Ford Falcon vs. Holden Commodore vs. Nissan Maxima vs. Honda Accord vs. Toyota Aurion vs. Skoda Superb

Models Tested:

• 2009 Ford Falcon G6E Turbo; 4.0-litre, six-cylinder, petrol; six-speed automatic; sedan - $57,490
• 2009 Holden Commodore Calais V-Series; 3.6-litre, six-cylinder, petrol; six-speed automatic; sedan – $56,790
• 2009 Nissan Maxima Ti; 3.5-litre, six-cylinder, petrol; CVT gearbox; sedan – $46,990
• 2009 Honda Accord Luxury V6; 3.5-litre, six-cylinder, petrol; five-speed automatic; sedan – $49,990
• 2009 Toyota Aurion Presara; 3.5-litre, six-cylinder, petrol; six-cylinder; six-speed automatic; sedan – $49,990
• 2009 Skoda Superb Elegance V6; 3.6-litre, six-cylinder, petrol; six-cylinder automatic; sedan – $56,990

Words Paul Maric Pics Pavle.com.au

Our Mums told us that if we didn’t have anything good to say, then we shouldn’t say anything at all. Unfortunately, we’ve gone against their advice and stuck two Aussies, three Japanese and one European car into a room and interrogated them until we found one worthy of your money.

We’ve spent the best part of this week shuffling through six vehicles from the top selling manufacturers in the sub-$60,000 large car segment. The segment is loaded with in excess of 100 models from eight manufacturers – it’s any wonder people get confused when it comes to purchasing a large car.

With a maximum price tag of $60,000 (plus on-road costs), we selected the top model from each of the top six manufacturers, ending up with an even spread of the large car market.

From the Aussie camp, we have the new Holden Commodore Calais V-Series V6 (SIDI) and the Ford Falcon G6E Turbo. The Japanese aim to retaliate with the Nissan Maxima Ti, Honda Accord Luxury V6 and the Toyota Aurion Presara. Our lone European contender is the all-paw Skoda Superb V6.

Ranging in price from $46,990, through to $57,490, the battle is on and there can only be one victor – let the war begin.

Sixth Place – Holden Commodore Calais V-Series V6 (SIDI)

Released in 2006 as Holden’s answer to the Australian car market, the VE Commodore fired off the blocks with the greatest intent in mind. While it had a phenomenal start, things began to stammer when Ford released their FG Falcon.

While the dated styling still leaves a lot to be desired, Holden’s new SIDI range of engines promise to offer Commodore drivers a brand new driving experience. The Calais V-Series now receives a 210kW 3.6-litre direct injection engine. In addition to the engine upgrade, the Calais is also fitted with a six-speed automatic gearbox.

After opening the driver’s door and jumping inside, the commanding driving position, in addition to the masses of leg and head room allow the driver to feel right at home.

Rear seat passengers are also graced with a generous amount of leg room, catering for both adults and children. Our passenger test indicated that even with a load of five adults, there was ample room to feel comfortable.

Road noise has also been dramatically improved with beefed up door seals. They helped bring the interior noise levels at 100km/h down to 68dB on test, bettering the line-up of competitors. The interior noise on gravel jumped to 85dB, suggesting the underbody buffering remains unchanged as it’s still relatively high in comparison to its competitors.

The only downside to the beefed up door seals was that the doors have become harder to close. Instead of a regular shove, the doors now require a sure-footed jolt to shut correctly.

At $56,790, the Commodore is the third most expensive vehicle on test. Unfortunately, the feature list doesn’t match the Commodore’s rather hefty price tag. The Commodore misses out on a reversing camera (instead featuring front and rear parking sensors), seat heaters, satellite navigation, sunroof and auto-dimming rear vision mirror.

A desirable trait – especially for Australian sold vehicles is decent high-beam headlights. Second only to the Falcon’s headlights, the Commodore packed a decent throw when the high beams were engaged. This helps with country driving and spotting rogue animals.

Holden’s new SIDI engine is far punchier than the outgoing offering, but is totally let down by the confused six-speed automatic gearbox. Whenever the driver demands power the gearbox always needs a moment to think the process through before handing over the correct cog. The end result is driving filled with jolts and shoves as the gearbox attempts to predict your next move.

