Toyota Aurion News

In the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) results this week, the Toyota Aurion, Toyota Camry and Holden Commodore all received a four-star safety rating, adding to the previously tested four-star performers, the Ford Falcon and Mitsubishi 380.NRMA Motoring and Services Vehicle Safety Expert, Jack Haley says most of these cars failed to reach a top rating because of the lack of side curtain airbags.The Toyota Aurion is the only car equipped with side head protection as standard, but Haley says Toyota chose not to proceed with an optional pole test. This meant they were unable to score five stars in the overall testing. The testing involved the top-selling version of each model and Haley says the other large cars offered curtain airbags as an option, but not as a standard feature in the models tested.“Obviously our aim is to get all cars up to a five-star safety rating,” Haley says. “We'd like to see curtain airbags in all vehicles and we would also like to see stability control as standard.”The Toyota Aurion and Holden Commodore have stability control as standard, but it is only an option in various other family cars. But Haley says stability control didn't contribute to the ANCAP testing, as the results show how a car performs in a crash, whereas stability control is an active accident-prevention device.Each car underwent three main areas of testing under ANCAP.They included frontal, side impact and pedestrian tests.Many Japanese and European cars have already received a five-star rating in the European version of testing, known as the EuroNCAP.They include the Toyota Corolla, Peugeot 207, Ford Focus XR5, Land Rover Freelander 2, Citroen Picasso, Mitsubishi Outlander, Volvo C30, VW Passat and Mini Cooper.Most of these models were tested as top-of-the-range, whereas in Australia the extra airbags are optional on some models. ANCAP advises motorists to buy vehicles with a full six-airbag package, including side head protection and electronic stability control.The Toyota Tarago and Mitsubishi Triton also scored a four-star rating in the recent testing, an improvement for the Triton, which is up from a previously low two-star rating.The Hyundai Accent scored three stars and the Mitsubishi Express van scored poorly with just one star. STAR RATINGS  Source: ANCAP 2007 

As Australia's new car juggernaut rolls on towards the magic million sales mark, the number of available models continues to swell. Already recognised as one of the most diverse and competitive car markets in the world, Australian importers continue to add to the mix.With half the year nearly gone, buyers have taken almost 500,000 new vehicles into their garages with some of the traditional biggest selling months still to come.At least three new marques will arrive in Australian showrooms in the second half of  the year; Hummer, Mahindra and Skoda,  testament to the vibrancy of what is, in world terms, a minor market.However, it is the expanding model range within existing brands that will drive the Aussie market over the million mark for the first time.Over the next six months more than 50 new or revised models will arrive in Australian new car showrooms. Here's a look at what's coming soon:ASTON MARTINDip your lid in style in September with the V8 Roadster, a gorgeous extension of the Vantage. AUDI Audi starts its end-of-year program in September with the R8, the biggest, baddest Audi in the garage The Supercar looks with enough performance to keep most on their toes. Also on the cards for October is the A5, Audi's first coupe since the TT. An all-new platform which comes as a front-wheel-drive and quattro. In November the V8 4.2 TDi may answer some questions for the Q7, including on fuel economy. BMW You'll have to wait until October for the new M3, but the latest offering from the M garage has something special. It's the first V8 for an M3. CHRYSLER A Sebring convertible, topless cousin of the sedan launched in early 2007, arrives in December. DODGE The Nitro SUV joins the Caliber for Dodge next month and the US marque backs that up with its Avenger sedan in August. FIAT The baby Ritmo, sold as the Bravo in Europe, will be Fiat's second passenger offering in Australia when it lands in October. Expect petrol and diesel. FORD The rush to oil-burners continues with the Focus getting the honour of being Ford's first passenger diesel next month before the Focus CC, the drop-top concept that set hearts aflutter at Frankfurt two years ago lands in October. The other big news for Ford is the return in November of the Mondeo for a third tilt at Australia. HOLDEN The key second-half model from the General is the VE Ute, bringing all the developments in the VE sedan to the working man's Holden. HONDA The Civic Type-R is razor-sharp styling built around a high-revving fun