2009 Saturn Aura Review

In front, the Aura features a broad grille with a thick chrome insert flanked by almond-shaped, multi-element headlamp units. The nicely sculpted front bumper houses tiny fog lamps on the XR V6. With big engines and front-wheel drive, the Aura has a requisitely long nose, but thanks to nice tapering of the bumpers, it doesn't look disproportionately front-heavy.

The body sides are clean and tastefully sculpted, with a healthy bit of chrome detailing on the window trim. The XR takes this a step further with bright door handles. The Aura rides on a long wheelbase, which contributes to an elegant, planted appearance. The rear door is particularly long, however, making it more difficult for your rear-seat passengers to climb in and out in tight parking lots. A power moonroof with sun shade is optional.

Auras XE models ride on 17-inch steel wheels with wheel covers. XR upgrades to 17-inch alloy rims and, for 2009, so does the Hybrid. XR V6 comes with 18-inch alloy wheels.

The rear end is dominated by glitzy, high-mounted tail lamps that mirror the almond shape of the headlamps and incorporate two strips of fast-illuminating LED brake lights. The bumper is tall. Savvy observers can spot a 2009 edition because the model name has moved out of the bright panel at the base of the trunk lid and onto the paintwork just above it. The bright panel itself is gone from the 2009 XR V6, for a cleaner look we like. We're less thrilled with the new HYBRID decals at the top of the Hybrid model's windshield and rear window. On the other hand, many are unaware Saturn offers hybrid models.