Toyota's all-new 2012 Aurion large sedan is now on sale in Australia, following the December debut of the Camry.

The second-generation model continues the formula of its predecessor, borrowing much of the sheet metal and underpinnings from the Camry.

The glasshouse, doors and rear quarter panels are shared between the two cars, but the 2012 Aurion gets its own unique face and rear.

Other styling features unique to the Aurion include the front quarter panels, bonnet and headlights, along with a range of new grille and bumper designs.

The new Australian-built Aurion kicks off at $36,490, marking a $500 increase over the entry-level variant in the outgoing line-up.

Mechanical Package

Power for the new Aurion is provided by a revised version of the existing 3.5 litre quad-cam V6, delivering the same 200kW and 336Nm of torque as the outgoing model.

Fuel consumption for the 3.5 litre engine has improved however, dropping from 9.9 l/100km to 9.3 l/100km - a saving of 6.1 percent.

The new fuel figures come from weight-saving upgrades and re-specified engine oil viscosity, along with a new air-conditioning compressor, and an overall weight reduction of at least 55kg depending on the variant.

Carbon emissions have also been reduced, falling by 7.7 percent to 215g/km.

As before, the 3.5 litre engine is mated to Toyota's U660E electronically-controlled six-speed sequential-shift automatic transmission, with Sportivo variants adding steering-mounted paddle shifters.

Toyota says the Aurion offers significantly improved noise, vibration and harshness levels, thanks in part to the use of high-tensile steel and increased body rigidity, providing a more stable suspension platform.

Ride and handling has also been improved, the carmaker says, through extensive local testing and development for the Australian-built sedan.

Toyota Technical Center Australia developed the final Aurion calibration, building on the work of Toyota test centres around the world.

The suspension package includes MacPherson struts up front, and a dual-link system at the rear. Braking is managed by 296x28mm ventilated discs at the front, and 286x10mm solid discs up back.

Features

There are five variants in the new Aurion range, starting with the AT-X and ranging through to the Prodigy and the top-spec Presara, along with the AT-X based Sportivo SX6 and Sportivo ZR6.

All variants feature dual-zone climate control, a reversing camera, multi-information display, USB and iPod connectivity, Optitron display instruments, five alloy wheels, 60/40 split-fold seats, acoustic windscreen, dual exhaust tips, chrome rear garnish and rocker moulding, and integrated side mirrors.

Almost all of these features are enhancements over the outgoing AT-X entry model, and it also features a power-adjusted driver's seat. The AT-X can also be optioned with a leather-accented interior and 17-inch Sport alloy wheels.

The Prodigy adds a premium steering wheel, leather-accented interior with premium door trim, electro-chromatic interior mirror, electric rear sunshade, driver's seat and mirror memory, power-operated front passenger's seat and smart entry/smart start.

It is fitted with 17-inch alloys, rain-sensing wipers, exterior mirror dipping in reverse gear, front foglamps, chrome door handles, front and rear clearance sonar, and metallic/mica paint as standard. A moonroof is available as an option at additional cost on the Prodigy model.

The new Presara adds JBL premium audio with seven-inch screen display, digital radio, satellite navigation with live traffic updates and back-guide monitor.

The top-spec model also has adaptive HID headlights, automatic high beam, blind spot monitor, moonroof and additional woodgrain-look inserts in the instrument panel, door trims and gear shifter area.

The new Sportivo SX6 carries the AT-X's features, but adds sports suspension, 17-inch sport alloy wheels, front and rear spoilers, sports diffuser, front fog lamps and metallic/mica paint.

Inside, the SX6 adds paddle shifters, sports pedals, three-spoke sports steering wheel, sports front seats, power front passenger's seat, sports Optitron combination meter and smart entry/smart start.

The high-grade Sportivo ZR6 model adds automatic high beam, rain-sensing windscreen wipers, HID headlamps with AFS, blind spot monitoring, front and rear clearance sonar, and exterior mirrors dipping in reverse.

It also adds sports leather-accented interior with premium door trims, driver's seat memory including exterior mirror settings, JBL premium audio with seven-inch display, digital radio, satellite navigation with live traffic updates, electro-chromatic interior mirror and back-guide monitor.

A moonroof is available as an option on both Sportivo models.