package. Next month. HUMMER The iconic offroader from the land of the large truck opens its Aussie account in October, a couple of months later than anticipated as a result of production delays for the H3. Surprisingly agile with real offroad ability. HYUNDAI An important second-half for the Korean marque. It starts with the popular Santa Fe SUV finally getting the 3.3-litre V6 from the Sonata to give it some extra punch. In October, the new Elantra hatch joins the sedan in the Aussie line-up after a wait of almost 12 months. JAGUAR An October styling refresh for the marque's luxury sedan, the XJ, is all from the Big Cat this year before a big 2008. JEEP The second of Jeep's non-Rubicon Trail-rated soft-roaders arrives in August to join the Compass for duty around town. KIA The Carens compact people mover has never really taken off here. The new generation is a little bigger and more stylish. It will be powered by a four-cylinder petrol or diesel engine with five- or seven-seat capacity. On sale in October. LAND ROVERThe baby Freelander gets a complete makeover for this generational change. New engines and a new family look all go on show in July. MAHINDRAIndia's workhorse ute, the Pik-Up, starts to roll out to Australia in July. MAZDA A new generation and a new look for the little Mazda2. Sharper styling is the key to this one's October debut. At the same time Mazda will add a diesel option to its top-selling Mazda3 range. MERCEDES-BENZThe key model for Mercedes this year is the meat-and-potatoes C-Class. Bigger, brighter and ready to meet the masses it is available from July. Also on Mercedes' new-model list is an upgraded ML500 and R-Class in September, both getting the 285kW V8 engine. October is a big month for the three-pointed star with the crackingCL65 AMG (a bi-turbo V12 with 450kW and 1000Nm) and the more sociable S320 CDi, which marries diesel with uber-luxury. MITSUBISHI You have to love a fighter. Australia's “other” family car, the 380, wins a minor refresh with some interior updates from next month. In August the automatic turbo diesel, traditionally the model's top seller, completes the Triton range while in October the point guard for the red-hot Evo X (due late in the year), the new Lancer, promises look-at-me-styling and more punch than the current model. NISSANThe baby Micra finally gets the green light for Australia with an October date with sales. In November the X-Trail, a core model for Nissan and the compact SUV that set the benchmark for those who actually can go off-road, gets a full generational change. The Dualis arrives in December. A softer option to the X-Trail, it sits on a similar platform but is more plush. PEUGEOT It's all about size for the French manufacturer. In July the 207CC, the previous generation of which set the standard for accessorising small cars, is back and promising to reclaim the crown. Its far more focused and athletic sibling, the GTi arrives in August with its turbocharged 1.6-litre engine. The station wagon derivative of the base 207 goes on sale in October. PORSCHEThe 911 turbo cabriolet proves Porsche's belief that if you can go fast in a sedan you should be able to go just as fast in a cabriolet. In September you can prove it for yourself. RENAULT August sees the Megane diesel join the Renault fleet, while the Clio Sport returns in November in an all-new guise. SAAB The new 9-3 will highlight Saab's first all-wheel-drive system in a completely renewed model range. All models arrive in November. SKODA Launches into Australia with a two-pronged attack in October. The Octavia medium-sized hatch and the quaintly named Roomster compact MPV will carry the flag initially. SMARTIn September the next next-generation smart ForTwo arrives, a little bigger and a little smarter. SUBARU The new Impreza is one of the most polarising styling departures of the year. In basic and WRX fettle the hatch arrives in September. A cult car heads mainstream and the jury is out. SUZUKIIf it ain't broke ... A freshen-up for the car that put punch back in Suzuki's local range, the brilliant Swift is in showrooms in October with the sedan version of the SX4 “tall hatch” joining the stable in September. TOYOTA The first product from Toyota's new “hot shop”, the Aurion TRD, arrives in August with a 3.5-litre supercharged V6 with sports manners and a load of plastic kit. Also in August is the generational change for Kluger with the SUV getting a substantial facelift and the 3.5-litre V6 from the Aurion. November brings the Landcruiser 200 Series and a TRD version of the HiLux. VOLVO The highlight for the Swedes in the second half of the year is the all-new generation of the XC70 due in November. About the same time the C30 will get the in-line five-cylinder diesel. VW A hot version of the Passat, the R36, is heading Down Under in November. 