Once it’s in gear and is holding a gear, the engine provides ample torque for tasks like overtaking. It no longer feels like it’s being held by the throat.

Brake pedal feel was the worst of the bunch. The driver needs to push the pedal three-quarters of the way to the floor before the brakes are engaged. From there on the pedal remains firm and requires plenty of boot to stop the vehicle.

The initial highway stretch to our test ground had the Commodore using 9.9L/100km – placing it fifth overall. Including performance testing on the day and the final city and highway loops, the Commodore returned to the office consuming 11.9L/100km – placing it fifth again.

Unfortunately while Holden’s Commodore is still great in isolation, the dated interior, exterior, transmission and unrealistic price have landed it with the wooden spoon, placing it last. When placed against its natural rival, the Ford Falcon G6E, the Commodore is $7300 more expensive and doesn’t offer any extra features that yield such a large price difference.

Fifth Place – Toyota Aurion Presara

If this comparison didn’t take into account a car’s soul, handling, practicality, drive or style, the Aurion would win hands down. Unfortunately, with the way people buy cars, each and every one of those factors is taken into consideration, putting the Aurion at a disadvantage.

Although the Aurion doesn’t fail in any particular field, it manages to fly under the radar most of the time.

From a driver’s perspective the interior looks nice, until you start poking around. Each of our test passengers agreed that the materials used throughout the cabin felt cheap. The faux wood was hollow and the half-wood steering wheel looked far too tacky even to consider as a style statement.

While the cabin feels low class, passengers are graced with more than ample leg room. The seats are also very comfortable (both front and rear), but don’t offer much side and bottom bolster, sending the driver and passengers travelling around the cabin on several occasions during the five-passenger portion of the test.

An advantage to the cheap looking audio and navigation controls is that they’re incredibly easy to use. There’s no confusion when a driver sets out to increase cabin temperature or adjust the volume, it’s almost an instinctive process and goes to show how much Toyota spends on ergonomics.

Visibility from the driver’s seat is great in all directions. The vehicle comes standard with front and rear parking sensors, along with a reversing camera.

An array of standard features has the Aurion missing out only on heated seats, auxiliary input and DVD player. Satellite navigation, auto-dimming rear-vision mirror, sunroof and Xenon headlights are standard features.

The Aurion’s Xenon low beam doesn’t include a Xenon high beam, making the high beam on the Aurion appalling for country driving and made it difficult to see far ahead due to the narrow high beam.

Priced at $49,990 (plus on-road costs), the Aurion was equal second with the Honda Accord Luxury V6 on price.

Driving the Aurion is pleasing until you deviate from the norm and attempt to overtake or drive on unsealed roads. The front-wheel-drive Toyota torque steers frantically under full throttle (say during an overtake manoeuvre) and doesn’t give the driver any confidence while driving on unsealed dirt roads due to the narrow tyres and comfort-oriented suspension.

The stability control removes nearly all throttle response when provoked and doesn’t release the reigns for several seconds afterward. This type of intervention removes the perception of control and can be disorienting.

The slightly jarring ride over bumpy roads becomes frustrating after a little while, but in general the ride is very compliant and responds well to a full complement of passengers.

Cabin noise at 100km/h on sealed roads sits at 73dB, placing it equal second with the Ford Falcon G6E Turbo. On gravel the value jumps to an audibly noticeable 89dB, 4dB better than the nearest rival.

Its 3.5-litre, 200kW V6 is mated to a six-speed automatic gearbox. Where the six-speed automatic in the Holden was its major downfall, the Toyota gearbox is very responsive and always manages to select the correct gear chosen for the prevailing conditions.

If you take a look at the performance figures, the Aurion’s comparatively light 1625kg mass and rev-happy 3.5-litre engine makes it fast in the 0-100km/h dash, completing the sprint in just 6.77-seconds. 100-0km/h on the other hand was the Aurion’s main downfall, pulling up in the longest distance of 40.39m.

