New 2008 Saturn Aura Green Line Hybrid - Price, Photos, Reviews & Features

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Hot on the heels of a successful introduction for its Vue Green Line hybrid SUV last year, Saturn has introduced its second hybrid model. The new 2008 Saturn Aura Green Line four-door sedan combines an efficient gasoline/electric hybrid powerplant with an array of advanced technology features. At an EPA-estimated 24 MPG in the city and 32 MPG on the highway, the Aura Green Line delivers up to a 30% improvement in fuel economy over the non-hybrid Aura XE.

To be sure, the highlight of the vehicle is the hybrid system, featuring electric power assist that kicks in during acceleration, auto-shut off at idle, plus regenerative braking. The powerplant is a 2.4 liter 4-cylinder Ecotec engine mated to an electric motor/generator, which augments the gasoline engine during launch and under wide-open throttle. Rated at 164 horsepower and 159 lb.-ft. of torque, it’s both fuel-efficient and potent. Utilizing a “mild hybrid” system called a belt alternator starter, it shuts down the engine when the Aura comes to a stop and instantly restarts it when the brake pedal is released. A 36-volt electrical system is used to operate all accessory equipment, making the system essentially invisible to the driver. The air conditioning continues to be operated through the crankshaft pulley, but is disabled in auto-stop mode when the "eco" mode is selected. Motivating the front-wheel drive sedan is a standard 4-speed automatic transmission that has been modified to include a more efficient final-drive ratio and includes an electrically-driven pump to provide pressure in auto-stop mode.

The Green Line's hybrid system monitoring gauges help the driver maintain peak fuel efficiency. Looking at the hybrid charge gauge demonstrates when you’re running on 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.

Peace of mind comes from a comprehensive safety package featuring standard dual-stage front, side head-curtain, and front-seat thorax protection air bags, four-wheel disc brakes with ABS, and the OnStar® Safe & Sound Plan. The StabiliTrak electronic stability control system features a sophisticated network of sensors to monitor the vehicle steering angle, wheel speed, brake pressure, lateral acceleration, and yaw rate. Comparing the driver’s steering input to the car’s response, it automatically activates to help correct any potential errors.

Featuring the standard suspension setup from the Aura XE, the Green Line features a firm, yet supple ride in a variety of road conditions. The ride/handling compromise allows the vehicle to have better control of body motions without unduly compromising ride quality. To maximize fuel efficiency and reduce friction on the road, 16-inch alloy wheels and low-resistance tires are standard.