IS this just a jazzier V6 Camry? No. The Aurion Sportivo ZR6 is brilliantly smooth, a pleasure to punt, sumptuously accommodating and well equipped, but it is not the same focused driver’s sedan as the Falcon XR6 and Commodore SV6. Indeed, even the Mitsubishi 380 VRX – well down on power as it is – feels sharper than the incredibly refined Toyota. However, if you switch your expectations from ‘sporting’ to ‘touring’, the silken ZR6 presents a compelling case for itself...
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Toyota Camry Sportivo V6
Released: 2002
Ended: 2006
Family Tree: AurionBUILT off the old front-wheel drive Toyota modular platform that also underpinned the previous two Camry editions, as well as the failed Avalon large car, the 380N Camry was at least the most dynamic of the lot, especially in the racier Sportivo guise. Smooth and powerful in the upper rev ranges, there was nothing particularly inspiring or sporty about the 145kW/284Nm 3.0-litre DOHC 24V V6. It was paired to either a five-speed manual or slow-witted four-speed automatic gearbox. The best thing to do then, is relax and enjoy the spacious (if overly American in taste) cabin, and quiet ride.
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