The initial highway stretch had the Aurion averaging an equal best 8.9L/100km. By the time we’d finished performance testing and the final highway and city segment, the Aurion consumed 10.9L/100km on average.

While the Toyota Aurion performs okay when limited to city driving and open highways, it begins showing its flaws upon closer inspection. Sub-par perceived quality, under-the-pump performance, dynamics and head room see it take a lowly fifth place.

Fourth Place – Honda Accord Luxury V6

The other two Japanese contenders in this comparison – the Honda Accord Luxury V6 and Nissan Maxima Ti –are more than often overlooked when Joe Bloggs wanders out to buy a new car.

Honda’s Accord is available in both four-cylinder and six-cylinder form. While I don’t really rate the power lacking four-cylinder variant, the V6 brings the Accord back into contention with great pricing and a great drive.

Released in early 2008, the Accord features love it or hate it styling. The exterior’s multitude of angles are a total contrast to its Accord Euro sibling, but still see Honda move around 360 units per month.

I’m not sure what it is about the Accord V6, but everything feels solid and very well built. When you open and close the doors, they open and close like the doors of a BMW 7 Series, while the cabin plastics feel soft to the touch but firm to the blow.

Large wing mirrors and small A-pillars make forward visibility brilliant, while rear visibility is somewhat hampered by a rising boot line.

The leather-clad interior adds an element of luxury to both front and rear seat passengers. Leg room is impressive throughout the cabin, but shoulder room is limited due to the narrow width of the vehicle.

Brace yourself if you need to adjust any temperature or audio settings and heaven forbid having to use the satellite navigation. There are no less than 45 buttons scattered over the centre portion of the dashboard. They become confusing and frustrating if you need something in a hurry and are better mastered before setting out on travels.

An impressive list of standard features makes the Accord a value proposition, missing out on front and rear parking sensors (using a reversing camera instead), auto dimming rear vision mirror, DVD player and Bluetooth compatibility.

The sporty ride is a little firm but helps the Accord feel in-check during tight corners and twisty sections of road. Our five passenger test left all passengers happy and comfortable, although a little bit cramped.

Road noise at 100km/h on sealed roads was 79dB; placing it fourth, while noise on gravel roads increased to a third place getting 84dB.

Under the bonnet, Honda’s renowned 3.5-litre V6 produces 202kW and sends torque to the front wheels courtesy of a five-speed automatic gearbox.

Steering the Honda is a truly pleasant task. The relatively light steering is accurate and provides great response, while the brake pedal feels on task to pull the car up when required.

Due to the nature of the i-VTEC engine the torque doesn’t show its head until around 3500rpm and reaches its peak at 5000rpm. As such, it’s relatively gutless below that magic figure. From there on, it just seems to keep pulling until the next gear is called to continue acceleration.

Overtaking is handled with ease. Unlike the Aurion, there is little torque steer to contend with and the Accord pulls in a straight line during overtaking.

Honda uses Variable Cylinder Management (VCM) which allows the engine to shut down up to three cylinders in a bid to reduce fuel consumption. You can feel the system kick in when lifting off the throttle and although it doesn’t work wonders for fuel consumption, every little bit helps.

Fuel consumption during the first highway stretch saw 9.3L/100km on the dial, while the final reading after performance testing and the final city and highway stretch read 11.0L/100km.

It’s hard to fault the Honda Accord. Unfortunately its competitors simply offer better value for money, more features and better gearboxes. It only just lost out to its nearest competitor and in isolation is far from a bad purchase choice.

Third Place – Skoda Superb Elegance V6

A limousine sized European car with a V6 motor for under $60,000…you’re kidding right?

Wrong.

Skoda has managed to offer their flagship Superb to the Australian public for a couple of thousand dollars short of the $60,000 cut-off.

Skoda’s reliability and customer satisfaction is amongst the best in JD Power surveys, continuously placing in the top five.

Jump inside and you’ll see what all the fuss is about. Every component of the interior feels well built and extremely solid. The driving position is superb (pardon the pun), while the position of controls and ease of use is second to none.

