The Enviro-meter: A step in the right direction
The Saturn Aura Green Line's hybrid system monitoring gauges help you drive at peak efficiency. Look at the hybrid charge gauge to see if you’re running on either assist or charge mode. If the needle dips into charge range when the accelerator is released, and/or the brakes are applied, that means the regenerative braking has kicked in and current is actually flowing back to the hybrid battery to keep it charged. Under hard acceleration, electric assist kicks in to give the internal combustion engine boost—though your foot needs to be deep into the accelerator to really feel the effects.
Generally when cruising, the needle will rise slightly above the neutral assist range—and that ultimately translates into fuel savings. With city and some highway driving, our mileage came in squarely at 27.4 average mpg. With a tank that holds 16.4 gallons, the Aura Green Line offers a range of about 450 miles.
Compare that to 21 average mpg for a regular Aura, with a range of 344 miles. According to fueleconomy.gov, the Aura Green Line's petroleum oil consumption is about 12.7 barrels of crude annually—compared to 16.3 barrels for the conventional Aura. Driving an average of 15,000 miles per year, greenhouse gas emissions for the hybrid tally up to 6.8 tons/year, where the regular Aura will spew out a higher 8.7 tons/year.
When it’s all said & done: Good start, Saturn
If you’re in the market for a midsize sedan that makes driving fun, yet leaves a little more change in your pocket—and shaves some guilt off your miles around town—the Aura Green Line deserves a look. This mild hybrid will improve your fuel economy without really feeling the pinch, and that translates into some serious savings—for you and the earth. After all, it’s the choices that we’ll all be needing to make as gas prices continue to climb and greenhouse gases skyrocket. Better yet, Saturn’s got more hybrids and plug-ins in store for us, and we’re looking forward to them. When you can secure a safe, reliable ride that makes the everyday drive a pleasure, that’s just a good thing.
Pros:
- Improved fuel economy over standard Aura
- Auto-stop and regenerative braking
- Tight handling and fun to drive
Cons:
- No spare tire
- Mild hybrid, not full hybrid efficiency
- Aggressive regenerative braking takes getting used to
Check out what’s involved in maintaining a hybrid vehicle and keeping it running its best.
Rebate & Credit Run-down: It’s a quick payback
Buy the Aura Green Line and you’re qualified for a $1,300 tax credit. This, coupled with the hybrid’s first year’s fuel savings of $512 (compared to driving 15,000 miles in a conventional Aura) will negate the $1700 hybrid price premium within the first year.
Who should buy the Saturn Aura Green Line: Folks looking for a midsize sedan who drive a lot of city/stop-and-start traffic and want to extend their fuel economy.
Who should not buy the Saturn Aura Green Line: Folks who want a full hybrid and the fuel efficiency that goes with it.
Details and Specs:
Technical Features:2.4-liter four-cylinder engine and electric motor/generator with 164 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 159 pounds-feet of torque at 5,000 rpm, four-speed automatic transmission.
Safety Features:Dual-stage front, side head-curtain and front-seat thorax protection air bags, StabiliTrak electronic stability control, four-wheel disc brakes with ABS, OnStar safety and security system.
Exterior Features:P215/60 R16 low-rolling resistance tires, intermittent windshield wipers, power door mirrors.
Page One: Initial Impressions, Insider's View, Fuel-ability and Motion Potion
Photos from the Saturn Aura Green Line test drive and review