Toyota updates final Oz-built Aurion

TOYOTA has unveiled the final Australian-built Aurion large sedan, revealing a lightly facelifted look, more safety gear across the board and extra dynamic touches for the driver-focused Sportivo variant.

Despite the refreshed look and increased equipment levels, Aurion pricing is largely unchanged, with only the flagship Presara sneaking up by $450 to $50,440 before on-road costs, thanks to the addition of special paint, which is now a standard feature.

The Japanese car-maker has also rationalised the range, condensing the two previous SX6 and ZR6 Sportivo options into one and dropping the Prodigy variant. The range still kicks off with the $36,490 AT-X, while the Sportivo sits in the middle priced from $40,990.

Upgrades to equipment are similar to the kit-boost that the recently and mechanically-similar Camry has already received, with keyless entry and engine start, Optitron eerie blue-glow gauges with incorporated 4.2-inch central information display and all-round parking radar now standard fitment.

Like the new Camry SX, the Aurion Sportivo has been treated to significant chassis revisions, with locally-tuned suspension, a quicker steering rack ratio and purposeful looking 18-inch gloss black alloy wheels.

Some recent reports have suggested the Aurion was in line for a dramatic sheet-metal makeover like the 2015 Camry, but instead it has been given a more modest styling refresh confined to front and rear ends.

Each variant now has visually differentiating features such as individually styled bodykits, housing different vents and grilles and unique alloy wheels.

Entry level AT-X versions get a mesh grille and 16-inch 10-spoke wheels, the sportier Sportivo have the largest wheels at 18-inches and honeycomb grille, while the range-topping rolls on 17-inch hoops and a 'premium' grille.

Customers wanting the driving dynamic improvements of the Sportivo can have the stiffened suspension and larger wheel package fitted to Presara variants for an additional $1000.

All Aurion versions get seven airbags, reversing camera, parking radar front and rear, ESC, ABS and EBD, but opting for the top-of-the-range Presara brings a host of other safety-boosting equipment.

Rear cross traffic alert warns the driver of approaching vehicles when reversing out of tight spots, while a lane-departure warning system is also standard and uses a forward-facing camera.

The same sensors offer blind-spot monitoring, while the camera also operates automatic self-dipping headlights and active cruise control. Presara also gets LED headlights and foglights.

Interior tech for all variants has been given a boost with new upholstery fabric for AT-X and a revised audio and climate control system for all. The new system features a 6.1-inch touchscreen for controlling comfort and entertainment systems, with a more ergonomic layout of switches.

The base version has electric adjustment for driver's seat, but Sportivo gets the biggest interior update with a smaller leather steering wheel incorporating paddle shifters, as well as power adjustment of both front seats covered in two-tone fabric, and a rear window blind.

Range-topping Presara adds seat memory, part-leather seats in either black or Ivory, a higher quality 10-speaker JBL sound system and larger 7.0-inch touchscreen with navigation.

Mechanically, Aurions is largely unchanged apart from its differential that gets a different preload. The revised setting increases stability, handling feel, maneuverability and take-off smoothness, says Toyota.

Power for the entire Aurion range is unchanged, with its 3.5-litre normally aspirated V6 petrol engine churning out 200kW and 336Nm of torque to the front wheels via an automatic transmission.

Metallic or pearlescent paint is available for variants under the Presara for $450 including a new Indigo Blue, while the Sportivo has an optional moonroof for $1950. A $2500 premium pack adds the JBL sound system, navigation and part-leather seat covering.

The latest Aurion update will be its last before local Toyota production ceases on Australian soil in 2017, after which the brand will become a full-line importer.

Toyota Aurion pricing*

AT-X (a)	$36,490
Sportivo (a)	$40,990
Presara (a)	$50,440

*Excludes on-road costs.