Visibility from the driving perch looking forward is great. Looking back on the other hand yields a large blind spot about the C-pillar, while the lack of reversing camera makes parking a bit tricky in tight spaces (although rear parking sensors are standard fitment).

Possibly the most surprising part about the Superb is the front and rear leg room. Leg room easily exceeds all competitors in this class and even challenges the likes of the BMW 7 Series and Mercedes Benz S-Class.

The easy to use touch-screen multimedia system controls audio, climate and the optional satellite navigation.

Leather clad seats provide great side and bottom bolster for passengers and are very comfortable and supportive. During the five passenger portion of the test, the middle seat passenger experienced a very firm seat and lack of head room, hinting that the Superb is built mainly for four passengers. Front passengers and the two outer rear seat passengers get heated seats to help with frosty mornings.

The somewhat firm suspension was surprisingly compliant over sealed and unsealed roads, offering the perfect compromise between handling and comfort.

The intuitive boot opens as either a hatch or sedan style boot by virtue of twin servo motors that alternate boot hinges.

At $56,990, the Superb is the second dearest car in this comparison and contains the least number of standard features. Satellite navigation, electric seats, front parking sensors, sun roof, reversing camera, Bluetooth and metallic paint are optional.

Cabin noise at 100km/h on sealed roads is 74dB, placing it fourth overall. Noise on gravel increases to a comparison leading 82dB.

While the Superb lacks standard features, it most certainly doesn’t lack grunt or handling prowess.

Powered by a 3.6-litre V6 producing 191kW, torque is directed through an all-wheel-drive system. Mated to a six-speed Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG), the Superb is capable of shifting up gears in a mind numbing 8ms.

The punchy and sonorous V6 engine is very capable and pleasing during normal driving and during cornering.

The all-wheel-drive system which uses a Haldex coupling offers precise torque distribution and brilliant surge from a standing start. The steering and brakes are also standout, offering superb (there it is again) response and pedal feel.

Our brake test indicated that the Skoda’s 100-0km/h brake distance of 36.34m was over 2m better than its nearest competitor, the Ford Falcon G6E Turbo.

During the initial highway stretch, the Skoda returned an equal best fuel economy of 8.9L/100km. At the end of the day after performance testing and the final city and highway stint, the Skoda consumed 11.2L/100km on average, placing it fourth.

The Skoda Superb was a massive standout during the comparison. The space on offer, along with the superb (okay, I’ll stop now) drivetrain were undoubtedly one of the best. Unfortunately, the pricing and lack of standard features dragged it down, placing it within a bee’s wing of the Nissan Maxima, which bet it by the closest of margins.

Second Place – Nissan Maxima Ti

Snatching second place from its European competitor, the Nissan Maxima Ti was able to do no wrong.

Nissan has attempted to revive the Maxima with fresh styling and a perky engine straight out of the outgoing 350Z.

The styling may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but the pricing and jam-packed level of features certainly will be.

Extremely comfortable seats offer masses of leg and head room, in addition to adequate side and bottom bolster. Heated front seats also warm bums on cold mornings.

Visibility from the driver’s seat is fantastic in all directions. Rear visibility is helped during parking with a reversing camera and rear parking sensors.

An easy to use multimedia interface and intuitive satellite navigation can be controlled by both driver and passenger and are easy to figure out once used a few times. The sound system, which includes Dolby surround sound for DVDs, is phenomenal.

At $46,990, the Maxima Ti is the cheapest vehicle in the comparison. It’s loaded to the hilt with features, including satellite navigation, auxiliary plug, leather, seat heaters, electric seats, sunroof, reversing camera, Bluetooth connectivity, DVD player and rear parking sensors. It only misses out on an auto dimming rear-vision mirror and front parking sensors.

A nuisance attributed to both the Aurion and Maxima is the foot operated park-brake. While it may save room, it’s an absolute pain to deal with each and every time you enter and exit the vehicle.

During the five passenger portion of the test, there were no complaints about comfort. Suspension over country roads is very compliant and reacts well when treated to both gravel and sealed roads.

Cabin noise at 100km/h on sealed roads was 80dB and 83dB on gravel, placing it last and second respectively.