Standard safety features include seven airbags, seatbelt warnings on all five seats, vehicle stability control and traction control.

Interior Dimensions

Length - 2080mm
Width - 1525mm
Height - 1210mm (1145 with optional moonroof)
Front head room - 986mm (962mm with optional moonroof)
Front shoulder room - 1473mm
Front leg room - 1057mm
Rear head room - 967mm (964mm with optional moonroof)
Rear shoulder room - 1439mm
Rear leg room - 989mm
Luggage volume - 515 litres

Pricing

• 2012 Aurion AT-X - $36,490
• 2012 Aurion Prodigy - $41,490
• 2012 Aurion Presara - $49,990
• 2012 Aurion Sportivo SX6 - $40,990
• 2012 Aurion Sportivo ZR6 - $47,990

Note: all prices are Manufacturer's List Price and exclude on-road costs.

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• reply ” like !

  Miles Austin says,
  1 year ago

  3 likes

  The rear design of the Sportivo model is disgraceful... Made even worse by the Typically Toyota under-sized wheels.
• reply ” like !

  

  MattJ says,
  1 year ago

  3 likes

  ughh... looks like a cheap Lexus! Yuk
• reply ” like !

  

  smart us says,
  1 year ago

  its toyota's last try in this segment and most likely in oz... so its a bit of left over product... not impressive at all
• reply ” like !

  

  MattJ says,
  1 year ago

  And I thought the USA had the worst looking Avalon/Aurion!!
  
  Check this sexy beast out!
  
  http://www.toyota.com/upcoming-vehicles/avalon/
  • reply ” like !

    

    Balthazaaaargh says,
    1 year ago

    Totally different scenario, though.
    
    You couldn't have the Avalon here instead of the Aurion unless they went back to offering the Camry in 4cyl and V6 form, because fleet buyers are too important to just drop the Aurion without doing that(and would be unlikely to opt for the Avalon, which has to be seen as a stylish flagship too expensive for fleets).
    
    Mind you, that's exactly what I think they should do.
• reply ” like !

  

  MMS says,
  1 year ago

  2 likes

  I'l take this over Falcadore anyday, and will be test driving one tomorrow!
  • reply ” like !

    

    Shaun says,
    1 year ago

    2 likes

    
• reply ” like !

  

  John says,
  1 year ago

  2 likes

  I'm personally impressed with the interior. Better than that grey design, which looked cheaper than the car actually was.
• reply ” like !

  

  CP says,
  1 year ago

  1 like

  The rear design of the Sportivo is challenging but I don't mind it. Please tell me that the ATX has a trip computer now!
  
• reply ” like !

  

  paddy says,
  1 year ago

  Eww and yuck! Avalon and Avensis are the true toyotas...
• reply ” like !

  

  Roger says,
  1 year ago

  The lack of a decent engine is telling. It seems that the model is not going to survive as it relies on outdated engine technology. Very thirsty. New gen forced induction GDI 4 cylinders offer far greater torque with significant fuel consumption reduction, if they offered a decent engine I might consider it, but certainly not a those prices. There are far better options in that bracket. Taxi drivers dont use them, there is a message there considering their only requirements are space, consumption and durability. The Aurion TRD was a testiment to the fact this engine is not a good unit.
  • reply ” like !

    

    Godspeed says,
    1 year ago

    Roger, how do you figure that the TRD Aurion engine was no good? Because of one engine failure that occurred from a dealer over-revving it?
    
    The car was a flop because it was priced at the same price point as a base FPV / HSV or Mazda 6 MPS / Liberty GT but was only front drive in a segment where handling counts.
    
    I believe the failure was more about consumer perception than any major failing of the vehicle itself. I think the new Aurion sport models look foul but the TRD model was actually not bad looking (with its 19" rims); it handled *okay* for a front driver (TMCA spent a lot of dosh on engineering the chassis) and had good power delivery. But the combination of a higher than expected price point, a poor TVC campaign, unproven sporting pedigree in the segment, the stop-sale and front wheel drive meant that few were going to take the plunge and buy it. That TMCA then started to heavily discount it sealed its fate as far as resale and desirability of the TRD brand was concerned.
    • reply ” like !

