2012 Toyota Aurion Reviews

Ewan Kennedy road tests and reviews the 1999, 2002, 2006, 2007, 2010, 2012 and 2015 Toyota Camry & Aurion as a used buy.

Ewan Kennedy road tests and reviews the used 1999-2014 Toyota Camry and Aurion.

The Toyota’s Camry and Aurion are built in Melbourne and have many changes from the original Japanese design to suit them to our local driving conditions and Australian drivers’ tastes.

Do you want to buy a cheap new Lexus? If so, then check out the Toyota Aurion. Sales are down 25 per cent to just less than 5000 units so far this year. Aurion is ranked third with 721 sales, down 14 per cent and has just a 15 per cent share of the segment, behind Commodore and Falcon.By comparison its four-cylinder twin Camry commands 40 per cent of the 5700 medium car sector with sales up 23 per cent for the year. The six-cylinder market is a tough place. Buyers are abandoning this once stronghold in increasing numbers for SUVs and small cars. It's a shame because Aussie-made sixes are among the best cars in the world for value for money and are able to devour long distances in comfort and safety.VALUEYes. The Aurion packs the same silky smooth 3.5 V6 as the Lexus IS 350 and the GS 350 in a package $30,000-plus cheaper. But the $52,467 Sportivo ZR6 as reviewed is a much better looking car with a sporty body kit and a more aggressive and individual grille that makes it stand apart.Features include five alloy wheels, 60/40 split-fold seats, multi-information display, eco indicator, display audio with USB input and iPod connectivity, acoustic windscreen, dual exhaust, chrome rear garnish and rocker moulding, sports Optitron (Lexus) instruments and integrated side indicators in the exterior mirrors.There is also power-operated driver and front passenger seats with lumbar support, sports suspension, 17-inch sport alloy wheels, front and rear spoilers, sports diffuser, front fog lamps, metallic/mica paint, paddle shifts, sports pedals, premium three-spoke steering wheel, sports front seats, sat-nav, smart entry/start, automatic high beam, wipers, high-definition headlamps, front and rear parking sensors and automatic dipping exterior mirrors.TECHNOLOGYIt might not have the Lexus badge, but it shares the same powerplant and inside is as close to a high-level Lexus as you will get in a Toyota. The Aurion's not rear drive, which will put off some purists off, but it can be driven in a sporty manner that takes advantage of its silky engine and supple chassis.Output from the 3.5-litre V6 engine is unchanged at 200kW and 336Nm, but a taller final drive accompanies the six-speed sequential-shift automatic transmission. This improves fuel efficiency by 6 per cent to 9.3 litres/100km on the combined cycle, and exhaust emissions are down by 8 per cent. I achieved 12.2 litres/100km on my weekend drive.DESIGNIn reality the Aurion is a V6 version of the Camry with interior and exterior changes. In base versions, the Aurion is very ordinary looking and the Camry looks much better. The body kit, including spoilers and side skirts, is not a cohesive unit. The car was finished in a striking metallic blue paint job, called reflex blue, which made it stand out.The front seats are taller and wider, with more back and lower body support. The steering column has a more natural angle and the relationship between the driver's seat and the accelerator has improved.SAFETYThe ZR6 is packed with gear and among the goodies are seven SRS airbags (including driver's knee airbag), seatbelt warnings on all five seats, vehicle stability control (VSC), traction control (TRC), dual-zone automatic climate-controlled airconditioning and a reversing camera.DRIVINGI was quite impressed when I picked up the ZR6. I was dreading driving a lesser model with that awful cheesy chrome grille. It reminds me of the very forgettable Avalon. The ZR6 will not appeal to keen drivers who prefer big cars, such as the Ford Falcon XR6 and Holden Commodore's SV6, to be rear-wheel drive.But the beauty of the Aurion is that it is a smooth motor car, much more refined than the raw and raucous Falcon and Commodore. Torque steer, when the drive through the front wheels fights the steering, can be a problem but only if you are heavy handed. The ZR6 can be driven briskly and smoothly without being brutal.In fact, it is a surprisingly quick car that can string a series of corners together well and in harmony. Drive