Producing 185kW, the 3.5-litre V6 engine is fitted with a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). The pulley based CVT is capable of infinitely varying ratios, opposed to pre-determined gear divisions in a regular automatic gearbox.

This helps by allowing the gearbox to keep revs within the engine’s peak torque range and negating the need for gear shifts. While it takes a little bit of getting used to, it propels the Maxima in great haste when required.

As one of the best cars to drive in this comparison, the Maxima’s acceleration is very impressive. The engine note is also noticeable and pleasant to listen to.

Steering and brake feel is impressive to say the least, obviously taking inspiration from its sporty 370Z cousin.

Fuel consumption during the first highway stretch was 9.8L/100km, placing it fourth. At the end of the day though after performance testing and the final city and highway loop, the Maxima returned 10.0L/100km, placing it second.

The Nissan Maxima Ti was well and truly surprising when stacked up against its closest rivals. While it couldn’t match the overall winner in terms of performance, it didn’t put a foot wrong throughout the rest of the comparison.

It was a very tight tussle between second and third, with the Maxima eventually clawing its way to the top. We would love to see more of these vehicles on the road as they are outstanding value for money.

First Place – Ford Falcon G6E Turbo

I can just see the complaints flooding in now.

“Where’s your credibility CarAdvice, another biased win for Ford!”

“Get with the times CarAdvice, the taxi shouldn’t be anywhere near this comparison!”

When Ford set out to develop a competitor to the VE Commodore, they didn’t stop at the design or technology front. They went one step further and produced a car which could perform when it needed to and use little fuel the rest of the time.

From the moment you open the door and sit down in the driver’s seat, you are impressed with the layout of all the controls and the marked build quality and trim improvement from the BF Falcon. The Onyx leather interior and charcoal trim surrounding the centre facia give you the impression you’re driving something much more enticing than the humble Falcon.

Extremely comfortable seats both front and rear offer generous side and bottom bolsters and allows the passengers to sink in and become relaxed. Rear seat leg room is the least accommodating of all competitors and could certainly be improved.

The five passenger portion of the test revealed a set of happy passengers. Leg room was a bit tight in the rear due to the protrusion of the driveline down the centre of the cabin. Cabin noise at 100km/h on sealed roads was 73dB, placing it equal second with the Aurion, while on gravel it rose to 85dB, making it equal fourth with the Commodore.

The standard features list is impressive, with the Falcon only missing out on heated seats, satellite navigation, DVD player and front parking sensors.

The commanding driving position has the driver sitting high with an uninterrupted field of view both out the front and rear of the vehicle. The reversing camera is also the best out of this bunch, offering great clarity during day and night.

At $57,490, the Falcon is the most expensive car of the comparison. The G6E on the other hand is priced at $49,490, but doesn’t receive the stellar turbocharged engine.

Producing 270kW of power, the 4.0-litre inline-six-cylinder turbocharged engine is mated with one of the best gearboxes on the market – the six-speed ZF Sachs automatic gearbox.

The intuitive gearbox is constantly in the right gear and when a boot full of throttle is unleashed, the turbocharged six begins moving – seriously fast.

The fighter-jet style induction noise is seriously addictive and is unlike any other car on the market.

Steering is brilliant, with direct feel and responsive feedback. The brakes feel okay, but could do with a bit more pedal feel.

Handling is the Falcon’s downside with a considerable amount of body roll hampering overall performance. The body roll does allow the ride to be more compliant through, soaking up all types of roads thrown at it.

CarAdvice also managed to record a blistering 0-100km/h time during performance testing. The G6E Turbo managed to cover the stint in just 4.97-seconds and went on to finish the quarter mile in 13.25-seconds.

For such a heavy car, it is seriously fast. As you can imagine, overtaking is completed without even a consideration for space.

The Falcon consumed 10.2L/100km on the highway stretch and finished the day at 12.6L/100km after the city and final highway stint.

The world class engine and gearbox combination was absolutely unmatched in this comparison. At $57,490, you will not find anything that matches it in terms of performance, luxury and space.

Performance Tests –

While performance isn’t at the forefront of most purchases, it is a benchmark which allows drivers to compare braking and acceleration.