      

      Roger says,
      1 year ago

      There were numerous "catastrophic falures" on test drives around the country, the vehicle never made the start of any production car endurance race, as the blew up on warm up/qualifying, they are listed alongside the TRD HiLux in the Lemons Guide, and they were withdrawn from production.
      • reply ” like !

        

        Rossco says,
        1 year ago

        Roger,
        
        all Godspeed's comments are spot on. I know of the trouble with the 'one' TRD Aurion, engine blow-up and as he said it was plain stupid abuse that caused the failure.
        
        With respect to the TRD Hilux, there were no failures that I'm aware of, especially on test drives, catastrophic or otherwise.
        
        Your information appears to be derived from the rumour mill. Not the best place ego grab your facts from.
        
        In relation to your earlier comment regarding the engine technology. This engine the 3.5ltr was a new engine family in 2006, designed to cope with the future emissions and consumption requirements.
        
        I have returned as low as 8.8 ltrs p/100klms, which is admirable for a six of that capacity which has 200kw to play with. Even the TRD version used to return 9.6ltrs p/100klm (I drove on e for 6 mths, 180klms per day).
        
        Until recently, neither Holden or Ford could tought anywhere near those figures. With respect to your " forced induction GDI" reference, I'll assume you mean CDI, which refers to Common Rail Diesel! If you're going to compare consumption numbers, compare apples with apples, not diesel with petrol.
        
        And lastly, with respect to your comment on taxi companies not using Toyota...obviously you've never bee to Brisbane, Darwin, Alice Springs or anywhere uo the north coast of Qld. They are most commonly used are cabs in all these towns and places, mainly due to reliability and economy.
        
        Get you facts straight, them fire all the missiles you like!
        
        • reply ” like !

          

          Roger says,
          1 year ago

          Disagree I am afraid. TRD HiLux was on the cover of that years Lemon Guide. There were 3 TRD Aurion engine failures at least reported on, this was one of the reasons for the withdrawal. I got that information from a Toyota dealer.
      • reply ” like !

        

        Tim O'Brien says,
        1 year ago

        Yo, it is amazing how willingly heresay is peddled as 'fact'. At its first competitive outing in the 2008 Targa Tasmania, the TRD Aurion campaigned by Neal Bates and Coral Taylor won the Modern Competition category ahead of the V8 Monaro of well-known hot-steerer Paul Freestone.
        
        Numerous failures? One, a demonstrator at a Melbourne dealership, another apparently from WA... (and no evidence as to the circumstance). But lots of high mileage ones holding their value in the used car market at the moment.
        
        A flawed car the TRD, but blisteringly fast, comfortable and superbly built. And as quick around a mountain road as my 3.2 V6 Alfa GT that I had at the time.
        
        And if you want to check out the pinnacle of Australian high-volume vehicle manufacturing, have a close look - a really close look - at the new Camry/Aurion. For fit, finish, shutlines, and engineering, the product coming out of Toyota Australia is certainly among the best from Japan and Europe.
        
        Tim
        
        
        • reply ” like !

          

          Roger says,
          1 year ago

          I think it was the 2008 12 hour, I watched it and remember the Commodore Sportwagon doing well until it went off as it ran out of brakes Viper style (being denied the right to install HSV brakes for the race). I remember TRD entering the vehicle, and the press releases are online, but it never made the grid. I also remember reading a press article about the speight of mechanical failures from a vehicle overloaded at 240Kw, and its subsequent withdrawal from production. Like I said, a major Toyota dealer here in Brisbane said the car was a flop. As far as fast, it was bench marked against the BF XR6 Turbo, that had already been replaced by the FG offering performance in another league (not heresay....timed figures in Motor and Wheels, and I would back an FG Turbo against a TRD anyday). I fully appreciate Japanese build quality, and I am a very harsh critic. In my opinion Toyota as a corporation are lazy and will deliver the absolute minimum to make you part with your money (as do all manufacturers), and I wont support that with my wallet.
          • reply ” like !

            

            CP says,
            1 year ago

            We have all heard the rumours about TRD Aurions self destructing and for a vehicle to be produced in such low numbers it seems to be a bit over represented on the current used car market which is a cause for concern. I can't agree with the comment that the Aurion engine is outdated. Sure the output figures haven't changed from the first generation but lets not go comparing it to diesels. If you want to compare apples with apples then compare it the Falcon and Commodore sixes. I think that when Aurion was first released back in 06 that the drivetrain was light years ahead of the competition and you could easily argue today it still has its nose in front.
            • reply ” like !

