a bit small for easy use. Aura's cabin pleases with soft-touch surfaces and quality materials, but test cars suffered assembly flaws that disappointed.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

XE	XR	XR with Panoramic roof	Green Line	Class Average
7	7	7	7	6.8

Good six-footer headroom. Long seat tracks cater to even the lankiest riders. Optional power-adjustable pedals are a plus for shorter drivers. Impressive Panoramic roof doesn't cut perceptibly into front headroom though the available conventional sunroof does. Aura's seats are firm and well-padded, but some testers want more support in aggressive cornering. Visibility just OK dead astern and to right-rear, no problem otherwise.

Room/Comfort (rear)

XE	XR	XR with Panoramic roof	Green Line	Class Average
6	6	6	6	5.1

Legroom ample even with front seats well back, and three grown-ups should not complain on shorter trips. Headroom good for medium-height adults--but only without sunroof; clearance slim beneath housing for regular sunroof, even tighter with Panoramic roof. Six-footers must duck to clear sloping roofline when entering or exiting, though wide door openings ease things somewhat.

Cargo Room

XE	XR	XR with Panoramic roof	Green Line	Class Average
5	5	5	3	4.8

Aura's trunk is class-average for volume and aperture size, but is usefully shaped and has non-intruding decklid hinges. The standard split folding rear seat is a boon for versatility. Aura's Cabin has adequate small-item storage.

Value within Class

XE	XR	XR with Panoramic roof	Green Line	Class Average
7	8	7	8	6.3

This impressive new midsize sedan is a Consumer Guide Recommended pick. Aura shines for its sporty road manners, comfortably controlled ride, and mechanical polish. It's also roomy and comfortable, feels solid, and offers a lot for the money, including essential standard safety features. A final plus: Saturn's strong reputation for customer satisfaction.

Total Score

XE	XR	XR with Panoramic roof	Green Line	Class Average
61	63	62	59	59.2

Scores for all Midsize Cars

Low Score		47
Average Score		59
High Score		69