The Japanese car maker now owns a massive 21.9 per cent of the market, a rise of 0.6 per cent compared with the corresponding period last year.Australia's leading seller has surged to 91,984 sales to the end of May compared with 82,227 for the first five months of last year.Toyota is driving the industry to continued forecasts that more than a million vehicles will be sold for the first time in a calendar year in Australia.The Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries has nominated an annualised rate (SAAR) of 1.022 million vehicles for 2007.Chief contributors to Toyota's booming figures are the four-cylinder Camry while the 4 x 2 and 4 x 4 variants of the HiLux have recorded huge jumps along with the Yaris and the introduction of the V6 Aurion.Significantly, since improved supply, the petrol/electric Prius has more than doubled on 2006 figures with 1333 sold to the end of May compared with 625 for the same period last year.Toyota continues to punch above the performance of the total market.“Our aspirations are always to grow bigger than the market,” Toyota Australia chairman Emeritus John Conomos said at the launch recently of the 10th generation Corolla.“No one has ever achieved 25 per cent of the market in modern times before.“It's probably not achievable this year but it's a goal worth setting.”Holden remains in Toyota's shadow. It has increased sales from 60,792 to 61,863 year-on-year, but its market share is down from 15.7 to 14.8 per cent.Ford is a clear number three but has slipped almost 5000 sales year-on-year and has lost 2 per cent market share which now stands at 10.5 per cent.Mitsubishi continues to claw its way back and is moving up on Nissan in a fight for fifth spot.Those models selling well for Mitsubishi have been the Lancer, Outlander, Pajero and the Triton 4 x 4 although the model which the Adelaide maker has staked its future on, the 380, has declined from 5176 to 4641 in year-on-year figures.On the luxury front, BMW recorded its second successive monthly record with 1497 vehicles finding owners, taking its year-to-date tally to 6462.What has been a massive seller for BMW has been the new hardtop 3-series convertible and coupe with combined sales standing at 1170 compared with 313 this time last year.While sales of the X5 Sport Utility Vehicle remain robust and Z4 convertible and coupe sales have grown by a massive 49.4 per cent it is the two-door 3-series models which have allowed BMW to gain significant market momentum.BMW customer deliveries last month were 11.7 per cent higher than May 2006, adding an extra 157 units to last May's record figure.Volkswagen, the only European importer to make the top 10 list, has lifted its year-on-year volume share to 2.6 per cent from 1.9 per cent with sales topping 10,918 to the end of May.

The Royal Automobile Club of Victoria has just completed its annual cost of ownership survey of a range of current models.The survey looks at total running cost and is based on vehicles travelling 15,000km a year, which is the Australian average.It factors in the cost of a typical car loan, depreciation, registration, club membership, comprehensive insurance plus servicing, fuel and tyre costs.Fuel costs were calculated on an unleaded petrol pump price of $1.26 a litre, $1.31 for diesel and 47c for LPG.Fuel prices have risen significantly since the survey was finished so true running costs will be even higher.The survey results show the cheapest car costs about $6000 a year to run, compared to $18,500 for the most expensive.The most affordable car was Hyundai's Getz at $116.54 a week, followed by Holden's Barina ($120.85) and the Toyota Yaris ($125.88).Go up a size and Toyota's Corolla was the winner at $154.49, followed by the Ford Focus ($156.49) and Holden Astra ($158.12).The medium class sector was won by Toyota's Camry at $193.05, followed by the Mazda6 at $197.85, and Honda Accord Euro ($218.07).Large cars are, as expected, more expensive to run but, surprisingly not that much more.The best was Mitsubishi's 380 at $200.44, so it is cheaper than the Honda Accord. Toyota's Aurion was next best ($217.60), followed by Ford's Falcon ($229.13).For large families, the Kia Carnival people mover at $216.68 beat the Honda Odyssey ($228) and Toyota Tarago ($267.61).Diesel and hybrid cars were cheaper to run but don't forget diesel cars initially cost more and replacement batteries for hybrids are hellishly expensive and have a short lifespan.The cheapest was the Honda Civic hybrid at $175.29, beating the Toyota Prius at $200.63. A VW Golf diesel was better than the Prius on the wallet at $187.93.A Ford Falcon running on LPG cost $211.43 a week, while the dual-fuel Commodore came in at $225.10.The popular compact SUV market was headed by Honda's CRV at $203.86, followed by Nissan's Xtrail ($207.36) and Subaru's Forester ($208.52).Medium SUVs had the Holden Captiva out in front at $225.16, followed by the Ford Territory ($234.47) and Toyota Prado ($286.16).At the expensive end of the running cost spreadsheet were the big four-wheel-drives.The cheapest was Nissan's Patrol at $269.53, while the Toyota LandCruiser cost $357.51 a week.

