Toyota Aurion TRD 3500S 2008 review

The thing is, unlike cars by the big two, Toyota’s effort is only a front wheel drive V6.

But on the plus side, it’s something new and fresh, and completely different – something that might just grab the attention of a red or blue tragic. It’s about time there was a new kid on the block to mix things up a bit.

Engine and economy

Okay, so it’s only a six but there is some serious poke in the supercharged 3.6-litre DOHC V6 petrol, that puts out 241kW at 6400rpm and 400Nm at 4000 revs.

A six speed electronically controlled automatic transmission with lock-up torque converter and artificial intelligence shift control, gets power to the wheels.

The car will sprint from 0-100km/h in around six and a half seconds and burn 10.9 litres of 98 RON fuel per 100km.

A new sports suspension setup with lower springs and a matching damper configuration makes for a stiffer, sportier ride that means less body roll, improved agility and more precise steering.

Exterior

On their website, Toyota constantly stresses the subtlety of the TRD Aurion design which seems a rather strange direction to take. As we all know, the base Camry is dreary at best. To not talk up a slightly sporty one seems ludicrous – especially because this one doesn’t look half bad.

The cherry red paint job, big dark 19 inch alloys, side skirts and the big rear sports bumper transform the boring old Camry into a real head-turner. A match for HSV and FPV in styling at least.

Interior

Sadly, the TRD Aurion falls down a little inside. Aside from the garish red leather sport seats, there really isn’t too much that screams performance car. A small ‘TRD’ on the dash and a near-invisible one on the steering wheel – and that’s it.

There are the leather bound gear knob and scuff plates to brighten it up, but the rest is bland and forgettable.

Safety

A comprehensive airbag package complements a long list of features including ABS, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, brake assist, Traction Control and Vehicle Stability Control.

Pricing

The TRD Aurion 3500S starts at $52,990, with the 3500SL – fancier airconditioing and a satnav but no difference in performance – starting at $56,990.

Driving

Perhaps the most disappointing thing about this car is the noise it makes – or rather doesn’t make. Why did Toyota go to all the trouble of building a performance car to take on the big dogs when at full thrust, it sounds like a ceiling fan?

The TRD Aurion has guts and will surprise you when it slams you back in your seat when you plant your foot. Handling was nice and taut but still quite comfortable for city driving. Cornering was easy and grippy at speed.

Annoyingly, we were constantly dragged into every rut and crease on the road, having to fight with the wheel to bring it back into line.

Generally though it was a good drive and a performance leap up from the Camry – but hey, that wouldn’t be hard, would it?

Up against the HSV or the FPV the TRD Aurion as it is now is outclassed and will struggle with the smaller engine. Technically, its closest rivals – the Falcon XR6 Turbo and the SS Commodore – are quite a bit cheaper and more powerful so again, they look to be the better buy. But its refreshing to finally see something different out there with the potential to become a competitive large performance vehicle – and that isn’t a Ford or a Holden.