All tests were performed with two passengers on board (driver and front passenger) using a Racelogic VBOX. Each vehicle had three-quarters of a tank of petrol. Ambient temperature was 17-degrees Celcius.

Equipment supplied by Applied Measurement.

Ford Falcon:

Nissan Maxima Ti:

Skoda Superb Elegance V6:

Honda Accord Luxury V6:

Toyota Aurion Presara:

Holden Commodore Calais V-Series V6:

Scoring Regime and Vehicle Specifications–

Conclusion –

With that, CarAdvice is pleased to award the Ford Falcon G6E Turbo with the award for the 2009 Large Car Comparison. Well done Ford, this is a car which Ford should be sending overseas with great haste, it would be a certain sales success given the opportunity.

While the Falcon took the award for best car, each of the other vehicles is a sensible and good value purchase option. Most have their individual flaws but none of the vehicles featured in the comparison had glaring omissions.

Money talks, so haggling and test driving the lot are the only way to find which vehicle suits your situation the most.

©2010 Car Advice | News | Reviews - http://www.caradvice.com.au - All Rights Reserved.

The styling changes include a new front mask, faster-acting LED stop and tail lamps, and new wheel designs across the range, including ten-spoke alloy wheels on entry-level AT-X.

Aurion’s new front mask includes new grade-specific bumpers, radiator grilles, lower aperture grilles, headlamps and foglamp surrounds (foglamps are fitted as standard on Prodigy, Sportivo and Presara models).

“The original Aurion face was a simple, yet bold, double-concave architecture,” said Toyota Australia senior executive director sales and marketing, Mr David Buttner. “The facelift design uses ‘X-Form’ architecture, bracketed by the chrome-framed fog lamps.

“The lower grille is now a trapezoid shape, enhancing the stance of the car. The design increases the feeling of prestige with more subtle, flowing surfaces between the basic elements, blending rather than intersecting.

“The grille is wider, with freeform lines and secondary elements to each bar, adding more intricacy and precision.

“The functional areas of the headlamps are captured in twin C-shape pockets, with three horizontal ribs running through the indicators – a cue echoed in the rear lamps.

“The rear lamps have evolved from the twin round design and direct LEDs to a parallelogram design and striking diffused LED illumination.”

The side of the car too is now cleaner and more modern with the removal of body-side mouldings, a look complimented by new 17-inch, split five-spoke alloy wheels on Sportivo SX6 and ZR6 models.

New interior colour combinations freshen cabin decor with Prodigy and Presara models gaining a new linear satin woodgrain finish. Remaining inside Toyota has also upgraded Aurion’s instruments, audio systems, lighting and in-cabin storage across the range.

Safety improvements include improved light distribution performance from Aurion’s low-beam headlamps – both halogen and high-intensity discharge (HID) type. In addition, Aurion Prodigy gains an electro-chromatic interior mirror, power rear sunshade and rain-sensing wipers.

Sportivo ZR6 has the added safety and convenience of heated exterior mirrors and auto-tilt exterior mirror on reverse. Driver’s seat and exterior mirror memory has also been adopted on Sportivo ZR6. Interior comfort improvements include adopting dual-zone climate controlled air-conditioning on Sportivo SX6.

Aurion’s audio systems have been upgraded across the board. All models now have a Bluetooth hands-free telephone kit and 3.5mm auxiliary audio input in the front centre-console box.

Prodigy and the two Sportivo grades have a new “display” audio system with 4.3-inch colour LCD display, reverse camera capability, six-CD multi-changer, USB/iPod auxiliary audio input, and Bluetooth telephone hands-free kit with microphone integrated into the facia.

This audio system is optionally available on AT-X grade.

Presara’s AVN satellite navigation audio has been refined with an additional two speakers (for a total of eight speakers including two dual-cone rear speakers) and auxiliary 3.5mm input. The AVN satellite navigation audio system is optionally available on Sportivo ZR6.

Aurion is still powered by Toyota’s powerful yet efficient 3.5-litre Dual VVT-i V6 engine that delivers 200kW of power via a six-speed automatic transmission. Fuel economy returns are just 9.9 L/100km.