it with an even hand and it does not need to result in heavy nose understeer. It tackled the Kuranda Range road well and was quiet and Lexus-like on the highway through to Mareeba.Engine and wind noise was negligible with just coarse bitumen surfaces upsetting the ambience. The smartest part about the ZR6 was the V6 providing instant power for safe overtaking and for effortlessly uphill driving. It was a lot of fun across the unforgiving Springmount Rd between Walkamin and Dimbulah, using the paddle shifters on the steering wheel.There is little body roll and just a hint of safe understeer on sharp corners at enthusiastic speeds. The car points well with a new, stiffer suspension and more rigid body. There's also a new electric power steering unit similar to that in the Lexus RX series. Noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) have been improved through a large number of design refinements.Aurion has what is essentially a double glazed windscreen. Wind flow under the bonnet and the front mudguards has been deflected to reduce noise and new sound-deadening carpets have been added. Double seals have been added to the door glass. The result is a cabin that is whisper quiet even on some of the harsh road surfaces.Inside, the Aurion feels more comfortable and secure and although still short of an enthusiast's choice, it is more involving to drive with an improved driving position, tighter and more confident handling and better steering and brake pedal feedback.The engine is punchy, silky smooth and quiet with just enough exhaust note filtering through to reflect its V6 status. And it is complemented by the seamless and intuitive six-speed automatic. However, the inherent tug of 200kW driving the front wheels remains, as does the irksome foot-operated parking brake.VERDICTThe Aurion is an under achiever and falls under the shadow of the cheaper four-cylinder Camry. But it does a better job, even if it is dearer and thirstier. Nothing beats a nice six and the Aurion's V6 is one of the best in the business. It's smooth, quiet and powerful, making long journeys a cinch. The ZR6 can also be sporty. It provides a refined alternative to the more raw rear-drive sporty numbers from Holden andFord.

Canny motorists are facing a shopping bonanza as car makers start slashing prices to make way for new models. But it's not only outgoing models going cheap - look out for end-of-year sales as well.Any time a carmaker trumpets a new model, these shoppers are there ready to make a financial killing by buying up the old model. Look for sales at particular times of the year. June is traditionally a strong month for squeezing extra savings out of a dealer though, with a buoyant car market and fierce competition, anytime towards the end of any month can deliver a bonus.End of year sales are popular. Dealers always want to sell but the months of November and December provide a chance to discount cars built in the current year. Fighting this are car buyers who want a car built in the new year to preserve resale value. Here's some deals but be prepared for more as the calendar year draws to a close.HOLDENDeep Purple is no longer a rock band - it's Holden's new colour that is available on a range of cut-price “Z-Series” Commodore sedans, utes and wagons. The new colour is the same as Holden's iconic show car, the Efijy. Different models in the Z-Series line-up get different equipment levels but, as an example, the base Omega automatic is $41,990 but the Z-Series edition costs $39,990.The bonus is that the Z includes a heap of extras within that price, including leather upholstery, 18-inch wheels, rear camera and sensors, leather steering wheel and chrome door frames. The SV6 ute adds 19-inch alloys, carpet mats and leather seats for $38,490, down $1000 on the plane-Jane SV6.The discounts on the VE Holden Commodore range precede the launch early next year of the VF Commodore models. Holden is also running out the Barina five-door manual hatch at $16,490, a saving of $500.TOYOTAYou'll have to do some legwork here. The new Corolla is on sale and some dealers still have stocks of the old model. Officially, there's no discount on the outgoing model though some dealers - predominantly NSW and Victoria - have extra stock and have advertised a $18,990 price, $1000 off the list price. Note that the cheapest 2013 Corolla is also $19,990. Toyota WA says customers should