The all-new Aura midsize sedan shows how far GM has evolved its Saturn brand. This car grooves with a very appealing interior and an exterior that finds many people saying, ‘That’s a Saturn?’ The four-door, sold in two trims – XE and the premium XR – is a bankable star. The Saturn XR provides a 3.6-liter V6 (estimated 252 horsepower at 6400 rpm and 251 pounds-feet of torque at 3200 rpm) that tosses out a splendid acoustic note whenever the car accelerates. That engine is paired with a six-speed automatic, marking GM’s first application of the transmission in a front wheel drive vehicle. Aura XR also sports 18-inch polished 14-spoke cast aluminum wheels and performance tires, which assists in giving the sedan a comfortable ride. Interior appointments are plentiful, but the real appeal is how cohesive and flowing Aura’s cabin is. It’s just a very inviting environment. The options list on the Aura XR includes a convenience package that offers a 6-way power-adjust passenger seat and driver adjustable floor pedals ($425). Aura XR’s estimated per gallon mileage (20 city/28 highway) is commendable. But the future will provide even more fuel economy appeal as later in the 2007 model year, the car will be offered with a hybrid-electric powertrain via the Green Line Aura. (That milestone will mark GM’s first hybrid car.) The Aura XR’s MSRP is $23,945.