Toyota Aurion Prodigy road test
by Stephen Walker
27th November, 2012
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Toyota Aurion gains 5
stars from ANCAP
24th May, 2012
Toyota Aurion
second-generation released
9th May, 2012
"Made in Australia" is one mighty fine attribute to attach to any product.
With the Aurion being made at Toyota's manufacturing plant in Melbourne, aussies can look favourably not only at the
product but, also, the place of manufacture. It doesn't get any better than that!
Well known as a conservatively styled large car, the Toyota Aurion is now even more appealing as world's car makers
endeavour to gain every possible sale that they can in our booming market.
Test Car
The test car was the Toyota Aurion Prodigy finished in Crystal Pearl, which certainly looked good to my eyes. The
Prodigy is the mid-spec version.
Model Background
First launched in 2006, this is the second generation Aurion. Toyota are convinced the large car segment still has a
future in Australia and have made a raft of improvements as well as loading the new Aurion with an abundance of
technology and luxury kit to tackle to competition from the other Australian built sixes.
Toyota is aiming to grab 15% of the large car market in 2012 and even more next year. It will need to as well as this
segment is dropping in popularity as buyers take advantage of the vast, increasing choice of vehicles available in
Australia.
The exterior and interior have both undergone subtle style changes with the bulk of the changes being equipment
upgrades and design improvements not visible to the eye.
Prices*
The price* for the Toyota Aurion Prodigy is from $41,490*.
The second generation Aurion is for sale in five variants. The base price* for the Aurion range is $36,490* for the
entry level AT-X variant. The Presara is the top of the range and is priced from $49,990*. There are also two so called
“sports” models known as the Sportivo SX6 and ZR6. They receive body kits, rear spoiler, sports styled alloy wheels and
paddle shift to differentiate them from the “non sports” models. The Sportivo SX6 is priced from $40,990* and the higher
spec ZR6 is priced from $47,990*.
All variants have been upgraded significantly from the first generation Aurion. Just as before, all variants receive
the same engine and power train.
Driving and living with the Toyota Aurion Prodigy
All Aurions are fitted with an electronically controlled 6 speed automatic transmission as standard. There is no
manual option.
The Prodigy offers a luxurious, comfortable cabin which we found quite pleasing for our motoring experience.
Smart Entry and Start allow you to unlock and start the car without touching the key – as long as you have it with
you. You can also lock the car when exiting without touching the key.
The second generation Aurion includes a 60/40 split folding rear seat which wasn’t available in the previous
generation. The boot lip is also lower, allowing better access.
Our 196 kilometres was in a suburban environment only but that was sufficient to convince us that the Aurion Prodigy
is a great way to get around.
Specifications
All Aurion variants are powered by a 3.5 litre, quad cam, V6 petrol-fuelled engine. The engine produces maximum power
of a decent 200 kW at 6,200 rpm. Maximum torque of 336 Nm is produced at 4,700 rpm.
The Aurion is a front-wheel drive sedan with a six-speed automatic transmission.
Safety
Toyota's Aurion has been given the maximum possible five star safety rating by ANCAP. See
here for this
information.
Standard safety features include seven airbags, anti-lock brakes, traction control, electronic brake distribution and
electronic stability control. Rain sensing wipers and front fog lamps are also standard.
The Aurion is fitted with a reversing camera as standard, a feature we would like to see in all vehicles.
The Prodigy gets front and rear parking sensors as well as dipping exterior mirrors.
Fuel and emissions
On the combined cycle, Toyota indicate the Aurion achieves a fuel consumption rating of 9.3 litres per 100 kilometres.
This makes for an admirable result. The Aurion requires unleaded fuel (RON91 or higher) and will run safely on E10
unleaded also.
Our drive was strictly suburban motoring and we achieved an average fuel consumption of 13.4 litres per 100 km.
The fuel tank capacity is 70 litres.
CO2 emissions are 215 grammes per kilometre.
Equipment
The Prodigy is very well equipped with standard leather seats, leather trimmed steering wheel, electrically operated
front seats with the driver's seat having memory settings. Other standard features include dual zone climate control,
parking sensors, reversing camera, electric rear sunshade, user-friendly cruise control, 17" alloy wheels and a 6.1 inch
touchscreen for the audio system which incorporates Bluetooth and iPod connectivity.
Dimensions
Length: 4,835 mm
Width: 1,825 mm
Height: 1,470 mm
Wheelbase: 2,775 mm
Weight: 1,555 kg
Boot capacity: 515 litres
Towing
The towing capacity of an appropriately equipped Aurion is 1,600 kg for a braked trailer.
After Sales
The warranty operates, with conditions, on a three year/100,000 kilometre basis.
Toyota currently has capped price servicing in Australia, capping the price of log book servicing for the first four
years or 75,000 kilometres. The current service charge under the “Toyota Service Advantage” capped price structure is
$130 per service for all Aurion variants.
Conclusion
The Toyota Aurion Prodigy is a fine example of a well priced, well equipped large sedan that offers excellent comfort
with a secure feeling for the occupants. It would be easy to live with an Aurion. Correction, it would be wonderful to
live with an Aurion Prodigy in the garage.
NOTE: * Manufacturer's List Price (MLP) excludes dealer delivery
fees and the numerous statutory charges (commonly known as on-road costs). Additionally, please note that all prices,
fees and charges are subject to change without notice, as are the specifications.
E&OE
More Toyota News .....
here.
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