Toyota executives will boldly pitch TRD (Toyota Racing Development) products to be released on the market later this year directly at established hot-house models from Europe and Japan.David Buttner, Toyota's senior executive director of sales and marketing, said the TRD version of the Aurion will be marketed against some well-entrenched performance brands.Toyota is talking up the supercharged TRD Aurion with claims it can match Alfa Romeo's smart 159 sedan, the Volkswagen R32 Golf and the Subaru Liberty GT Spec B in refinement, response and performance.It is a big call but Toyota claims the racy Aurion is a tough car that offers more than just muscle.“TRD stands for an optimal blend of performance, refinement, handling and Toyota's traditional quality, durability and reliability,” Buttner said.“TRD is a bold innovation for Toyota. It adds individual character and enhanced performance to the outstanding integrity offered by all Toyota vehicles.”Toyota has backed away from pitching the TRD Aurion at locally made cars.The supercharged 3.5-litre V6 is set to meet a target of 235kW of power which eclipses the standard engine by only 15 per cent.On those figures it will be outdone by Ford's massively successful XR6 turbo that develops 245kW and costs under $48,000 for the sequential sports shift version.Toyota plans to feature an aura of sophistication around the TRD brand and as such will try to steer clear of being judged against local Ford Performance Vehicles (FPV) and Holden Special Vehicles (HSV).“The TRD Aurion will provide a balanced driving experience for a sophisticated market, integrating its power with dynamic cornering ability, precise steering response and impressive stopping performance,” Buttner says.A range of vehicles is planned to join the Aurion in the TRD stable and will be phased in over the next couple of years.It is claimed to be the first time anywhere in the world that TRD has been established as a separate brand under Toyota.A Hilux based on a 4WD double cab will be the second model to get TRD treatment later this year. It will come with a supercharged 4-litre V6.

Though the large-car segment grew 4.7 per cent in March, small and light cars still dominate the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries' Vfacts figures for the month.Holden sold 5752 VE Commodores and Toyota managed 2037 Aurion V6 sales, the first time the car has eclipsed 2000 sales since it was launched last year.The Aurion's kissin' cousin Camry four-cylinder managed 2574 sales.Ford and Mitsubishi still trail in the family sedan stakes, selling 3249 and 1022 respectively. But their lowly large-car sales were offset by strong import performances.Overall, Mitsubishi had a 22 per cent lift in first-quarter sales against the same period last year, on the back of solid Colt, Lancer, Outlander and Pajero sales.Ford's Focus and Territory helped maintain the momentum for the Broadmeadows-based carmaker, as well as fleet sales that pushed Fairlane numbers to 263 for the month.FCAI chief executive Peter Sturrock says the remarkably strong start to the year may have even taken industry optimists by surprise."Consumers appear to have shaken off any lingering concerns about fuel prices and interest rates and have responded enthusiastically to the intensely competitive prices," he says.The new-vehicle market is being pushed by deflation, with new cars becoming cheaper and better equipped as the various brands fight it out.The market was up 8.3 per cent, compared with March last year, with an all-time sales record of 94,392 vehicles.If the sales momentum continues, this year could eclipse one million sales for the first time.In the first three months of the year 255,068 vehicles were sold, up 20,463, or 8.7 per cent, on the same period last year and surpassing the previous record for the quarter of 237,000 set two years ago. Despite the buoyant first quarter, the FCAI is still forecasting 970,000 sales this year.All segments, except people movers, are experiencing growth.The fastest-growing of all segments remains small passenger cars, which added 8532 sales, or 16.7 per cent, in the first quarter compared with last year. The small-car stars continue to be the Toyota Corolla and Mazda3, selling 4029 and 3182 respectively last month.Light-car sales grew 3334, or 11.9 per cent, SUV compact 2851, 22.2 per cent, and SUV medium 1617, 4.7 per cent.Toyota set a cracking pace in March with 21,390 sales, giving it No.1 sales spot ahead of Holden on 13,454 and Ford on 10,074.So far this year, Toyota has 22 per cent of the market, with Holden at No.2 with 14.3 per cent and Ford third with 10.7 per cent.

