2012 Toyota Aurion: first look from New Zealand

Toyota New Zealand’s website features front three-quarter images of three new Aurion models: the entry-level AT-X, the mid-range Touring and the performance-themed Sportivo SX6. The range-topping Sportivo ZR6 is also available, but is not pictured.

Toyota Australia’s Mike Breen confirmed local production of the new Aurion for our market has already commenced, and said the models sold here would look “pretty much” identical to those available in New Zealand.

While there will be some subtle specification differences between our Aurions and the ones sold across the ditch, Breen admits the NZ cars give a good indication of what to expect from the new model when it launches here in about six weeks’ time.

The Aurion AT-X (above) features a classy five-slat chrome grille, a clean front bumper and a wide lower air intake. The NZ-spec car comes with 16-inch alloy wheels, and a touchscreen display with AUX and USB ports and Bluetooth phone connectivity with audio streaming.

The Touring (below) gets a sportier black mesh grille, fog lights, 17-inch alloys and leather upholstery.

The Sportivo SX6 (top) inherits the Touring’s mesh grille and adds an aggressive lower front bumper with gaping black side intakes containing fog lights, rear diffuser with dual exhaust system, sports suspension, and sports seats and pedals. A blind-spot monitoring system is available on the top-spec Sportivo ZR6 in New Zealand.

The Aurion carries over the outgoing model’s 3.5-litre V6 engine, and continues to produce 200kW of power. Its combined cycle fuel consumption in New Zealand is officially rated at 9.3 litres per 100km, down from the outgoing model’s 9.9L/100km rating in Australia.

Full Australian specifications will be revealed closer to the launch of the updated Aurion in mid April.

Toyota sold 8916 Aurions in Australia last year, down 24 per cent from the previous year. Sales are again down 6.3 per cent so far in 2012 as customers hold off for the new model.

Follow this link for more images – including interior shots – of the new Toyota Aurion in left-hand-drive specification.