discuss pricing direct with their dealer.It's not only the Corolla that may offer savings. The RAV4 gets updated early next year and though there's no official price, dealers will consider offers. On top of that, Toyota has zero per cent finance on Camry, Camry Hybrid and Aurion until the end of the year.HYUNDAIThere's a lot of previous-model stock available from Hyundai and buyers can make big savings if they're not chasing the latest car. These include old-stock i30 hatchbacks with $2000 off the normal price and previous Santa Fe SUVs for up to $3000 off.But there are also current models. The big one is the $13,990 drive-away price on the i20 three door which saves $2500. A similar discount is on the five-door i20. The i40 wagon is now from $29,990 driveaway, a saving of about $3000, and the sedan model with automatic transmission is also from $29,990, saving about $2500.Hyundai's popular baby SUV, the ix35, is now from $27,990 driveaway for the Active version, a saving of $1120, while other ix35 variants have been reduced by $500.MITSUBISHIThe new Outlander SUV arrives November 18 so Mitsubishi is sweeping out current stock. The "Enhancement Pack" model is an LS version with leather seats, heated front seats and an electric-adjust driver's seat. It has Bluetooth, 18-inch alloys with a full-size alloy spare, six airbags for the front-wheel drive version (up from two) and a cabin styling pack with bright trim to the door handles, console panel and rear door trim.Prices start at $28,990 drive away for the LS front-wheel drive model with five-speed manual transmission. The normal price is $29,340 plus on-road costs so the saving is about $4500. But for buyers who want the new model, register on Mitsubishi's website and there's the chance to win a $1000 Westfield shopping voucher and 15 per cent off accessories for the new Outlander. If that's not tempting, Mitsubishi also has 0.9 per cent finance until the end of this month.SUBARUThe 2012 run out has just started for Subaru which has chopped up to $5000 off three models. It replaces its Liberty and Outback in early 2013 as a mid-life makeover that includes upgrades to trim specifications. There is an all-new Forester also due about February. So the deals are now on the table.The Outback 2.5i manual is usually $37,490 plus on-road costs (say, $5000) but is being rolled out the showroom door for $35,990 including all on-road costs. The same axe has lobbed on the Forester X which is now $32,990 drive-away including leather-faced seats, alloy wheels and fog lights.The normal retail price is $30,990 without the extras and without on-road costs. Subaru is selling the Liberty 2.5i sedan manual for $31,990 drive away with leather seats, electric driver's seat and reverse camera. The car normally sells for $32,990 plus on-road costs.FORDKuga Trend $35,490 drive away (normally $38,990 plus on-road costs) and the upmarket Titanium is now $41,490 drive away, previously $44,990 plus all on the road charges. The Kuga is to be replaced with a new model in early 2013.Focus Ambiente hatch now $19,990 drive away (normally $20,290 plus costs). The Mondeo Zetec hatch is $33,990 with all costs (usually $37,740 plus on-road fees) and Falcon's XR6 Turbo is down from $46,235 plus costs, to $43,490 drive away.KIAThere's a new Sorento SUV so the outgoing model has a $2000 gift voucher attached to its normal retail price.VOLKSWAGENIs running out stocks of the current Golf VI to make way for the Golf VII due early next year. Volkswagen Australia has set the price of the current Golf 77TSI manual at $20,990 including metallic paint and all drive-away costs. This is a saving of about $5000.The Golf Wagon 90TSI with DSG auto, metallic paint and all drive-away costs is now $29,990, saving about $3500. Note that for small-car wagon buyers, Volkswagen has not confirmed a wagon version of the new Golf. If you want this shape, this could be your last chance.VOLVOThe Swede is clearing out its 2012 stock by adding value rather than chopping the price tag. The S60 and V60 entry-level models now come with the upmarket Teknik pack valued at about $4500. But if you specify the Teknik model, Volvo will automatically give you the R-Design pack (valued at $3000) for free.The same deal applies to the XC60 SUV. There's also a deal on S60 or V60 from the dealer's existing stock. Volvo will include free scheduled servicing for three years or 100,000km.

