Saturn prices 2007 Aura Green Line hybrid

( Autoinsidernews ) - General Motors has announced the 2007 Saturn Aura Green Line hybrid will have a starting base price of $22,695, including destination, which just makes it the lowest-priced hybrid on the market for 2007, undercutting the Toyota Prius by $100 and the Honda Civic Hybrid by $500. The IRS has certified that Aura Green Line buyers will qualify for a tax credit of $1,300, which makes the difference even larger as the tax credit for the Prius will drop to $787. While the Aura Green Line is less-expensive than the other hybrids, it is a "mild" hybrid and can not be driven on electric power alone.

"The Aura Green Line is a great value among the hybrids in the mid-size car segment," said Saturn General Manager Jill Lajdziak.

The Aura Green Line's hybrid system in the Aura mates 2.4L four-cylinder to an electric motor/generator, which captures electrical energy during regenerative braking. The hybrid system in the Green Line improves fuel economy by providing electric assist during acceleration, by cutting fuel during deceleration, and by shutting the engine off at idle.

The Aura Green Line EPA fuel economy rating of 28 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway represents up to a 30 percent improvement in EPA combined fuel economy compared to the non-hybrid Aura XE.

The 2007 Saturn Aura Green Line is arriving in dealerships now.