Late in the 2008 model year, General Motors slipped a six-speed automatic in the four-cylinder Chevrolet Malibu. Innocuously marketed as the “Spring Edition” and only available as a no-cost option on the top-end LTZ model in exchange for a 3.6-liter V6 hooked up to the same six-speed, it’s unlikely anyone other than those shopping for a Malibu took note. But for 2009, GM has spread availability of this efficient combination across the spectrum to include the Malibu’s platform mates Aura (from Saturn) and G6 (from Pontiac), not to mention other Malibu trim levels – and, logically for once, at a cost savings.
We recently had the opportunity to sample the six-speed/four-cylinder cominbation in the Saturn Aura XR, where the combination is newly standard for 2009. The top-end Aura XR’s sticker price drops a little over $2,000 with the deletion of two cylinders. In 2008, the only non-hybrid Aura you could order with a four-cylinder was the base XE, which came with a four-speed automatic. The addition of two cogs has potentially never been more remarkable: Not only does highway fuel economy increase by the tune of 3 mpg (allowing nearly 50 additional highway miles per tank), but so does performance and refinement.
What’s notable?
That six-speed is attached to GM’s Ecotec 2.4-liter inline four-cylinder, which puts out 169 horsepower and 160 lb-ft. of torque. Internally referred to as the 6T40 Hydra-Matic transmission, the gearbox includes a pair of paddle-style shifters on the steering wheel. Though its output isn’t extraordinary, the Ecotec four-banger puts up better numbers than the Toyota Camry and the Ford Fusion and stays within easy striking distance of the Honda Accord and Mazda Mazda6. But racing isn’t what this class is about; it’s about smoothly tackling the daily grind and in this regard, the Aura excels.
At idle, it emits almost no vibration through the seats and steering wheel like four-cylinders of yore did with relish. Once underway, it emits only a refined growl until about 4,500 rpm when the racket intrudes a bit. What really surprised us, however, is how the six-speed wakes up this formerly sleepy powertrain. The Hydra-Matic always seemed in the right gear for puttering around, but it wasn’t shy about downshifting when called upon. And those shifts were always smooth – just the way buyers in this segment like them. We would have asked for a bit firmer a shift, but we know we’re in the minority when it comes to family sedans like these.
The Aura handles predictably for a front-wheel drive sedan. Its stiff body and compliant suspension make it comfortable over most roads, though lumpy pavement can occasionally leave it lacking compared to the class-leading Volkswagen Passat (incidentally the only other car in its class with a four-cylinder and a six-speed, albeit a model that has been stripped of almost all its luxuries for 2009). Steering feel is natural if a little light at speed. Don’t confuse the Aura with a sports car, but it is a pleasant-driving automobile – and it feels very unlike its platform mate Pontiac G6, which has a thumpy suspension and sloppy steering.
Other than under its skin, the Aura is much the same as it was when introduced for 2007. Styling-wise, it does share some angles with the closely related Opel/Vauxhall Vectra. We generally think it’s a pleasing design with two caveats: When viewed from the side, the rear doors appear to have been unnecessarily stretched and from the rear, the Aura looks like a Pontiac G6 with an extra dose of bling.
If you haven’t been aboard an Aura, you owe it to yourself to check one out. GM paid extra close attention to the interior and, swathed in Morocco Brown leather trim like our test car, it really shines. Design-wise, the Aura has among the nicest digs in its class. Too much faux wood (plood?) and GM’s extra-large corprate steering wheel (nicely covered in three types of leather) are the only major detractors inside. Our tester came with the Advanced Audi o Package, which includes a pair of headphones for passengers incapable of conversation or unwilling to agree on one radio station.
At under $26,000 as tested, the four-cylinder Aura stands out as a must-see in its class. GM critics would be wise to spend some time in one before making a midsize family sedan purchase. We don’t think GM will be quite as shy about advertising its four-cylinder, six-speed sedans this year.
2009 Saturn Aura XR, $23,450. As tested, $25,915.
Advanced Audio Package, $425; Convenience Package, $590; Power sunroof, $800; destination, $650.
Words and photos by Andrew Ganz.
