The beacon from Toyota

Toyota’s newest thoroughbred Aurion packs in class, performance and stability. Anne Kurian test-drives the Aurion at the Dubai Autodrome

The event seemed just like out of the pages of a world auto rally event. Right from the roaring engines to the speeding steel and the screeching tyres. The Raikonnens, Schumachers and Alonsos were out to set a record of their own. Or rather, the wannabe Raikonnens, Schumachers and Alonsos. Now, this was not an international rally, as much as we would have it liked it to be. But nevertheless it was an event that had its share of adrenaline pumping and excitement. It was the launch of the latest automobile from the House of Toyota – the Aurion. Organised at the Dubai Autodrome the daylong event had journalists from the GCC testing the car as well as their driving skills. The event kicked off with a press conference where the journalists were given all the info they needed about the newest addition to the Toyota family. Targeted at young urban professionals, the Aurion is strategically positioned between the Avalon and the Camry.

Right after the unveiling of the Aurion, we were taken to the tracks to test-drive the spanking new sedan in true rally mode. Three journalists each were taken at a time to the track to test out the Aurion. Our directions were clear: stay within appropriate speed levels (unless allowed by the instructor in the car), stay in the lane and do not try daredevil tactics.

Smart Looks
Smart, clean and contemporary. These were the adjectives that came to mind when the Aurion was unveiled at the press conference. The sedan definitely had the markings of a car that youngsters and urban professionals would like. Right from the sharp, sporty nose design to the distinctly positioned halogen headlamps (HID headlamps in the Grande) or the slightly pushed out tires, the Aurion sure did make an impression at first sight. Toyota has maintained a clean body styling for the Aurion, a feature that is maintained with most of their vehicles.

The no-fuss, clean exterior characteristic has been taken to the interiors of the Aurion too, though it’s as stylish as sedans in that category come. Simplicity is the keyword of Toyota’s interior design with aesthetically placed control knobs and panel. But it’s tough not to notice the plush feel the Aurion exudes with the one-touch storage hoods, wood panelling and leather trims. The instrument panel features Optitron metres adding to the classy ambience inside the sedan. The Aurion also has a multi-display screen on the centre console, which definitely is a neat bonus.

Toyota seems to understand passengers’ need for space. They demonstrated it in the new Camry by lowering the floor tunnel considerably at the back and now again in the Aurion they have incorporated the same design tactics. A feature that surely is not going to go unnoticed!
Driving Impressions Each of us at the launch was allowed three laps on the course to test the Aurion’s motoring capabilities. Fitted in with a V6 3.5 litre engine the Aurion definitely wouldn’t disappoint. And it didn’t. The Aurion impressed with its excellent pick up on the track and effortless acceleration. The reason behind the Aurion’s impressive performance is its new V6 3.5 litre engine and a lightweight 6-speed sequential automatic transaxle (which incidentally is a first for Toyota vehicles with front engine, front drive capability).

Since there were only three cars at a time on the track and considerable time gap between each car’s take-off, we were allowed the liberty of going over 120 kmph (provided we didn’t get too excited and try to pull some feat).

The Aurion’s road handling capabilities were remarkable with the sedan rarely skidding or going out of control even at the sharpest turns on the course. A MacPherson strut has been used for the front suspernsion and a dual-link strut for the rear. Steering the car was almost effortless (the officials were right when they talked about the effortless steering abilities of the Aurion) and instilled a strong sense of confidence within moments of getting behind the wheel. The Aurion was undoubtedly among those sedans that make you feel in control even at high speeds and in terrible traffic.

You must be wondering how well the brake system performed at the speeds we were driving at and the curves we had to take. Remarkably well, indeed! Jamming the brakes at 100 kmph brought the car to a standstill and that too with hardly any veering off the track. Now that’s how a good brake system should be. Toyota vehicles are known for their high level safety systems and this was a classic example for us.

The Aurion proved to be a good performer even at the second racetrack that was strewn with obstacles through which we had to drive and make it to the starting point in the shortest possible time. Leaving aside the fact that the journalists had a great time trying to outdo each other’s record, the Aurion demonstrated once again its impressive performance on the track at different speeds, manoeuvrability and stability. The 17-inch low-profile tires ensured that the driver got maximum driving comfort and good road surface adherence.

We left the Autodrome with a sense of elation at having done well on the track (so what if we
didn’t win any of the three trophies up for grabs) and having a go at the rally circuit, albeit a minor one. But in the end it was Toyota that emerged as the winner with the auto giant scoring yet another milestone with the Aurion.


Specifications of Toyota Aurion
Length: 4825 (mm)
Height: 1470 (mm)
Width: 1820 (mm)
Weight: 2495kg (mm)
Wheel base: 2775(mm)
Seating Capacity: 2+3 persons
Transmission: 6-speed Automatic Transaxle
Brake Front: Ventilated disc; Rear: Solid disc
Engine type: 2GR-FE
Max output: 268 hp/ 6200 rpm
Max torque: 34.3 kg-m / 4700 rpm
Fuel tank capacity: 70L

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