Toyota tweaks Aurion

TOYOTA Australia has reshuffled its Aurion large-sedan range ahead of its demise next year, upping standard equipment levels and slightly tweaking aesthetics, but while pricing for the base-level AT-X and top-spec Presara remain as is, mid-tier Sportivo variants receive a $3000 price increase.

The entry-level AT-X – which retains the same $36,490 before on-roads cost pricetag – gains a new four-spoke steering wheel, premium shifter, multi-spoke 17-inch alloy wheels and a full-size spare as standard.

For an additional $1750, Toyota can equip the AT-X with satellite navigation, a 10-speaker JBL speaker system, digital radio, 7.0-inch touchscreen and rear window power sunshade – all of which are now standard on the mid-spec Aurion Sportivo to help justify the price hike.

To further rationalise the increase in price – now $43,990, before on-road costs, up from $40,990 – Toyota has added leather-accented sports seats with a power-operated drivers chair, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, LED headlights and foglights, and new-look, black 18-inch alloy wheels.

Top-tier Presara variants, carrying the same $50,440 sticker price as before, are equipped with the same tech goodies as the Sportivo and AT-X in addition to lane departure alert, automatic high beam technology, automatic wipers and an electric moonroof.

For an additional $1000, Toyota will tweak Presara Aurions with the sportier Sportivo's suspension and steering tuning along with the same 18-inch wheel and tyre package.

Across the Aurion range, all cars will now be equipped with rear-seat ISOFIX anchor points as well as keyless entry and engine start, Optitron dials, a 4.2-inch multifunction colour display and front and rear corner parking sensors at no extra charge.

All versions of Toyota’s large sedan are powered by 3.5-litre naturally aspirated V6 petrol engine, sending 200kW of power and 336Nm of torque to the front axle through an automatic transmission.

Toyota Australia executive director of sales and marketing Tony Cramb said the changes to the Aurion range will make it more appealing to the money-savvy large car shopper.

“The additional equipment for AT-X and Sportivo will appeal to value-conscious buyers in this segment of the market,” he said.

Sales of Toyota’s Aurion, like all vehicles in the once-popular large-car segment, are steadily declining as the local market shifts towards SUVs and smaller passenger cars.

For the first five months this year, Toyota has found 964 homes for its V6-powered Aurion, a 24.8 per cent decrease year-on-year and well behind fellow Australian-built contenders the Holden Commodore (10,295) and Ford Falcon (1998).

2016 Toyota Aurion pricing*

AT-X (a)	$36,490
Sportivo (a)	$43,990 (+$3000)
Presara (a)	$50,440

*Excludes on-road costs