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Persistence paid off for Toyota last year with the launch of the acclaimed Aurion, and it continues to lead the large car class with gusto.

Winning consecutive awards isn't an easy task for any manufacturer, even the likes of Toyota. But for 2007 Toyota's Aurion AT-X reigns supreme. Launched in 2006 to critical acclaim, and triumphing in the large car class at its first attempt, the Aurion showcases the strength of Toyota's resolve to produce world-class vehicles. Previous attempts to field a competitive large car alternative to Ford, Holden and Mitsubishi were a bit hit and miss, and the Toyota Avalon, while mechanically competent, failed to find any momentum with buyers.

Enter the Aurion: Toyota's large car that shares much in common with the four-cylinder Toyota Camry, but is powered by one of the most sophisticated drive-train packages in the business, pulled from Toyota's luxury division, Lexus.

It's a standout with 200kW of power - comfortably more than its rivals, but it's not to the detriment of fuel economy. The Aurion also has class-leading fuel consumption figures. Power is delivered through the front wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission that combines crisp, precise shifting with seamlessness to which luxury vehicles twice the price aspire.

It's not just the engine that makes the Aurion such an enviable choice; the car also boasts a healthy armoury of safety features that are standard across the range and very comprehensive in this class.

Standard electronic stability control (ESC), six airbags (front, side and side curtain), plus anti-lock brakes with brake assist and electronic brakeforce distribution provide the highest levels of active and passive safety for buyers looking at a large car.

There has been a school of thought that a large car had to be rear-wheel-drive to suit 'Aussie driving conditions'. While the Aurion may not have the towing capacity of a Holden Commodore or Ford Falcon, for a front-wheel drive it gives little away to its competition in terms of chassis dynamics.

The Aurion chassis is underpinned by Toyota's latest thinking in suspension design. It's a vast improvement over the old Avalon and more than an equal to the rest in the class. Aurion is a capable handler in all driving situations, with nicely weighted steering, although not as razor sharp as the Holden Omega. There's minimal body roll, which helps deliver a ride quality that puts it at the top of the class for occupant comfort.

Inside, Toyota's simple yet effective design takes the guesswork out of the operation of major controls.

Everything is clear and precise, and Toyota's much vaunted high standards of build quality show even in the base AT-X, with the interior having a classy look and feel. Some may find the foot-operated park brake a step backwards ergonomically, but it's a minor criticism when looking at the whole package.

Looking at the Aurion, it's easy to be dazzled by the numbers: 200kW of power, a six-speed automatic transmission, six airbags, impressive fuel consumption plus electronic stability. Priced competitively and backed by Toyota's strong reputation, it's a worthy second-time winner.

Finalists
Mitsubishi 380 ES
Holden Commodore Omega

Previous Results
2007 - Toyota Aurion AT-X
2006 - Toyota Aurion AT-X
2005 - Mitsubishi 380