A third model, not a TRD Corolla but probably something in the 4WD family, will follow. Toyota's objective is simple but difficult, even for Australia's No.1 carmaker — it must attack the special vehicles heartland occupied by Holden Special Vehicles and Ford Performance Vehicles. Toyota Australia says it is not directly aiming at the homegrown heroes with TRD (Toyota Racing Developments), but it's obvious to anyone who knows the car business that the cars will be measured against the V8 hotrods from HSV and FPR. Toyota is taking a different path with its TRD Aurion and HiLux, partly because it must (they have no V8 engines or rear-drive cars for the job) and partly because it believes it can win a slightly different following by going with supercharged V6 engines, more emphasis on comfort and refinement, and a slightly less obvious styling direction. However, the message is the same. "This is how we show people we have thrown off the cardigan — forever," TRD corporate manager Greg Gardner says. Gardner leads a team of 15 at TRD, but is able to tap the talent at Toyota Style Australia and will rely on Prodrive, the British company that controls Ford Performance Vehicles, for final assembly of the TRD Aurion and HiLux in Melbourne. The mechanics of the job are relatively straightforward: V6 engines, bigger wheels and tyres, improved brakes, upgraded seats and cabins, and predictable body bits. But it is the packaging that is really tough, and doing it without any heritage. Gardner and his team have to win new customers without driving existing owners away. "We don't want Toyota drivers to think it's too loud, but Toyota buyers must think it's more sporty. The key to attracting people to the Toyota brand is to have something different," he says. TRD has been in the works for more than two years, as has the Aurion. It is the final development of a project started with a supercharged Camry for motor show display and technical testing in engine bay, suspension, brakes, and more. "The basics are there in the Aurion. It's a good chassis and a good base vehicle," Gardner says. "It is pointing in the right direction. It responds well. "And the driving has come out well." On the HiLux front, the TRD model is a double-cab four-wheel-drive with a supercharged 4.0-litre V6 engine. The final pricing is still being set, together with the TRD presence in Toyota Australia showrooms, but Gardner is aiming for about 1000 cars in total in the first year and much more than that in impact. "It's not huge volumes. But it is hugely important," he says. "We see this as a brand-building exercise, not incremental sales. "I will be happy if a TRD car brings someone into a Toyota dealership and they buy something else in the range." TRD is not talking about price or performance just yet. But the Aurion will have at least 235kW to be fed to the front wheels through its six-speed automatic gearbox. The focus for the HiLux is on torque. The Aurion has 18-inch alloy wheels, special sports seats and a body kit. The HiLux, meanwhile, gets similar treatment — but with underdone alloys — and is pitched as a work-and-play family hauler. "The TRD Aurion will be on sale on August 13 and the TRD HiLux on November 12." Gardner is prepared to hint about Aurion pricing, but without going into details. He says: "It's going to be more expensive than a Falcon XR6 Turbo or a Commodore SV8 ... but it won't be as expensive as an HSV or FPV car. It will not be priced against the Falcon XR6 turbo, though. It's a lot more than just an engine upgrade." TRD has been a semi-official hot-up business in Japan since the 1970s, and made a successful transition to the US in the 1980s. The TRD logo has been on racing cars and came to Australia in 2006 on the sides of the championship-winning Corollas campaigned by Neal Bates and Simon Evans in the Australian Rally Championship. It is also attached to all sorts of go-faster parts for cars throughout the Toyota range. The chief designer employed on the TRD project certainly knows a bit more than most about special vehicles. Long before he joined Toyota Australia, Paul Beranger headed Nissan Special Vehicles and was the man who brought the Skyline GT-R to Australian showrooms as a local model.

