The 2009 Aura XE and XR four-cylinder Saturn models achieve Environmental Protection Agency's highest non-hybrid fuel economy in its segment

Mumbai: The Saturn Aura mid-size sport sedan proves that fuel efficiency, style and spaciousness can all ride comfortably in the same car. Three out of four Aura models achieve EPA highway fuel economy greater than 30 mpg. Saturn is a division of the General Motors Corporation.

With an EPA-estimated highway fuel economy of 33 mpg, Aura XE and XR four-cylinder models top the segment. Estimated city fuel economy for the XE and XR four-cylinder models is 22 mpg city; combined fuel economy is 26 mpg.

The Aura Hybrid, featuring the affordable GM Hybrid system, is rated at 26 mpg city and 34 mpg highway.

Saturn's 2009 product lineup includes the Outlook crossover, Vue compact SUV, Aura midsize sport sedan, Astra compact three-door and five-door, and Sky roadster. Here's a brief look at the models.

Saturn Vue 2 Mode Hybrid
The all-new Saturn Vue 2 Mode Hybrid is a compact SUV, which is both powerful and efficient. It is expected to deliver an estimated 50-percent fuel economy increase over the non-hybrid V-6 Vue XR, as well as a driving range of more than 500 miles (800 km). Saturn is the only brand to offer two different hybrid options on the same model.

Delivering an estimated 255 horsepower (190 kW), the Vue 2 Mode Hybrid's 3.6L VVT V-6 engine with direct injection technology ensures there are no trade-offs between performance and fuel economy. Acceleration time from 0-60 is approximately 7.3 seconds, and the maximum towing load is 3,500 pounds (1,588 kg) - the same as the non-hybrid Vue XR. This direct injection engine uses regular unleaded fuel and represents one of the most sophisticated applications of its kind on a hybrid SUV.

Exterior and interior styling is based on the non-hybrid Vue, which was redesigned for 2008 with Saturn's new European-inspired design cues. The Vue is clean, sculpted and distinctively sporty, with tight wheel-to-body relationships, large headlamps and a sweeping upper profile line. The interior features materials that look and feel upscale, and even the base model is generously equipped.

In addition to the Vue 2 Mode Hybrid, Vue is available in XE and XR trim levels, as well as the performance-inspired Red Line model. A four-cylinder Vue Hybrid model features the more affordable GM Hybrid system, making Saturn the only brand with two hybrid choices on the same model. Vue's broad lineup offers a wide range of powertrains, including a four-cylinder engine and four-speed transmission, as well as two V-6 choices mated to six-speed automatic transmissions.

Saturn Outlook
The family-friendly Saturn Outlook crossover provides the capability of an SUV with car-like style, efficiency and driving feel. For 2009, Outlook - which accommodates up to eight, has plenty of space for gear and features generous towing ability - gets a new, more powerful V-6 engine that provides 281 horsepower (210 kW) on XE and 288 horsepower (215 kW) on XR without compromising fuel economy.

The popular crossover includes other enhancements for 2009, including standard leather seating on the uplevel XR model and, for the first time, available leather seating on XE. Cabin comfort and convenience enhancements include OnStar with Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity and a choice of two available Bose audio systems: the Bose 5.1 Cabin Surround system with nine speakers and DVD, or a non-surround Bose audio system.

The Outlook is available in two models, XE and XR, and in both front-wheel- and all-wheel-drive configurations.

Saturn Aura
 For 2009, the Saturn Aura midsize sport sedan demonstrates that fuel efficiency-minded customers don't have to sacrifice uplevel amenities such as a six-speed automatic transmission, leather seating, alloy wheels and Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity, as a new 2.4L four-cylinder Aura XR model joins the Saturn family. The four-cylinder XE model also gets the six-speed transmission, and the 3.5 liter V-6 engine is dropped from the lineup.

To further enhance fuel savings and provide a more engaging driving experience, the all-new four-cylinder XR is equipped with a six-speed automatic transmission with TAPShift, a feature that allows them to manually change gears with steering wheel-mounted paddles.

Other enhancements to the Aura lineup for 2009 include standard StabiliTrak electronic stability technology on every model and an efficient six-speed transmission on every model except the Aura Hybrid.

The four Saturn Aura models include: the 2.4L I-4 XE and XR; the 3.6L V-6 XR and the 2.4L I-4 Aura Hybrid featuring the affordable GM Hybrid system. The Aura Hybrid achieves an EPA estimated 26 mpg city and 34 mpg highway.

Saturn Astra
Fresh from its 2008 model year debut, when it challenged the North American compact car market with sporty looks, European-bred performance and a long list of standard equipment, the 2009 Saturn Astra delivers small enhancements that make it an even bigger contender in the segment.

They begin with cabin enhancements that include new tan cloth seats and door inserts, a new 12-hour clock and an available advanced audio system on XE models.

The Saturn Astra is offered in three-door and five-door models, each featuring a taut, suspension that delivers a sharp, responsive driving experience. Power comes from a 1.8L, 140-horsepower (104 kW) Ecotec four-cylinder engine that is both energetic and fuel-efficient. Highway fuel economy for the manual transmission-equipped Astra is 32 mpg; 30 for Astras with the available automatic.

The Saturn Astra comes in two trim levels (XE and XR) for five-door models, and a single trim (XR) in the three-door configuration.

Saturn Sky
Saturn's popular Sky roadster, the first Saturn model in the brand's aggressive product renaissance, emphasizes a bold look and fun, responsive driving. The affordable performance roadster enters its third model year of wooing enthusiasts who want a sports car that doesn't break the bank.

Built on GM's global rear-wheel-drive compact performance platform, the Sky features a striking profile and sophisticated interior design. For 2009, Saturn adds three new colors, a new wheel design and enhanced OnStar technology with Bluetooth hands-free telephone connectivity. Two new promotional packages also are added.

Sky comes in two models - the base Sky, which is equipped with a 2.4L DOHC Ecotec engine with variable valve timing, producing 173 horsepower (129 kW) and 167 lb.-ft. of torque - and the Red Line performance model.

Powering the Sky Red Line is an Ecotec turbocharged 2.0L engine, the most powerful production engine in the Ecotec family. It produces 260 horsepower (194 kW) at 5,300 rpm and 260 lb.-ft. of torque (353 Nm) from 2,500 to 5,250 rpm, making it GM's highest specific output engine ever at 2.1 horsepower per cubic inch of displacement (130 hp / 97 kW per liter).

As part of its At-Home Test Drive programme, participating Saturn retailers bring a new Saturn vehicle directly to customers' homes, workplaces or other locations for their evaluation. Before the test drive, retailers provide customers with a self-guided checklist to help them decide if the vehicle fits their needs.

Customers researching vehicles on the company website have the opportunity to engage a live, online chat - 24 hours a day - with a Saturn customer service representative who is charged with helping customers find the information they need.

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