2008 Saturn Aura Hybrid Interior Review
Based on analysis of 14 Aura-Hybrid reviews and test drives.
Interior - What the Auto Press Says
The 2008 Aura Green Line's cabin makes a positive impression on auto writers. BusinessWeek says, "There's nothing fancy about the Aura's interior, but it's clean-looking, roomy, and functional."
Seating
Automotive writers generally report that seating in the 2008 Aura Green Line is comfortable, with plenty of space. Automobile.com says the Aura Green Line has "lots of legroom derived from its lengthy wheelbase," while About.com reports that it “was bigger than I expected -- it had more room in the rear passenger seat, and was more spacious up front too."
Newsday says, "The adjustable front bucket seats provide firm support," and Consumer Guide reports, "Long seat tracks cater to even the lankiest riders." The Family Car even says that the seats have healing powers, reporting that before driving the Aura Green line, "I was having a problem with some back pain, but the 3 hour drive from the airport corrected the problem quite nicely."
Backseat passengers should also be comfortable. Consumer Guide says, "Legroom is ample even with the front seats well back, and three grown-ups should not complain on shorter trips."
Interior Features
Just as the 2008 Aura Green Line is praised for its straightforward layout and easy-to-read gauges, it's slammed for its sparseness and somewhat shoddy construction. BusinessWeek thinks "GM has done a nice job with the Aura's interior, even though the materials used are inexpensive. The cloth seats and metallic trim in my test were attractive and the dark and light gray color scheme was tasteful and appealing." The Kansas City Star seconds, "Interior panels have tight gaps, and the gauges have LEDs with amber lighting. The audio and climate controls are simply designed and move with precision."
However some colleagues beg to differ. Automobile.com says, "Though the Aura is light years better than Saturns of the past with squishy-touch dashboard plastics, the interior panels line up as if assembled by someone who forgot to put on their glasses." Consumer Guide finds the "Aura's cabin pleases with soft-touch surfaces and quality materials, but test cars suffered some disappointing panel gaps and unsightly seams." Meanwhile, CNET notes "there are precious few frills on the Aura Green Line: a basic, easy-to-use stereo and an off-board navigation service constitute the sum of its gadgetry."
OnStar's ® Turn-by-Turn navigation system is standard for the Aura's hybrid model. The vehicle's only optional package adds an eight-way power driver's seat, a leather wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, and a leather-wrapped shift knob.
Stereo and Entertainment
The 2008 Saturn Aura Green Line's base AM/FM stereo is a CD/MP3 player with six speakers. A three-month trial of XM Satellite Radio ® is standard. Several reviews note the quality of the car's sound system. CNET says the stereo is "surprisingly well-equipped for digital audio playback … While the car's standard (and only available) stereo looks like it might struggle to read compact discs, it is in fact a surprisingly sophisticated digital audio player with the ability to play and index MP3 and WMA discs."
Cargo
Reviewers are pleased with the 13.1 cubic feet of cargo room available in the Saturn Aura Green Line, especially because most hybrids lose trunk space to their battery packs. The Aura Green line has fewer batteries, and more trunk space than other hybrids. The Family Car reports, "With 13.1 cubic feet of storage area, I was able to get all our luggage in with room to spare," and Automobile.com likes the "handy cargo nets at the sides." Reviewers also note that the Green Line's 60/40 split folding rear seat as "a boon for versatility," in Consumer Guide words, that opens up "a good-sized pass-through" in BusinessWeek's opinion.
The 2008 Saturn Aura Green Line also has four cupholders and a center console with a dual storage bin, coin well, cell-phone slot and 12-volt power outlet.