HOLDENThe focus at the GM-owned stand willbe the concept of the next generation of America's iconic muscle car, the Chevrolet Camaro. The partly Australian-designed sports coupe concept will make its debut here.Holden will be evaluating public response to determine if the Camaro will be a viable option for the local market.The new model has been confirmed for production in North America at the beginning of 2009. It is expected to be identical to the concept model, a modern interpretation of its original 1969 form.Part of the Camaro's engineering and design work is done in Melbourne.Holden is also unveiling a diesel version of its Captiva family all-wheel-drive plus the new Epica mid-size sedan. FORDThe hottest new baby car for Australia is the Fiesta XR4 (pictured on today's cover) which Ford will start selling here mid-year.The European-built car will complement its big brother the Focus XR5 Turbo.The XR4 will be powered by a 2.0-litre Duratec 16 valve engine. Falcon Cobra-style stripes will enhance its racy looks.Also following the Cobra style is a limited-edition run of 200 FPV GTs to commemorate 40 years since the first Falcon V8, the XR GT, was built in 1967.The distinctive black with gold stripes machine will sell for $65,110 from next month. TOYOTAThe company will reveal its latest prestige performance vehicles. The locally designed Toyotas make their world debut in Melbourne.The TRD range features a supercharged 3.5-litre, V6 Aurion sports sedan and the supercharged 4.0-litre, V6 HiLux sports utility.The Aurion will go on sale in the middle of the year and the Hilux will be launched towards the end of the year. AUDI The surprise of the show could be Audi's new S5 and A5 models, which make their world debut at the Geneva show next week.The A5 will be available in both four-cylinder and six-cylinder petrol and diesel engines, with the 3.2-litre, 195kW V6 petrol topping the range.The S5 has an eight-cylinder 260kW engine, producing 440Nm of torque. It sprints from nought to 100km/h in 5.9 seconds.The coupes will be available to order from March, with deliveries starting in June. JEEPThe Chrysler brand will preview three of its new production models in Melbourne.The all-new Jeep Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited will be the main attraction to the stand, along with the first compact SUV for Jeep, the Compass.The Wrangler has been redesigned, and has a new diesel engine added to the range.The Unlimited is a four-door model, with five seats and extended wheelbase.The new Compass will be available in both petrol and diesel engines when it goes on sale this month and the company believes it will appeal to a younger audience. NISSANNissan will unveil three new models, including the much-talked-about Qashqai, which has been renamed Dualis for the Australian market. The Dualis will be launched in Australia towards the end of this year and will slot into the small segment.Nissan will also display the new Micra, a 1.4-litre small car which will also go on sale towards the end of the year and the revised 350Z. With a new 3.5-litre, V6 engine, the 350Z will go on sale in April. It also features changed interior and exterior designs. HONDAHonda's latest offering in fuel-cell technology, the new FCX concept, is making its Australian debut in Melbourne.The low-riding, sporty sedan runs on hydrogen and has more power, while still offeringa a full-sized cabin. Honda is currently working on a retail version of the prototype for the US and Japan. EDAGThe engineering and design company will exhibit its EDAG SUV, a one-of-kind model based on the Porsche Cayenne. The modified SUV has been lowered and reshaped and the roofline dropped by 70mm.It has a 447kW turbo engine, with large air inlets on the front bumper for the intercoolers. Wedge-shaped side skirts and muscular fenderflares give the EDAG SUV even more character. It sits on 23-inch wheels with ultra-low profile tyres.Inside, four sports seats are separated by a full-length centre console, which features a DVD player and Sony PS2 game console. BMWWe'll see the debut of the new X5 in Australia at the motor show.The revised SUV will go on sale in April with a 3.0-litre diesel and a 4.8-litre, V8 petrol engine. A 3.0-litre petrol will be available from June. Prices will start at $80,000.BMW will also show the 3 Series convertible as well as the the updated 5 Series and 1 Series. MAZDAMazda will feature the Australian preview of its new large SUV, the CX-9. The seven-seater will be the third SUV for Mazda when it goes on sale in Australia in January.It is expected to cost $55,000-$60,000.Mazda will have both a cut model with the roof taken off, as well as a left-hand drive, North American production model on display.

