Overview
SHARPER pricing, a host of extra equipment, more standard safety features and a more powerful 200kW V6 headline the advantages Toyota's all-new Aurion brings over its most direct rival in Holden's billion-dollar VE Commodore.
Aurion brings a surprisingly well sorted ride/handling package and Toyota will also bank on its traditional messages of build quality, resale value and reliability to woo Aussie big-six buyers away from Commodore, Falcon and 380.
But can the large Camry-based front-drive sedan win enough fans in Australia to succeed when its Avalon failed so spectacularly?
At base AT-X level, which for most part will be directed at fleet buyers, it certainly deserves to.
Model release date: November 2006
Previous model
Like Aurion, Toyota's last large six-cylinder sedan was based on the (previous-generation) Camry mid-sizer, which was available in both four-cylinder and V6 guise.
Launched in mid-2000 with a 145kW/284Nm 3.0-litre V6, mated to a four-speed auto, it was available in Conquest, CSX, VXi and Grande variants.
Slow sales saw a facelift hurried it in October, which features upside-down headlights, the limited-edition Advantage variant and a VXi Limiited version.
The Series III Avalon facelift, released in October 2003, comprised a $30,990 GXi entry-level variant, but production ceased in mid-2005 with sales forecasts nowhere near achieved.