2001 OLDSMOBILE AURORAThe all-new Aurora has shed its unusual lines and adopted a new look recalling the Intrigue.Smaller in all respects except height, the 2001 Aurora now offers a choice of two engines, a V-6and a V-8, unlike the preceding model which only came with a V-8.Interior and trunkIt is easy to get in and out of the Aurora, and the front seats are very comfortable. An inflatablelumbar support adjusts vertically to accommodate passengers short or tall. The seat belts areattached to and follow the seats but they have a non-adjusting upper anchor that is too low forsix-footers.The rear bench suits two adults as long as they are not claustrophobic. The low seat and big fronthead restraints can make passengers feel closed in. Leg room is good but head room is tight fortall people. The rear windows only go down about a third of the way.Though the trunk is roomy, liftover height is high and the opening is narrow. The trunk has ahandy net and a pass-through to accommodate long objects.Convenience and safetyGM is constantly improving finish quality, as the Aurora shows. Soundproofing is good but windand road noise should be less audible in a vehicle this expensive. Roomy storage compartmentsoffset the inconvenience of a small glove box.Some radio and climate controls are located on the steering wheel. The rear-view mirror is notself dimming. GM has finally come up with a great windshield wiper control, located right of thewheel and reserved just for the wipers. A push down activates the MIST function; lifting thelever controls the other functions.The climate system has a separate passenger setting and works efficiently though your hair canget mussed up with the fan full blast when you start off on a hot day. The climate controls shouldbe placed under the radio’s, not over.Safety equipment includes dual front and side airbags, four-wheel ABS disc brakes andreasonably powerful headlights. The view is good on all sides except rearward, when backing up.The top of the dash reflects permanently off the windshield. The front head restraints do not lockwhen raised. The restraints are a bit too far back but in a rear collision they move up to providebetter protection. There are no head restraints in the rear.Engine and transmissionThe 3.5-litre V-6 comes courtesy of the Intrigue. It provides vigorous acceleration and pickup.Torque steer is quite strong at times, especially in sharp passing maneuvres on rutted roads, inwhich case to keep the car from zigzagging, drivers should lift their foot slightly off theaccelerator or keep a firm hold on the wheel. With this one exception, engine power flows easilyand flexibly at all times.
Guru