Boston.com's view

If an automaker offers a model that’s dubbed its “halo” car because the high cost and luxurious appeal is meant to boost sales and cast an aura over the rest of the fleet, then why not just build one called the “Aura” and hope the rest of the lineup benefits?

That’s what Saturn has done with today’s test car, the 2007 Aura XR. But in a further tweak of the halo process, Saturn, unlike other manufacturers, has not produced an exotic car with a hefty price tag.

Instead, Saturn is counting on a sedan priced at $21,000 to $27,000 to recast a bright light on the company. Shortly after General Motors started Saturn, the brand developed a cult following because of its dent-resistant plastic parts, no-haggle sales policy, independent dealers, and durable if unexciting cars.

But the sparkle eventually faded and Saturn is now fighting to regain a loyal following with its new Vue SUV — available in standard or hybrid form — its Ion line, the hot Sky sports car, and the Aura.

With the Aura, the company makes a leap in design, interior quality, and finish. It features the solid driving performance often associated with European cars and better Asian models.

The Aura shows that if engineers and designers can keep the bean counters away from their projects, they can build cars that will compete in an automotive industry shifting from big SUVs to sedans that can carry families — just like the old days.

It comes in two models, an XE and a spiffier, more powerful XR. Both have V-6 engines, with the base model using a 3.5-liter, push-rod power plant to produce a respectable 224 horsepower. The 3.6-liter V-6 — with dual overhead cams and variable valve timing — delivers 252 horsepower and is the noticeably the smoother of the two.

Part of the XR’s sporty nature can be attributed to the range of its six-speed automatic, as opposed to the four-speed in the XE. The six-speed also features paddle shifters on the steering wheel, and while I would not call upshifts and downshifts “transparent,” there was a pleasantly aggressive feel to the transmission.

Imagine, Formula One racing shifters trickling down to Saturn!

An impressive array of standard features is offered on even the XE base model. It comes with antilock brake system, traction control, front side air bags, and front and rear side curtain air bags. Toss in cruise control, tilting-telescoping steering wheel, and a five-year, 100,000-mile power train warranty, and it adds up to quite a package at a reasonable price.

Move up from the XE to the XR (base price $23,945) and get a more advanced stability control system. Add a leather package ($800), power six-way passenger seat ( eight-way driver is standard), power adjustable pedals ($425), and a power sunroof ($800) and the price tops $27,000.

The interior s of both models are testaments to careful design and remarkably good finish. They have textured, soft-touch surfaces, and a center control stack that looks formidable at a time when many other American products tend to shout “cheap.”

Front bucket seats are deep and firm with adequate bolsters. The rear bench seat will hold three adults. Trunk space is ample and can be expanded with the fold-down, 60/40-split rear seat.

Outside, the Saturn does not look like, well, a Saturn. Think smooth Audi lines and rounded Lexus curves. Chalk it up to the bold treatment of head and taillights, and a three-blade grille that gleams like a smile.

On the road, the car was quiet, smooth, and supple. Body roll was minimal and hard stops or starts did not cause the tail to dip or the nose to dive.

This is not a rocket, but a cruiser, able to climb long hills fully loaded without effort, and react surely when it pulls out to pass or makes a quick highway entrance.

If you buy an Aura, you’re thinking smooth, you’re thinking luxury, and you might just be thinking of how much money you saved on a quality American car.