“The Aurion is the new cat that Toyota has set among the established pigeons,” said Best Cars Chief Judge, Ernest Litera. “It’s a terrific well-rounded package of technology and refinement - Toyota has produced a big six that has managed to outstrip traditional rivals in the Australian market.” Base model buyers especially, would benefit from life-saving technology, such as Electronic Stability Control, anti-lock brakes and six airbags. Australia’s motoring clubs – NRMA, RACV, RACT, RACQ, RAASA, RACWA and AANT – judge Australia’s Best Cars. Together, they represent almost 7 million members. After initial road testing of some 220 contenders by the seven auto clubs during the past year, a record 50 vehicles made the final cut for industry-recognised awards in 12 categories. “This figure was a result of the huge influx of diesel models and the ever increasing competitiveness of vehicle manufacturers,” Mr Litera said. “Diesels have really come to the fore this year, with one of Europe’s leading brands, Volkswagen, winning awards for two diesel cars. The Polo TDI was judged Australia’s Best Small Car and the Jetta TDI took the honours in the Best Mid-Size category over $28,000. “The Polo is a very easy car to drive, but it’s still involving enough for those who like to enjoy the experience. Precise German design and engineering delivers top-class on-road ability and it comes with a reassuring four-star NCAP safety rating. “Although the Jetta is not top of the class in the design and function department, there’s little to criticise either. The most crucial scoring areas of safety, environment and build-quality are all strong points for both Volkswagens.” Mr Litera said Honda had brought a level of engineering sophistication to the mid-sized and people mover categories. “The Civic VTi won the Best Mid-Size Car under $28,000 category, while the Odyssey took out the Best People-Mover title for the third year running due to its car-like ride and handling,” he said. “The winners of the two sports car categories were the Volkswagen Golf GTI and Audi RS4 quattro. The GTI created the ‘hot hatch’ class three decades ago and today’s model combines the original’s spirit with modern levels of comfort, safety and performance. It has won this spot for the second year running.” Mr Litera said the Audi RS4 quattro had “clobbered the coupes”. “This car has relegated some legendary machines to secondary status thanks to its 4.2-litre V8 and massively-tyred wheels delivering power and grip. The RS4 is simply an amazing machine to drive,” he said. “Lexus scooped a handful of awards this year, taking home trophies for the Best Prestige, Luxury and Recreational 4WD categories, with the IS250, GS450h and RX350 respectively. The Lexus GS450h offers a glimpse into the future with hybrid technology that offers V8 performance levels with four-cylinder economy, low emissions and whisper quiet efficiency.” The Best Recreational and Best All-Terrain 4WD categories were won by Subaru Forester X and Landrover Discovery 3 SE TDV6. “Both vehicles provide a quality ride on or off-road. The Landrover has come up trumps for the second time running and is clearly at the high-quality end of the all-terrain 4WD market,” he said. Mr Litera said the beauty of Australia’s Best Cars, now in its seventh year, was a strong consumer focus providing new car buyers with the full scoring table on 220 vehicles. “But unlike other awards programs, our assessment also includes input from car buyers on what areas are most important in each vehicle class, such as safety, fuel economy, and so on. “This enables consumers to make a highly informed purchasing decision. “The scoring system has been shaped to reflect the expectations of the car-buying public and rates vehicles on all-round ability in three broad areas; value for money, design and function and on-road ability.” The 2006 Australia’s Best Cars buyers guide reviews 220 cars and will be on sale from today.

It has employed a variety of tactics and styles but Holden and Ford have retained a firm grip on the market. With the arrival of the Aurion all that has changed. This is a car that Toyota can be justifiably proud of, having taken the V6 Camry from the rest of the Toyota world and poured a useful degree of local development and styling into the car. It still shares most of the basics with the Camry but has its own styling and a 3.5-litre V6 coupled to a nice six-speed automatic. The highlights include 200kW of power and a claimed fuel economy of 9.9 litres/100km; numbers that are better than the base Ford and Holden on both fronts. While there are five models available, including two Sportivo models with tuned suspension and a body kit, our preference was the Presara. It is the top-of-the-range model and at $49,990 won plenty of votes for value. Standard fare included one of the easiest-to-use navigation systems on the market, leather trim, a full kit of airbags and non-switchable electronic stability control. The well-sorted suspension and electronic aids gave the Aurion a reassuring steadiness on the track with minimal understeer but a very light feel to the steering. On the open road the car was comfortable, eerily quiet and very predictable. However, while the Aurion is clinical and precise in the manner of a surgical instrument, it falls a little short on the count of emotion.