Toyota Aurion Sportivo Car Review

Toyota Aurion Sportivo Review

Despite the recent weakening of buyers’ interest in large cars, the Toyota Aurion makes a convincing pitch based on value, fuel economy, technical sophistication and a manufacturer’s reputation for quality, reliability, durability and safety.

With its name deriving form the Greek word for ‘Tomorrow’, the Aurion’s design has just that in mind, in that it will not date and will still look good in tomorrow’s market.

Two models of the Aurion Sportivo are available – the SX6 and the ZR6. With both having a 3.5ltr V6 engine and 6speed auto transmission, the key difference lies in styling – ‘Sports & Performance’ and “Performance & Luxury’, respectively.

Standard features are identical across both models, including power steering, cruise control, trip computer, audible ‘overspeed’ warning; dual-zone climate control air-conditioning, rear air outlet, power windows front and rear, and power mirrors. ‘SatNav’ and a ‘moonroof’ are also available as options.

Standard audio features include Bluetooth connectivity for mobile ‘phones, a single in-dash CD player, AM/FM tuner and six speaker sound system and steering wheel audio controls.

On the safety front, ABS/EBD and TRC and Vehicle Stability Control are standard, as are driver and front passenger air bags, front side air-bags, and front and rear side curtain air-bags.

Front-drive lay-out means you need to apply F1-style driving disciplines of braking before entering the bend and accelerating out of it when taking on those winding roads to ensure the engine’s electronic limiters don’t kick in and spoil the fun.

Boasting 5kW more than the SV6 and 10kW more than the XR6, and weighing in  significantly lighter than both at 1630kg, the Aurion has an obvious power-to-weight ratio advantage.

Pros:                  Great value, combining space, economy and performance to give a smooth drive.

Cons:                 Doesn’t handle as one would expect a sports sedan should.

Models: Sportivo SX6 and ZR6

Competitors:     Holden Commodore SV6; Ford Falcon XR6