Shush, can you hear that noise? Toyota's local flagship, the Aurion, has long been known for its silence and the latest model is quieter still, by about 10 per cent.Of course detecting the difference on the road is subjective, but there is no doubt the Aurion is a serene carriage. Comparisons with its premium partner Lexus are valid.VALUEThe price has been capped at $50,000. Prices start at $36,490 for the AT-X (up $500), then comes the Prodigy at $41,490 (unchanged), the Presara at $49,990 (unchanged), the Sportivo SX6 at $40,990 (unchanged) and the Sportivo ZR6 at $47,990 (up $4500 to cover equipment similar to the Presara).This more muted Aurion is well packaged for the price and has an impressive list of safety features, plenty of power and a smooth six-speed automatic transmission.Additional features on the AT-X include a driver's knee airbag, dual-zone climate control, reversing camera, audio display, a split rear seat and a full-sized alloy spare wheel. The Presara adds blind-spot monitoring, automatic high-beam switching and a JBL digital audio.TECHNOLOGYOutput from the 3.5-litre V6 engine is unchanged at 200kW and 336Nm, but a taller final drive accompanies the six-speed sequential-shift automatic transmission. This improves fuel efficiency by 6 per cent to 9.3 litres/100k on the combine cycle, and exhaust emissions are down by 8 per cent.DESIGNBut it is up against the shift away from large cars and, on the road, still needs a second glance to pick it from a Camry. Toyota argues it is not simply a V6 version of the Camry, although both share the same platform and cabin and, apart from the grille and bumpers, have similar styling.Rear seat comfort gets a boost with new cushions and seat backs and more head and legroom. Fit and finish are impressive with quality seat trim and a stitched leather look on the dash.The dash layout is clean and clear with large and legible main dials, logical steering wheel buttons and a 1990s cruise control stalk that remains a lesson in simplicity and finger-tip touch. Small but effective changes include a lower load lip for the boot, more storage in the centre console and a 60:40 split folding rear seat back rest now on all models.DRIVINGInside the Aurion feels more comfortable and secure and although still short of an enthusiast's choice, it is more involving to drive with an improved driving position, tighter and more confident handling and better steering and brake pedal feedback.The front seats are taller and wider, with more back and lower body support, the steering column has a more natural angle and the relationship between the driver's seat and the accelerator has improved.The engine is punchy, silky smooth and quiet with just enough exhaust note filtering through to reflect its V6 status. And it is complemented by the seamless and intuitive six-speed automatic. However the inherent tug of 200kW driving the front wheels remains as does the irksome foot-operated parking brake remains.VERDICTLighter and slightly larger, but with a similar silhouette to its predecessor, the focus in the 2012 Aurion is on improving comfort and interior space, reducing fuel use, refining the ride, sharpening the handling and fine-tuning the steering and brakes.

Toyota’s all-new Camry and Camry Hybrid are both selling well thanks to being more stylish than the previous models.

Toyota’s all-new Camry and Camry Hybrid are both selling well thanks to being more stylish than the previous models. Now there’s another choice in the range.VALUEToyota Aurion is well priced from $36,490 to compete with the equivalent models from Ford and Holden and we anticipate a keen battle for sales between the three big boys. Jump in and grab the best deal you can squeeze out of them.Toyota also provides five routine services at a fixed price of $130 each for the first four years or 75,000 kilometres, something that’s certainly worth factoring into your buying calculations. Aurion is USB and iPod ready, has Bluetooth and audio streaming with the Sportivo ZR6 we tested having premium digital radios.TECHNOLOGYIf you like the thought of owning a Camry but would love to have the grunt of a 3.5-litre V6 under the bonnet then the latest Aurion should figure high on your short list. It’s a brilliant twin-cam engine, with 200 kW of silky smoothness that puts the sixes of Ford and Holden to shame in the refinement stakes.Official fuel consumption has been improved to 9.3 litres per hundred kilometres from the 9.9 litres of the superseded Aurion thanks to clever work on the engine, transmission and body.SAFETYWith the addition of a driver's knee airbag there are now seven airbags for peace of mind. Aurion had achieved a five-star ANCAP safety rating. All-new Aurion has dropped 55 kilograms of weight when compared to its immediate predecessor thanks to the use of high-tensile steel, figuring in the crash safety stakes.DESIGNThe Aurion now has a 60/40 split rear seat that increases the handiness of the already large 515-litre boot. Buttons in the boot release the seats which can then be pushed down almost flat. The boot also houses