Saturn, which arguably has the newest portfolio of vehicles on the market, is concentrating mainly on refinements and enhancements for 2009.

Its lineup is one of the more attractive ones out there, with cool styling, decent fuel economy and general feel of class all across the board.

Here's what you'll see when you visit your local Saturn dealer. There's the arresting Sky roadster, the handsome, Teutonic-looking Aura upscale family sedan, the greatly improved Saturn Vue and the compact Astra, a futuristic, fun-to drive car that gives you a BMW-like experience for thousands less. All of them have Opel roots.

And what's even better, Outlook, the only Saturn product with roots in the USA, is considered a class leader, too.

If you're looking for a small car, you better check out the 2009 Astra. It's one of the most fun-to-drive models you'll find, with performance that sure felt an awful lot like a baby BMW to me. Handling is very strong, cornering is sure-footed, and acceleration is spirited to say the least.

Problems? Astra's priced a bit higher than other compacts, and the interior feels a bit mediocre compared with other products. Also, there were visibility problems to the rear.

Astra comes in four-door and five-door models in XE and XR versions. Prices range from $16,650 to $19,180. Fuel mileage is 24/30 or 32 miles per gallon depending on whether you order a manual or automatic version.

Standard features on all 2009 Saturn Astras include: four-wheel disc brakes with ABS and traction control, six standard air bags, including dual-stage frontal air bags; roof rail head curtain air bags and seat-mounted thorax/pelvic air bags (for front-seat passengers) active head restraints, pedal release system, OnStar with one year of Safe & Sound service, standard tire-pressure monitoring, rain-sensing wiper system, remote keyless entry, steeringwheel controls, cruise control, express-down power windows, and a driver information center.

The Vue, meanwhile, is Saturn's small SUV and it's a good one that should be on your shopping list.

First, it looks great, with all the European flavorings that come from being based on Germany's popular Opel. Little things count here, too, such as the cool side marker turn signals built into a stylish air scoop on each side of the car. There's an unusual parking brake design inside that takes getting used to, but it, too, is a nifty design cue.

Outside, the Vue looks muscled and ready for action. There are tight wheel-to-body relationships, large jeweled headlamps and a sweeping upper profile line that contribute to the Vue's striking design.

It drives much better, too. It has a solid, stable feeling to it, and brisk acceleration as well, at least with the V-6 choices. Steering also is nicely responsive without all the looseness and skittishness of Saturn's old electric steering system.

Vue is available in XE and XR trim levels.

It offers a wide range of powertrains, including a more powerful four-cylinder engine, and two V-6 choices mated to six-speed automatic transmissions.

Engine choices include a 2.4-liter, 169-horsepower four cylinder, a 3.5-liter, 222-horsepower V-6 and a 257-horsepower V-6. Fuel mileage ratings range between 19/26 and 23/29.

In addition to handling features that help drivers avoid crashes, the all-new Vue helps protect occupants with its high-strength steel structure and a long list of standard safety features. Dual-stage front-seat air bags, front-seat side thorax air bags and rollover capable head curtain air bags covering front and rear rows are standard on all models. OnStar is standard across the lineup.

Inside, the Vue continues the upscale theme with refined materials and precise fit and finish. Designers used lighter colors to bring a greater sense of spaciousness to the cabin, and incorporated an array of useful storage solutions and convenience features, many of which are uncommon in the segment. However, you may find interior space somewhat tighter than the competition.

Prices for the Vue range from $22,200 to about $30,000.

I've always liked Aura, Saturn's mid-size sedan that has a classy, substanital European look.

It's back again for 2009, and it includes StabiliTrak as standard equipment all across the line, and a new six-speed automatic for better economy and performance also is offered.

The new Aura gets GM's first six-speed automatic transmission and can be teamed with the 3.6-liter, 252-horsepower V-6, rated at 18 mpg city and 29 on the highway, or a new 2.4-liter four cylinder engine, As usual, Aura will be available in two model levels: the base XE and the up-scale XR, and for the first time, Saturn gets a four-cylinder XR model to consider.

Each Aura has standard automatic climate control, driver information center, universal home remote, power steering, windows, brakes, and side head curtain air bags. Auras cost between $21,345 to $26,500.

Another one you won't want to miss is the Saturn Outlook, a cool-looking crossover with huge amounts of room, three rows of seats, plenty of standard equipment and a rating by most journalists that puts it at the head of the class.

Driving it, the Outlook feels substantial and heavy, but once you're under way it actually feels much lighter than it is. The steering is perfectly balanced, the inside details quite nice and the whole package comes off as better than just about anything GM has done in years. Outlooks start at $29,380.