2007 Saturn Aura Green Line Hybrid

This year, some 300,000 Americans will jump on the gasoline-electric hybrid band wagon. And while it’s still a small part of North American vehicle sales, it’s a market that is growing in size and significance. GM’s Saturn brand first joined the surge with the Vue Green-line mild-hybrid utility. Now, they’re going after the heart of the eco-family car segment with the Aura Green Line Sedan. But is Saturn’s cost-conscious hybrid approach enough to make the Aura Green Line take off?

If you want to build a hybrid car that appeals to a wide range of buyers, basing it on a high-value mid-size sedan like the Saturn Aura is a smart way to start. And indeed Saturn’s excellent family 4-door sedan is the basis for General Motor’s first hybrid gasoline-electric car, the 2007 Aura Green Line.

To give the Saturn Aura Green Line its eco-performance, Saturn replaces the standard gas powered V6 with the same mild-hybrid drivetrain used in the Vue Green Line Hybrid Crossover Utility.

It starts with GM’s 2.4-liter Ecotec gasoline 4-cylinder, mated to a hang-on electric motor/starter/generator that provides 10 kilowatts of power boost through a straight forward belt and pulley system routed to the gasoline engine’s crank.

In the Aura state of tune, total output is 164 horsepower and 159 pound-feet of torque.  Unlike more complex strong-hybrids that use a continuously variable transmission, to keep costs down, the front-drive Aura sticks to a familiar 4-speed geared automatic.

Being a mild-hybrid system, the Green Line drivetrain rarely runs on electric alone, providing only a brief burst for launch, and extra punch for passing. But like other hybrids, the system does shut the gas engine off when the car stops, to minimize fuel waste when idling.

This gives the Aura Green Line newly reduced government fuel economy ratings of 24 city/32 highway. We averaged a healthy 30 miles-per-gallon on regular grade. Plus, the Aura Green Line’s annual energy impact score is a frugal 12.7 barrels of oil per year.

While our loop was 15-20% better than the typical 4-cylinder mid-size sedan, it was well short of what we saw from the similar sized strong-hybrid Toyota Camry.

However, the sticker cost of the optional mild-hybrid package on the Aura is only $1,700 compared to a $5,225 premium for the Camry hybrid.

The Aura’s straight line performance is similar to a non-hybrid 4-cylinder, so it’s not a rocket off the line. Our Green Line hit 60 in a very relaxed 10.2 seconds. The quarter-mile was a reasonable 17.6 seconds at 83 miles-per-hour.

In daily driving, the Aura Green Line exhibits typical hybrid behavior. Operation is nearly invisible, with our staff’s only comment being a slight lurch when the regenerative braking system kicks in.

The Green Line’s Epsilon class chassis is supported by the same MacPherson strut front and 4-link rear suspension as the standard Aura. On our test track, this allowed for a responsive and nimble feel. Soft springs mean a fair amount of body roll, but the steering is quite precise with fine on-center feel.

The standard StabiliTrak electronic stability control system is quite aggressive and quickly reins the car in if you exceed the limits of common sense.

Braking is by 4-wheel discs with ABS. Panic stops from 60 were stable, but also long at 144 feet. Like most in its class the pedal needs more feedback.

Inside the Green Line is the same well-appointed, richly detailed cabin that we praised in our original Aura test. Fit and finish are excellent. The easy to read gauge cluster includes a hybrid charge assist gauge.

The Green Line closely mirrors XE trim for interior features, including CD/MP3 stereo, OnStar, tilt-telescoping wheel, power height adjustment for the driver, and standard side impact and curtain airbags. However, it does add automatic climate control.

Rear seat room is comfortable for 3 full-size adults. And because the Green Line only requires a small hybrid battery, it maintains the 60/40 split folding seatbacks that some hybrid’s lack.

Trunk space is also bigger than expected. At 13.1 cubic feet it trumps the Camry Hybrid by 25 percent.

And here’s the best part. You can “take off” in an Aura Green Line for only $22,695. Plus, there’s the possibility of a $1,300 government tax credit.

As we said earlier, Aura Green Line costs way less than a Toyota Camry Hybrid, but it is comparable in price to the smaller Prius Hybrid. 

The sensibility of the 2007 Saturn Aura Green Line is one of many reasons the entire Aura lineup is our MotorWeek Driver’s Choice winner as Best Family Sedan of the year. It’s the future of green motoring; without compromise, and without sticker shock.