Back in the mid 1980s, while being beaten up by the upstart Japanese imports, GM had an idea. Company executives decided if they could give birth to a new name, a new small car and new consumer friendly sales techniques along with efficient Japanese production methods learned from Toyota at their jointly owned and operated United Motors plant in California, they could beat the Japanese at their own game.

When the resulting Saturn line was introduced in 1990, it sold well for a short time but failed to dent Japanese dominance. In the late 1990s new GM management starved the division of money needed to introduce badly needed new models - including dismissing the idea of a mid-sized SUV - and Saturn sales faded almost to extinction.

New thinking at GM brought over from Europe a successful GM-owned Opel platform and used it as the basis for the 2007 Saturn Aura. This is a medium sized car a la Honda Accord, which along with the Toyota Camry are its targets in the marketplace.

2008 Saturn Aura

The Aura comes in two models, the $20,345 XE and the $22,763 XR. The XE is powered by a 219 hp, 3.5 liter V-6 engine and a 4-speed automatic transmission and the XR by a 252 hp 3.6 liter engine and a six-speed automatic transmission, including “Tapshift” manual shifter paddles on the steering wheel.

Two other models, not available on dealer lots as yet are an XE equipped with a 164 hp 4-cylinder engine with 4-speed automatic transmission, and a “Greenline” hybrid model with the same 4-cylinder engine and an electric motor.

The 3.5 liter V-6 engine is a little unrefined, evincing some noise and vibration when pushed. Although the XR model was not tested, those who have reviewed it note its 3.6 liter V-6 engine is smooth, powerful and quiet.

This car is quite statuesque and looks a little like the Honda Accord, particularly from the rear. With the exception of the handsome dash and instrument panel, the interior is a little below par, with cheap looking materials and sloppy assembly.

This car drives as well as the Camry or the Accord, delivering a nice balance of comfort and security. The interior is actually quieter than the road noisy Accord, and offers normal sound levels for easy conversation. The European platform certainly elevates this GM product into real competition with the Japanese mid-size sedans and the Ford Fusion.

The Aura comes armed with a plethora of luxury doodads not often found on vehicles in this price range. The XE includes a driver information center, a tilt/telescoping steering wheel with buttons for cruise control and driver information center, power driver's seat, remote keyless entry, side airbags, front and rear side curtain head protection air bags, Stabilitrak vehicle stability control and brake assist system, traction control, foglamps, tire pressure monitor, security system and OnStar emergency service link (free for a year).

The XR adds automatic climate control, eight-way power driver's seat, steering wheel audio controls, heated seats, remote start, auto dimming rear view mirrors, Tapshift manual shift control on the steering wheel, and advanced audio package with six-disc in dash CD/MP3 player, eight speakers, rear seat audio controls and wireless headphones.

XE options include a preferred package with eight-way power driver's seat, steering wheel audio controls and power heated outside mirrors for $375, advanced audio system for $725, a convenience package with heated seats, remote start, inside auto dimming mirror with compass for $700, heated leather seats and leather wrapped steering wheel for $1,050, a power sunroof for $800, and XM satellite radio with 3 months service for $199.

XR options are leather seats for $800, power sunroof, and XM satellite radio free for three months.

EPA fuel consumption estimates are 18 city/29 highway for the XE and 17 city/26 highway for the XR.

The warranty is 36 months or 36,000 miles and an excellent 60 months or 100,000 miles for the power train.

With the Saturn Aura, GM has made a focused, determined effort to meet the Japanese competition feature for feature and price for price and indeed this effort is commendable. It is not quite there yet, but is getting closer. Consumer Reports scores the Aura as a 70 out of 100, the Camry as an 87, the Accord as an 89 and the Hyundai Sonata as a 77. Consumers on autos.msn.com rate the Aura a 9.3 out of 10.

Saturn has maintained a high satisfaction rate in the J.D.Power auto ratings.

Now, if GM could just eliminate its reputation for limited longevity in its cars, versus the reputation the Japanese have earned for long car life, often exceeding 200,000 miles without major repairs. If that happens, GM might well achieve significant market penetration with this car and its Saturn line.

Motoring since 1952, Austin Lynas has owned 55 cars and at one time raced mini-sedans in England. An aerospace engineer, he was instrumental in developing the anti-skid systems used in British military aircraft that preceded today's ABS systems. Lynas can be reached by e-mail at austin@sandiegometro.com.