Pricing for the new Aurion models is as follows:

• AT-X: $35,490
• Prodigy: $40,990
• Sportivo SX6: $39,990
• Sportivo ZR6: $42,990
• Presara: $49,990

©2010 Car Advice | News | Reviews - http://www.caradvice.com.au - All Rights Reserved.

The Aurion Touring Special Edition carries the same price tag as the entry-level Aurion AT-X sedan yet offers more than $2700 worth of additional standard equipment.

Matching the specifications of the AT-X, the Touring Special Edition adds 17-inch alloys wheels with a full-size spare, rear spoiler, a Sportivo radiator grille, sports headlamps, sports rear combination lamps, “50th Anniversary” decals and sports pedals.

Toyota has also included front foglamps as well as front and rear sonar parking sensors as standard features on the Aurion Touring SE.

Inside, the new models gains a six-disc CD changer, dual-zone climate-control for the air-conditioning, leather-bound four-spoke steering wheel, leather gear lever knob and a multi-information display.

The usual list of standard safety features have been maintained, including six airbags, vehicle stability control, traction control, anti-skid brakes and an adaptive six-speed automatic sequential-style gearbox.

The Aurion Touring Special Edition is available now from Toyota with a retail price of $34,990.

©2010 Car Advice | News | Reviews - http://www.caradvice.com.au - All Rights Reserved.

2009 Nissan Maxima – First Steer

The Nissan Maxima has always seemed a little bit of a mystery to most people.

I mean sure the public was always aware of its presence, but for the man on the street the Maxima was always thought of as just “there”, quietly sitting in a niche all of its own, seemingly content with its place in the world.

It was almost as if it was seen as too good to be the daily lugger, but by the same token, it wasn’t really a fully fledged luxury car either.

Perhaps then it could be said the market was confused by the Maxima’s intended purpose.

Think about it this way, it was never as common as the Subaru Liberty or Toyota Aurion, but that’s not to say it was any less capable. It certainly had a lot going for it in terms of both power and economy, and could rival both with relative ease, but was is too big?

Similarly it was quite affordable when you considered the size of the vehicle, the equipment on offer and the smooth V6 performance availed, though it seemed more buyers were drawn to the similarly priced Honda Accord V6 or, to a lesser degree, the now deceased Mitsubishi 380. So did that mean it was a failure?

Hardly. I mean the Maxima always sold in very steady numbers, in fact it averaged 250 units a month across its life span, no mean feat! A fact bolstered by the fact that only 32 examples of the current model remain available for sale Australia wide.

It was a good drive too, and a rather comfortable ride, and from a design point of view it was “safe”, and managed to hold its own for almost five years with little in the way of modification or manicure.

Maybe then the car’s marketing was flawed. Aimed towards a demographic undeserving of its true worth, too subtle for such a well-deserved engineering effort. I mean even Nissan admits the previous Maxima was “especially popular” with the over 50s.

For those reasons alone the Maxima was always a little bit more highly aspired than its rivals, something to work towards, and perhaps that meant it was time for a change, time to make the Maxima more accessible, more competitive and more thoroughly suited to the challenges it would be presented with over its life span.

So, what’s changed? Well for a start the all-new 2009 Nissan Maxima now comes with a choice of two V6 engines and ergo, aggressively competitive pricing.

In a bid to tackle the competition we’ve just discussed above head on, and perhaps the rear-wheel-drive Holden and Ford camps simultaneously, the Maxima now positions itself in a two-tier structure, in much the same way Toyota does with its Camry and Aurion models or Honda with its Accord Euro and Accord V6 range – though cleverly for Nissan, this is all achieved within the one smart and sporty package.

Based on a completely new “D” segment platform, common to the new Nissan Murano SUV, the Maxima is completely new from the ground up, but perhaps importantly to prospective retained buyers, is evolutionary in style so as not to be too rapid a departure from the familiar styling so favoured by current owners wishing to update.

It’s more refined, more highly equipped – even in standard form – and more capable, or as Nissan sums it up: Modern Elegance.

