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2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000
 
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Toyota Aurion ATX |
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The family-sized Aurion sedan, like many of the passenger cars and commercial vehicles produced by Toyota, is a sound value-for-money package. Named Australia’s Best Large Car in 2006 and 2007, it led the pack by offering high levels of safety equipment and standard features in an entry-level car, along with class-leading fuel economy. By 2008 the competition had matched its safety credentials, while this year the 3.0-litre Holden Commodore surpassed its fuel economy, and yet the Aurion has reclaimed the Best Large Car crown from Ford Falcon by recording higher scores in more critical aspects of the 19 areas of assessment. Most notable, though, is Aurion’s remarkable value for money. Starting with a list price well below its major rivals and with sound resale values, it beats all comers on pricing and depreciation values. Backed by Toyota’s fixed-price servicing, it is also ahead of the competition for ownership and operating cost, and despite its size Aurion continues to deliver impressive fuel economy. Perhaps less obvious are its environmental credentials, which match the best in class. Aurion has a sophisticated V6 engine pulled from Toyota’s luxury division Lexus which remains a standout for silky power and performance, which is delivered via an equally slick six-speed automatic transmission. While Aurion may not have the towing capacity of a Falcon or Commodore, it gives little away in terms of handling and chassis dynamics. By avoiding the steeply angled front and rear windscreen pillars of some of its competitors, Aurion’s cabin is easy to access and is spacious and airy. The front-wheel-drive configuration enhances rear seat space, particularly when three are seated in the back, and an unencumbered boot ensures easy storage of large amounts of luggage. A full-size spare wheel also enhances the Aurion’s practicality score. Safety remains a strong suit with standard electronic stability control, six airbags plus ABS braking with brake assist and electronic brakeforce distribution. Like Commodore and Falcon, the Aurion gets a top five-star ANCAP safety score. Inside, Toyota’s simple yet effective design takes the guesswork out of operating any of the controls. Everything is clear and precise, and Toyota’s much-vaunted high standard of build quality shows even in this base model AT-X. It could be easy for some to dismiss Aurion for simply being the older design among the locally built large cars, which would fail to acknowledge Toyota’s sustained efforts to keep it. Inherent space and practicality are complemented by a healthy swag of standard features, good driving dynamics, safety, fuel efficiency and low emissions, all at the lowest ownership and operating costs in the class.
Finalists
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