To challenge its closest rival, the Toyota Motor Co., General Motors Corp. plans to set forth the cheapest hybrid in the form of the Saturn Aura sedan in the United States. The hybrid sedan is aimed at fuel-conscious customers who want to enjoy affordability and efficiency in one car.

The hybrid version of the Saturn Aura comes with a starting price of $22,695 and it is $100 less than Toyota’s Prius hybrid. The vehicle will hit showrooms this month. The Saturn Aura will be the first hybrid sedan by an American car maker to be offered in the United States. Aura Green Line’s EPA fuel economy rating is rated 28 miles per gallon in the city and 35 mpg on the highway.

The Saturn Aura is equipped with GM’s belt alternator starter system, 2.4L Ecotec engine mated to an electric motor/generator and the 4T45-E four-speed automatic transmission and EBC brake rotors to bolster the performance of the car. It claims 30 percent improvement over the XE.