              

              Roger says,
              1 year ago

              Commodore and Falcon are out of date as well, I guess my issue is I wont defend a company like Toyota for delivering what I consider is a drivetrain that is simply not good enough. Thats why I said they were lazy. I have no issue with Japanese benchmark quality and reliability, but there is no reason they cannot apply those skills to the engineering inginuity being developed in Europe. Euro cars dont last, but they are light years ahead in tech. In their defense cars do not last long in Europe due to road salting, thats why Clarkson managed to buy a 2003 S600 Mercedes for 8000 pounds. I would caution defending companies like Toyota, while they think you are happy they will not innovate....take the HiLux and its 4 speed auto....I think it still has that...did last time I looked.
  • reply ” like !

    

    Brodie says,
    1 year ago

    Thirsty??? Round the city mine gets about 11L/100KM and on the highway I have been down to 7L/100KM but usually it is about 7.5L/100KM.
    • reply ” like !

      

      Roger says,
      1 year ago

      That is exceptionally bad by todays standards.
      • reply ” like !

        

        CP says,
        1 year ago

        There are some very hard markers out there if they think the Aurion drivetrain is not good enough. For certain a 2 litre diesel would be sufficient to propel a 1500kg family sedan around and return figures in the 6L/100km range but the Aurion is a 200kw family sedan. Find me an alternative family sedan with comparable performance with greatly superior fuel economy and I'll eat my words.
        • reply ” like !

          

          Roger says,
          1 year ago

          I would certainly like to see an engine in the league of the BMW 2.0 GDI Turbo, or the Mercedes 2.1L TDI that produces a massive 500Nm at 1600rpm...thats big V8 territory and propels that vehicle at a very respectible pace....for 6L/100km. The BMW 328i was tested in this months wheels, and at just under 1500kg pulled a 6.2 second 0-100. This car is the same size as an Aurion (3's and C's are relatively huge these days). It pulled a 9.3L test average so considering the fact they punish the hell out of them, the claimed 8L is well believeable....and not to mention in another performance league to the Aurion that is around the 7.6s 0-100 mark. Not that thios really matters for this kind of car, but I think it does show the significant technology gap that is appearing. Comparing it to other locals, the 2.0L ecoboost falcon will be out soon that has been benchmarked as nearly identical to the 4.0L six in performance, for just under 8L/100km. This needs to be tested...but we'll see. Ford also show you dont need to be BMW or Mercedes to offer new generation efficient GDI turbo technology that has a significantly better performance envelope than the old style 6 cylinder engines. This is the way of the future, so we had better get used to it.
          • reply ” like !

            

            Roger says,
            1 year ago

            One more thing...the BMW pulls more torque at 1250rpm than the Aurion has max.
            • reply ” like !

              

              Roger says,
              1 year ago

              Sorry...another thing. I actually drive an XR6 Turbo, and have grown up with big powerful engines. I have however changed my tune after experiencing the new generation engines that are worthy of respect for their engineering. I drive my XR6T hard and have a trip computer average of 12.1L/100km, so Tony achieving a 10.4 (I think) in an Aurion is nothing special...I'll suffer the extra 1.7 and have heaps more fun.
              • reply ” like !

                

                CP says,
                1 year ago

                No doubt that is the way of the future but comparing a base model family V6 sedan costing $34000 with BMW, Audi and Merc diesels is a bit of a stretch. SS and XR buyers don't go test driving AMG C63's when it's time for a new car.
                
                
                • reply ” like !

                  

                  Roger says,
                  1 year ago

                  An ecoboost Falcon is under $40K, and it has a very similar perfromance envelope to the BMW. This engine will make Focus and Mondeo soon. This technology is not rocket science, anyone can do it. You get a lot more with a BMW or Merc in the chassis engineering department....this lot gave the 328 4.5/5 stars.
                  • reply ” like !

                    

                    CP says,
                    1 year ago

                    Ecoboost is a relevant comparison. 328 cost 65K. You would hope spending that your chassis wasn't comparable to something half the cost.
                    
                    Time will tell but I hope this Aurion is a success.