a full-size matching alloy spare wheel.There are five Aurion model variants: luxury Presara and Prodigy, sporty Sportivo SX6 and ZR6 and entry-level AT-X. Presara and Prodigy have a chrome grille with horizontal bars as well as chrome adorning the boot. The Sportivo models get a slightly smaller grille done in a sporting egg crate style that’s finished in black.There are also differences inside the cabin: stitched leather seats and upholstery and woodgrain finishes adorn the Presara and Prodigy, while the Sportivo gets contrasting colour sports seats with added lateral support for firmer cornering.Aurion's external dimensions have grown a fraction in width and length and there's now more rear seat knee and leg room. The back seat is not quite limousine size, but passengers will not complain about legroom. The interior feels lighter, brighter and larger with Toyota’s relatively narrow A and B pillars. The latter not only give the car a more spacious feel but also add to its safety.DRIVINGTypically we found ‘our’ Toyota Aurion using seven to eight litres per hundred kilometres during motorway and country running. It was unusual for the consumption to go much over 10 litres per hundred even in heavy traffic. Aurion has a six-speed automatic transmission with the Sportivo we tested having paddle shifters on the steering wheel. Toyota conducted extensive testing in Australia and the suspension has been tuned to local conditions. We found the ride and handling to be comfortable with little body roll and just a hint of safe understeer on sharp corners at enthusiastic speeds. The car points well with a new, stiffer suspension and more rigid body. There's also a new electric power steering unit similar to that in the Lexus RX series. Noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) have been improved through a large number of design improvements. Aurion has what is essentially a double glazed windscreen. Wind flow under the bonnet and the front mudguards has been deflected to reduce noise and new sound-deadening carpets have been added. Double seals have been added to the door glass. The result is a cabin that is whisper quiet even on some of the harsh road surfaces.VERDICTThough Toyota Australia likes to market this car as the ‘Aurion’ it’s simply a Camry with a V6 engine and slightly different model variants.

Toyota launched its second-generation Aurion across the road from a graveyard. Seriously.Tombstones and locally made six-cylinder sedans are a good match at the moment, but it's unusual for carmakers to highlight the fact.It probably wasn't deliberate. Toyota's large Adelaide dealership just happens to be nearby. But the event began at the very moment Toyota security staff were rounding up 350 workers at its Victorian plant for compulsory redundancy.If it had the makings of a wake, the company's executives failed to notice. Toyota is moving in the right direction, they said, and had never invested more in its Altona factory and its people. Including the ones getting the sack?They even presented the fact the Aurion was the 38th bestselling car in Australia with the enthusiasm you would expect if it had just claimed top spot. It doesn't matter how you say it, 38th is terrible for a company used to winning every segment in which it competes.But Aurion has a history of underperformance. Of the three locally made vehicles in the large-car class, Aurion has run a clear and consistent last. Sales fell to just 8917 last year, well short of the 25,000 anticipated at the 2006 launch.Not to worry, says Toyota, this will change. It predicts the new Aurion will swim against the tide and sell more, although it declines to say how many.VALUEToyota pitches the Aurion as affordable luxury and says that with a starting price of $36,490 it's better value than the Ford Falcon or Holden Commodore, whose fleet models start higher.The Aurion's equipment list is strong, but Ford and Holden dealers have a long and painful history of discounting, so list prices don't reflect reality. What you'll actually pay is determined by how long it has been since their last meal.TECHNOLOGYToyota has largely left alone the 3.5-litre quad-cam V6 as it does a good job producing 200kW and 336Nm, all of which heads for the front wheels. That's enough for it to get up and go in a hurry -- and it's superior to the raucous revving of Camry's four-cylinder -- although Toyota's claim it is faster than the Falcon and Commodore remains unproven.Not that owners are likely to care. A reduction in fuel use to 9.3 litres per 100km will be of more interest, along with the interior upgrades. There's a better impression of prestige thanks to improved surfaces, good leather trim and reduced road noise.It's a competent cruiser with a strong engine but limited thrills. The only uncertainty is whether this Aurion could match, for the first time, Toyota's optimistic sales expectations.DESIGNAurion is the V6 version of the new seventh-generation Camry, with some styling and specification differences to the four-cylinder car. In some markets it's known simply as a Camry V6.So, like