The arrival of the 2015 Toyota Aurion debuts an improved line-up featuring more specification, more safety, and more sports detailing.
“The Aurion is designed with customers who prefer the distinctive in mind and matches the space and specification of a grand tourer sedan with a genuinely powerful and proven V6 engine,” says Spencer Morris, Toyota New Zealand general manager of product.
“The 2015 range showcases superior design elements and improved standard features across the range, all designed to make the Aurion experience more enjoyable than ever.”
Toyota’s premier grand touring V6 sedan benefits from a host of upgrades, beginning with improved exterior design elements. Up front a new grille design compliments the black lower grille bars, while sports-themed Sportivo SX6 and ZR6 feature a modern makeover to their lower rear bumper design. The rear spoiler design for both Sportivo grades has also been updated for a more advanced appearance.
There are new alloy wheel designs for every model in the range. A stylish 10-spoke 17 inch alloy features on AT-X, while for the first time the Sportivo SX6 and ZR6 boast aggressive gloss black 18 inch alloys that underline the Sportivo grade’s sportier character.
Exterior colour options increase for the Aurion line-up too, with new colour Indigo available across the range, while Magnetic Bronze remains an exclusive colour choice for the Aurion AT-X.
Moving inside, the AT-X now joins Sportivo SX6 and ZR6 models in receiving smart keyless entry and start technology, while the fabric trim within the AT-X cabin has also been upgraded. The two Sportivo editions now feature a premium rear powered window shade to help keep rear seat passengers cooler during summer driving.
Every Aurion now features a high contrast dual ring combination meter with 4.2 inch TFT display. In Aurion AT-X and Sportivo SX6 grades there are upgraded de luxe display audio systems which include Bluetooth hands-free and audio streaming capabilities, as well as USB and auxiliary input jacks.
In the Sportivo ZR6 the 10-speaker AVN touchscreen audio system includes satellite navigation. Leather trim remains the exclusive preserve of the Sportivo ZR6, while every Aurion in the range now features voice recognition software, plus a standard reversing camera with a backing guide monitor for added safety and convenience.
There’s also a JBL premium AVN touchscreen audio system with single CD, Bluetooth capability, USB and audio jack input, 10 speakers, DAB satellite radio, and SUNA traffic information.
The Aurion range is powered by Toyota’s proven 3.5-litre six cylinder, dual VVT-i petrol engine, featuring maximum power of 200kW and 336Nm of torque. A six-speed automatic gearbox with sequential shift for greater flexibility is augmented in Sportivo SX6 and ZR6 grades by paddle shifters for an even more involving on-road experience.
Every Aurion features a high level of standard safety equipment, beginning with seven airbags, including driver and front passenger, driver’s knee, front seat side and curtain airbags.
All grades have a comprehensive array of technologically advanced driver aids designed to help keep the vehicle out of harm’s way. In addition to ABS and TRC (Traction Control), active safety elements also include VSC (Vehicle Stability Control, with VSC Off Switch), EBD (Electronic Brake-force Distribution) and BA (Brake Assist).
All Aurion grades now feature rear parking sensors, while the model’s windscreen is manufactured utilising an acoustic green shade laminate to help mitigate sun strike and minimise noise.
Every seating position features three-point Emergency Locking Retractor (ELR) seatbelts and the rear seat has three integrated tether anchors for child car seats.
The changes
Changes from the previous Aurion line-up see the Touring model discontinued. The AT-X sedan now gets 17 inch 10-spoke alloy wheels with a full size spare, and also has an “off” switch for the vehicle stability control to help in low-traction conditions. In addition the reversing camera now gets a backing guide monitor, and there is proximity (‘smart”) key access, with pushbutton starting.
The advanced audio system now gets voice recognition, there is an instrument panel accessory box with a lid, door armrests are in synthetic leather, with a painted platinum-effect switch panel, and there are twin dial Optitron gauges, as well as a new seat fabric.
The Sportivo SX6 now gets sports suspension with 18 inch black alloy wheels (with a space saver spare), an integrated front spoiler, and an integrated rear spoiler and lower bumper.
There are front fog lights with a black bezel, and rear clearance sensors, while inside the car benefits from a powered rear window shade and, as with the AT-X, the reversing camera now gets a backing guide monitor.
Together the Aurion’s standard safety equipment adds up to a 5-star ANCAP safety rated package.
The restyled and upgraded 2015 Aurion range is available now at Toyota dealers nationwide. The bonnet moulding and lower boot garnish are now painted (previously they were plated), and there are rear clearance sensors.
Prices
AT-X sedan $50,990
Sportivo SX6 sedan $52,490
Sportivo ZR6 Sedan $54,990
