While the Aura is an improvement over the Pontiac G6 and Chevrolet Malibu with which it shares its platform, the Aura does not measure up to the best family sedans. The quick XR has a bigger V6 and six-speed automatic that gets the same fuel economy as the smaller V6 with a four-speed automatic in the XE. Both have responsive handling, but the XE has an absorbent ride while the XR’s ride is stiff. Emergency handling could be better despite the XR’s standard stability control. Fit and finish is marred by some details.
