Rather than focusing on exterior design or interior features, Saturn touts the fuel economy of its Aura sport sedan for 2009. The automaker tweaked the Aura's Ecotec four-cylinder gas engine, so it now squeezes out 33 mpg on the highway, up from 30 mpg the previous year. As a result, the '09 Aura now delivers the best fuel economy of any vehicle in its class, beating out both the Toyota Camry and the Honda Accord, according to the automaker. In fact, Saturn feels so strongly about the value and benefits of fuel efficiency that it now offers the four-cylinder engine not only on the Aura's entry-level XE trim but also on the better-equipped XR trim, which last year came only with a V6, so drivers can now opt for a more fuel-efficient engine in a more upscale sedan. The 2.4-liter four-cylinder produces a respectable 169 horsepower and links to a six-speed automatic transmission, which comes standard on all Aura gas-powered trims. The six-speed transmission includes the TAPshift feature, which enables drivers to manually shift gears using shift paddles located on the steering wheel. Introduced in 2007 and now in its third year of production, the '09 Aura remains essentially a carryover from 2008, although Saturn has redesignated the Aura's trims as the entry-level XE, the XR-4 with the four-cylinder engine, and the XR-V6, which comes equipped with a 256-hp, 3.6-liter, double-overhead-cam V6. In addition, Saturn offers the Aura with a hybrid engine, which achieves an estimated 34 mpg on the highway and 26 mpg in the city. The Aura Hybrid's electric motor starts automatically and accelerates when the driver eases off the brake, and the gas engine kicks in as needed when the driver steps on the accelerator. The gas engine automatically shuts off when the Aura Hybrid decelerates or comes to a stop. For 2009, Saturn upgrades the Hybrid trim minimally, adding 17-inch wheels, up from 16-inch wheels for the previous year. Standard features for the Aura XE include power windows and power programmable door locks, remote keyless entry, a power height-adjustable driver's seat, air-conditioning, a 60/40-split folding rear seatback, and a Driver Information Center. The XR trims add leather seats, heated front seats, an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, a USB port for the audio system, and Bluetooth connectivity. In addition, the XR-V6 adds automatic climate control, remote engine start, heated exterior mirrors, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror with compass. A six-speaker AM/FM audio system with a CD player and MP3 connectivity comes standard on all trims. Every Aura also includes one year of OnStar and a three-month trial of XM Radio. The Aura Hybrid comes equipped with automatic climate control, Bluetooth, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, keyless entry, and Hybrid LED analog instrumentation, among other standard features. In addition, the Hybrid receives a Hybrid-specific four-speed automatic transmission. The front-wheel-drive Aura received a five-star crash safety rating for front and side impacts from the federal government's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Traction control and the StabiliTrak stability control system with brake assist come standard across the line. Drivers and reviewers found the interior of the 2008 Aura roomy and comfortable, with good storage and cargo space, and that carries over to 2009, although some felt the interior lacked somewhat in fit and finish, in part due to some hard plastic surfaces. Overall, though, drivers can expect a sporty, well-equipped sedan that offers good fuel economy, a high safety rating, and a long list of standard features.