The refreshed 2015 Toyota Aurion range has seen prices remain static, and been bolstered by the addition of a 200kW Aurion Sportive model.

THE REFRESHED 2015 TOYOTA Aurion range has seen Toyota keep prices on-hold while “increasing safety, sophistication, style and driver involvement”. A 200kW Aurion Sportivo model (pictured) has also been added to the line-up which gets, among other things includes 18-inch alloys on an Aurion for the first time ever.

Toyota says, “distinctive styling updates and new features provide clear differentiation between the award-winning Aurion AT-X, dynamic Sportivo and top-of-the-line Presara”.

New standard features across the range include keyless entry and ignition, Optitron dials, a 4.2-inch full-colour multi-information display, Toyota Link connected mobility and front and rear sensors. The top-spec Presara gets lane departure alert and rear cross-traffic alert, as well as LED headlamps and fog lamps as standard.

But it’s the Aurion Sportivo that’s most likely to get pulses racing. It gets gloss-black five-spoke rims, low-profile tyres, firmer suspension that’s been tuned for Australian roads, a “more involving steering” set-up and a redesigned body kit that is stylish yet understated. Local tuning involved tuning of the quad-cam V6 engine and the both the Aurion’s front shock absorbers and electric power-steering map.

Prices are unchanged for the AT-X ($36,490+ORC) and Sportivo ($40,990+ORC) while Presara ($50,440+ORC) now reflects the standard inclusion of metallic or pearlescent paint which is a $450 option on the other grades.

The Sportivo can be equipped at extra cost with an optional paint colour ($450), a moonroof ($1950) and a premium package ($2500) with 10-speaker JBL audio system, satellite navigation+ and leather-accented seat trim. Every Aurion is fitted with seven airbags, reversing camera, stability and traction control, anti-skid brakes and dual-zone auto air-conditioning. Presara buyers can also opt for18-inch wheels, which includes the locally tweaked suspension and steering, for $1000. The five-spoke rims are painted silver on Presara.

The refreshed Aurion range incorporates a few key styling changes to help differentiate key models. The AT-X now has a black, mesh-type grille and a body-coloured head board. The Presara gains a new grille too and dual-pocket LED headlamps to refresh its appearance. It also has LED fog lamps. Sportivo’s new aero kit has a lower chin spoiler and blacked-out fog lamp bezels.

Inside, Aurion has a new instrument cluster and audio systems.  The “dual-dial Optitron cluster has been upgraded with a 4.2-inch full-colour thin-film transistor multi-information display (MID) between the dials. The meter face has an embossed effect, expressing a three-dimensional design”. 

All three Aurion audio head units have CD, Bluetooth and Aux/USB port.  AT-X has a six-speaker audio with 6.1-inch screen, upgraded with voice recognition in Sportivo. Flagship Presara has a 7-inch screen, Matrix 5.1 channel surround system and satellite navigation^{^} with real-time traffic updates.

Beyond styling, suspension and steering, Toyota has fitted a new pre-load differential to improve straight-line stability on dirt and at highway speeds.

The top-spec Aurion Presara features an improved safety pack that includes rear cross-traffic alert (RCTA) and lane departure alert (LDA) employ sensors that are already part of the high-grade Aurion package.  RCTA uses the same radar sensors as the blind-spot monitor (BSM). LDA shares a windscreen-mounted camera with Presara’s automatic high beam.

All new Aurion models adopt front clearance-guide sonar for the first time, with sensors now mounted on all four corners of the vehicle.

According to Toyota, the Lane Departure Alert has been tested and refined in Australia to suit local road markings and can operate on roads with lane markings on one side of the lane only. 

Toyota’s executive director sales and marketing Tony Cramb said the Aurion updates will be welcomed by family-car buyers wanting a little more style, comfort and fun.

“Aurion Sportivo will attract buyers looking for a family sedan that dials up the fun-to-drive factor with a more engaging drive experience,” Mr Cramb said.

“The latest Sportivo along with enhanced features and steady prices across the range will appeal to value-conscious buyers in this segment of the market.”