the new Camry, the Aurion has a restyled body that is ever so slightly larger, but also 50kg lighter than before. It has fuel-efficient electronic steering assistance for the first time and a new dashboard.There are two types of Aurion: an allegedly sporty Sportivo, which attempts to lure (relatively) young people with gung-ho bumpers, boot-mounted wing and two-tone seats. Then there are three grades of chrome-plated conservative models focused on comfort. These are better suited to the vehicle's market, which Toyota sales and marketing chief Matthew Callachor describes as “experienced motorists”.That's another way of saying old. The new car has been developed in the traditional Toyota way. That means comfort, safety and reliability top the list of priorities and driving fun is largely overlooked.DRIVINGThere's no better example of this than the steering-wheel mounted shift paddles fitted to some models. Put the six-speed automatic transmission into manual mode and you can control the gearbox, or at least that is what's supposed to happen.Get near the top of the rev band and the gearbox changes up whether or not the driver wants it to. More annoying is the fact the gearbox will overrule the driver and change down when it thinks a better gear can be found.It did this to me as I charged up a hill in third. I was happy in that gear because I was nearing the crest, but the gearbox decided it knew better. Most automatics with paddles will kickdown in an emergency, but only when the driver pushes the pedal to the floor.The chief engineer says the override is there in case inexperienced drivers forget they are in manual mode. In effect, it has made an allowance for dementia. So why bother with paddles at all? Benign is the key word when it comes to chassis tune and the suspension has been calibrated for plushness.Get used to a fair amount of pitching under acceleration, diving under brakes and body roll when pressed. This is not necessarily bad, but it doesn't encourage sporty driving. It's the same with the steering, tuned for easy parking rather than attacking twisty tarmac. It feels light and numb.VERDICTSo no alarms and no surprises. Aurion sticks to Toyota's proven method of simple design done well.

Toyota has put a $50,000 cap on its new Aurion. That's the most you'll pay for this substantially upgraded second-generation flagship of Toyota's locally-made models. There is also a cap on servicing costs, covering four years or 75,000km for the first five service periods.The Aurion ranks No.3 in large car sales, behind the Commodore and Falcon. Despite a 21 per cent slide in large car sales last year, including a 24 per cent fall in Aurion sales, Toyota is determined to lift its share from 12 per cent to 15 per cent this year.Lighter and slightly larger but with a similar silhouette to its predecessor, the focus in the new Aurion is on improving comfort and interior space, reducing fuel use and fine-tuning steering, brakes and suspension.PRICESToyota has stuck with the five model line-up. The entry level AT-X is $36,490, an increase of $500, but comes with additional equipment and features. It is followed by the Prodigy at $41,490 (unchanged), the Presara at $49,990 (unchanged), the Sportivo SX6 at $40,990 (unchanged) and the Sportivo ZR6 at $47,990 (up $4500 to cover equipment similar to the Presara).The AT-X gains a driver's knee airbag, dual-zone climate control, reversing camera, audio display, a split rear seat and a full-sized spare tyre. The Presara comes with blind-spot monitoring, automatic high-beam switching and a JBL digital audio system. Both SX6 and ZR6 offer paddle shift and sports mode.Options for the AT-X include 17-inch alloy wheels at $500 and leather trim at $1500. A moon-roof is a $1950 option on the Prodigy, Sportivo SX and ZR6.ENGINES AND MECHANICALOutput from the 3.5-litre V6 engine is unchanged at 200kW and 336Nm, but a taller final drive is matched to the six-speed sequential-shift automatic transmission.This improves fuel efficiency by 6 per cent and cuts exhaust emissions by 8 per cent. Combined cycle fuel economy is 9.3 litres/100km and CO2 emissions are 215g/km.DRIVINGThe Aurion was already known for its silence, and the new model is about 10 per cent quieter inside. Extensive local testing has refined the ride and sharpened the handling.The front seats are taller and wider, with more back and lower body support. The steering column has a more natural angle and a wider tilt range and the relationship between the driver's seat and the accelerator has improved.In the rear seats, there are new cushions and seat backs and a 31mm increase in headroom. Rear legroom gains 46mm.Small but effective changes include a lower load lip for the boot, more storage in the centre console and a 60:40 split folding rear seat back rest now on all models.Other changes include a stronger body, electric power-steering, enhanced stability controls, improved stopping power and brake pedal feel and a brake-force over-ride function that gives priority to the brakes if the brake and accelerator pedal are pressed simultaneously.