TOYOTA AURION Review

Summary:

What we like: Performance, Handling, Refinement.

What we don't like: None

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TOYOTA AURION review in detail:

Aurion is built in Australia and carries a fair number of local design modifications to change it from the Japanese/American original. Unlike the Avalon, this one actually looks pretty good.

At first glance it looks like it was based on the Lexus GS, but it’s basically a Camry with a redesigned head and tail. It looks much more elegant and muscular than the Camry. And it comes with a 6 cylinder engine, whereas the Camry no only comes in a 4 cylinder version.

There's plenty of interior space for occupants, with decent rear-seat legroom. Compared with the VE Commodore the Aurion has similar headroom but about 4cm less total legroom. The difference is most noticeable in the rear seats where legroom, while not cramped, is not expansive either. Three adults can be carried in the rear, but if they are larger than average they will be pushed for space.

Aurion's boot is voluminous and has a good shape, however the opening may limit the carriage of some boxy items and the old-fashioned space-intruding boot hinges are a letdown.

Toyota did a lot of local testing and refining of the suspension system, resulting in handling that is precise and predictable, yet good ride comfort is maintained.

Toyota Aurion is driven by a 3.

5-litre, twin-cam, V6 engine.

Top torque is very high in the range, but there's decent pulling power at normal revs. The engine is smooth, strong and nicely responsive. The six-speed automatic has gear changes that are barely I noticeable and it seems to be in the right ratio pretty well all the time.

The Aurion comes very close to capturing the essence of an Aussie car in a way the Avalon could never do. You could even argue that it's not really a big car at all, but a well put together Australian-feeling car.