The sporty Sky may have more sizzle, but the brand-new 2007 Aura can carry the whole family while still being fun to drive, making this midsize sedan a splendid addition to the suddenly sexy Saturn lineup. The Aura offers a first-in-class transmission and first-class good looks. Yes, we said good looks. About a Saturn.

Photo by Saturn (ENLARGE)

2007 Saturn Aura

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ABOUT THE SATURN AURA:

Body style: Four-door sedan

Trim lines: XE, XR

Price: MSRP on tester is $26,919

Drive: Front wheel

Seating: Two in front, three in back

Engine: 3.5-liter V-6 in XE; 3.6-liter V-6 in XR

Transmission: Four-speed automatic in XE; six-speed automatic in XR

Miles per gallon of fuel: EPA estimate 20 city/28 highway

WHAT'S SPECIAL: In a no-kidding bit of life imitates art, neighbors walk up to the car and say, almost in disbelief, "That's a Saturn?" Just like the actors in the automaker's current TV ad campaign. The Aura's bold, clean look is based on a concept car that made the automobile show circuit two years ago.

WHAT WE LIKE: The interior is as handsome as the exterior. The optional leather seats are complemented with a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob. The dash and door panels are elegant looking; the LED-lit instrument panel is easy to read.

WHAT ISN'T THERE: A sporty stick shift. No manual transmission is available. Sport shift paddles on the steering wheel will have to do.

YOU OUGHTA KNOW: Back-seat passengers get separate sound system controls and wireless headphones. You can listen to a little bit of country while the kids listen to a little bit of rock-and-roll. Everyone gets protection from head curtain side-impact air bags. There are also front seat-mounted chest protection air bags for driver and co-pilot.

EXTRAS: The upper-level XR trim boasts a six-speed automatic transmission, a GM first, coupled with a 3.6-liter V-6. Harnessing 252 horsepower, the combination is powerful and smooth. No problem keeping pace on the interstate here. The less expensive XE version has a four-speed automatic and slightly smaller engine. The XR offers electronic stability control; the XE, traction control.

AND ANOTHER THING: The Aura Green Line, GM's first hybrid passenger car, will be offered in the coming months. It will use a powertrain similar to the one in the Saturn Vue Green Line SUV.