AUTO FOCUS - THE YORK
TELEGRAPH AUTO FOCUS - THE YORK
TELEGRAPH
2001 AURORA - NOT QUITE YOUR FATHER'S OLDSMOBILE
13 May 2000
(To visit GM's (American) Oldsmobile Aurora web page, you may click on the above photograph)
There is a story my
father has told me about one of his friends being driven to a
golf game in 'a large Oldsmobile - so large, that the driver sat
as if in an easy chair, steering with one hand, using the tips of
two fingers.' For those who seek such ease and comfort in a car,
Oldsmobile still offers it in the all-new for 2001 Aurora.
Introduced early this
year, I wasn't as impressed with the second series at first as I
was with the original (1995) edition. It appeared to be smaller,
and undistinguished, to boot. My opinion changed when I examined
the new edition at the Toronto Auto Show, and to a further degree
on subsequent visits to dealerships.
Although I have not had
the opportunity to drive an Aurora 4.0, I will comment on the 3.5
model's performance and appointments, which without a doubt, are
as satisfying as any luxury car, domestic or import, that may
even cost thousands more. In fairness, the Aurora is a luxury
car, not a 'near-luxury car' as some automotive guides describe
it. If you are paying an average of $50,000 for a large, plush
car, you might as well consider it to be the 'real thing'.
My focus vehicle was a
fully loaded mocha metallic Aurora 3.5 demonstrator, offered for
sale at North York Chevrolet Oldsmobile (on the Vaughan side of
Thornhill) for an approximate sum of $44,000, including the
inevitable taxes and administration fees. The vehicle's
powertrain is a 3.5 litre DOHC V-6, similar to the one found in
the Intrigue, delivers adequate acceleration for its class.
Handling is very good, with minimal lean and a firm, yet
reasonably smooth ride.
Inside, the vehicle is
well-appointed. The modern curved dash layout is tastefully
accented with wood grain, chrome, gold, and leather - elements
destined to rival Jaguar, Lexus, or Infiniti, with an easy to
read and operate format, a far cry from the 58-button dash found
on the 88 Royale and 98 Regency/Touring Sedan at the beginning of
the last decade. The front seatbelts are mounted on the seats
rather than the b-pillar, in order to provide additional safety
should the seatback be reclined, but most importantly, for
drivers and front passengers of average heights.
While the cabin is
spacious, rear passengers may have difficulty sliding their feet
under the front seats, as the electrics for the power assistance
get in the way. Otherwise, the back seat is quite roomy and
comfortable. Cargo capacity is generous for a full-size car, with
a low sill and a fairly wide opening. A pass-through to the
interior via the rear armrest is handy for long, narrow objects,
a standard feature among many other upscale GM cars.
The 'New Oldsmobile' with
its four-model Canadian Lineup, is a far cry from what was
available a decade ago, and so is the new Aurora. Those who drive
one will not be disappointed. Sit up straight, and keep both
hands on the wheel, as the latest Aurora is a true driver's car.
Additional photographs (click to enlarge)
Taken at Alex Irvine Chelvrolet Oldsmobile, with a Kodak 3200 digital camera