Aurion: The models

THE entry-level AT-X and other auto-only Aurion variants have some stand-out features, but when considered as a complete list, the value inherent in the vehicle is unmistakable.

Aurion AT-X
On the outside, the AT-X has 16-inch steel wheels, dual exhaust outlets, auto-on headlights and rear LED combination lamps. On the mechanical side, there is the 200kW 3.5-litre V6, linked with a six-speed automatic transmission with sequential-manual shift control.

Consider also the inclusion of ABS brakes (with BA and EBD), traction and stability control, (two-stage inflation) dual front airbags, front side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags.

Cabin amenities include air-conditioning (with pollen filter), an eight-way power driver’s seat (including lumbar), steering-mounted audio controls and a reach/height-adjustable steering column, Optitron backlit instruments, a transmission indicator, front maplights, cruise control, electric windows/wing mirrors, remote central locking, a security alarm, a dual centre console storage panel, six-speaker AM/FM single-CD sound system and, in the rear compartment, a skiport, air-vents, seatback pockets and a folding centre armrest with two cup-holders.

The AT-X is priced from $34,990 – $1500 less than its most direct rival in Holden’s VE Commodore Omega (with auto and air). A full-size spare wheel is standard.

Aurion Prodigy
OVER the AT-X the mid-series Prodigy gets 16-inch alloy wheels, front and rear parking sensors, front foglights, body-coloured mudflaps, chrome on the grille and interior doorhandles, leather seat and door trim, wood-effect inserts across the dashboard panel and centre console, dual-zone automatic climate-control air-conditioning (with push-button controls and an LCD display), external temperature read-out, a six-CD in-dash stacker, multi-function trip computer, “premium” Optitron instruments, a six-way power-adjustable front passenger seat (including lumbar), four-spoke leather-clad steering wheel (with multi-info controls), leather-clad transmission shift lever, tilt-adjustable front headrests and flocked pillar garnishes.

Aimed directly at Holden’s Berlina and Ford’s Fairmont, the Prodigy is priced from $39,500 – $500 less than it nearest rival, over which Toyota claims it offers a $2800 specifications advantage.

Aurion Sportivo SX6
OVER the AT-X, the Sportivo SX6 offers sports suspension, additional rear bracing, an aero kit (comprising front bumper/spoiler, side skirts and a rear skirt), undercarriage aero enhancements, 17-inch alloy wheels (with alloy spare), sports headlights and rear combination lamps, a sports grille, front foglights, a rear wing spoiler, alloy-look sports pedals, sports front seats with "Atomic" fabric, black interior trim, a multi-function trip computer, three-spoke leather-clad steering wheel (with multi-info controls), leather-clad gear lever, a six-CD in-dash multi-changer, external temperature read-out, Sportivo-branded front and rear door scuff plates, “premium” Optitron instruments, net-type front seatback pockets and a metallic-look finish across the dashboard and doors.

Priced from $38,500, the Sportivo SX6 is targeted at buyers of Commodore SV6 and Falcon XR6, which are priced at least $1500 higher. As is the case with Prodigy and AT-X, options for SX6 include metallic paint and a pack containing a "moonroof", rear maplights and sunvisors with illuminated vanity mirrors.

Aurion Sportivo ZR6
OVER the SX6, the premium Sportivo ZR6 is fitted with metallic/mica paint, front and rear parking sensors, dual-zone climate-control air-conditioning (as per Prodigy), black leather “Crossbar” seat trim, leather door trim with metallic-look highlights, six-way adjustable front passenger’s seat, keyless entry and keyless go (as per Presara) and chrome interior doorhandles.

According to Toyota, at $42,500, Sportivo ZR6 is almost $3000 cheaper than its nearest rivals in Commodore SS and Falcon XR8, and offers $2200 worth of extra equipment. ZR6 options include the “moonroof” pack as per SX6 and Prodigy with or without satellite navigation.

Aurion Presara
OVER the Prodigy, the Presara has 17-inch alloy wheels (including alloy spare), adaptive front lighting, auto-levelling high-intensity discharge headlights (with washers), exterior chrome doorhandles, chrome garnish at the rear end, a "moonroof", metallic/mica paint, the Toyota Link telematics service, satellite navigation, a four-spoke leather/woodgrain steering wheel, steering-mounted climate and Bluetooth telephone controls, an auto-dipping rear-view mirror, illuminated vanity mirrors, rain-sensing windscreen wipers, a reversing camera, driver’s seat and wing mirror position memory (two settings), auto-tilt wing mirrors on reverse, keyless entry (including boot release) and keyless start, an electric rear sunblind, and front and rear Aurion-branded scuff plates.

Positioned lineball with the likes of Holden’s Calais and Ford’s Fairmont Ghia, the Presara is claimed to offer $6000 worth of extra features. No options are available.

The options:
Metallic paint (AT-X, Prodigy, SX6)	$300
Moonroof (Prodigy, SX6, ZR6)	$1650
16-inch alloy wheels (AT-X)	$650
16-inch alloys/rear spoiler (AT-X)	$1150
Moonroof/sat-nav (ZR6)	$4850