Nissan’s Chief Executive Officer, Dan Thompson explains:

“The new Maxima will play an increasingly important role in the large and medium car market by offering the best blend of distinctive luxury – at an attainable price,” said Mr Thompson. “We are doubling the appeal of the new Maxima in Australia with our new two-engine model strategy and a very attractive entry price.”

“The new 2.5-litre V6 engine, the sharp pricing right in the heart of the four-cylinder market and the unprecedented high level of luxury features as standard, makes the Maxima 250 ST-L unbeatable. For a start, no one else in this market sector offers leather upholstery as standard. We are making four-cylinder large car customers an offer they can’t afford to ignore in the Maxima ST-L,” he said. “And with the elegant Maxima ST-S and Ti sedans, an impressive ride and luxurious appointments will give the new Maxima the muscle to grow its sales in the upper end of the large car market where there are many customers looking for unparalleled value.”

The familiar six-window coupe-like profile too has been retained, though now with a more pronounced character line that runs the length of the vehicle.

Proportionally the car is quite similar to the out-going model as well, though this time offers more internal room by featuring a floor some 36mm lower than the model it replaces, creating more headroom, and by moving the “A” pillar forward 60mm to provide not only more cabin space, but greater forward visibility too.

LED tail lamps and Xenon headlamps are also now standard across the range, as are 17-inch alloy wheels and Nissan’s acclaimed Xtronic CVT (continously variable transmission) gearbox.

The car too has had a great deal of Australian input in its design and suspension set up, and this is evident in driving the car on our much maligned back and often inimical country roads.

But to get a better understanding of the range, perhaps it’s best to break the new Maxima down model-by-model in order of rank, starting with the base model 250 ST-L.

Nissan J32 Maxima 250 ST-L ($33,990)

Pics to follow

Perhaps the biggest change to the Maxima line-up as a whole is the introduction of the smaller VQ25DE 2.5-litre V6 engine to the range.

This award winning power-plant is featured exclusively in the 250 ST-L and is a free revving unit that is quite smooth and linear in delivery managing 134kW at 6000rpm.

Power delivery comes courtesy of Nissan’s Xtronic CVT (automatic) transmission that keeps the car within its torque range long enough to utilise the 228Nm on hand at 4400rpm under steady acceleration.

Once on the open road the engine is barely noticeable in terms of noise, something Nissan have gone to great lengths in improving across the new J32 series, and also manages exceptional fuel economy at just 9.5-litres per 100km as a combined average, that’s 0.5-litres less the Toyota’s four-cylinder Camry.

Handling is confident, and on the whole more dynamic than the previous model, though as you’d expect the car’s front-wheel drive characteristics are more noticeable towards the car’s upper limits.

The ride is more refined too, feeling more settled and offering greater comfort levels than I recall of the previous model.

The J32 Maxima, featuring an all-new platform, is now suspended by an all-new strut-type front and multi-link rear arrangement both with stiffer mounting points to further improve body stiffness and at the same time reduce NVH levels.

It’s a great improvement over the Maxima’s more wallowy predecessor and thanks to an increase in torsional rigidity of 40 per cent and front lateral stiffness of 85 per cent – thanks in part to a new X-shaped cowl top structure – the new Maxima feels more sorted and purposeful when cornering with little in the way of that “front heavy” feel usually associated with larger front-wheel drive vehicles.

Steering too has seen an improvement over the previous generation with a new speed sensitive hydraulic system offering more in the way of feel at higher speeds, though is still weighted well enough to not be vague when tackling narrow country roads with poorly maintained shoulders as found on our drive route. A turning circle of 11.4 metres is uniform across the Maxima range.

The leather wrapped wheel is quite narrow of grip and unfortunately only offers tilt adjustment. It also features remote audio and cruise control buttons.

The 250 ST-L includes a comprehensive array of kit including ABS with EBA & EBD, ESP, six airbags, dusk sensing xenon headlamps, front and rear foglamps, LED tail lamps, black leather trim, cruise control, dual-zone climate control air-conditioning, power folding mirrors with integrated indicators, an 8-way electric driver’s seat, 4-way electic passenger seat, six CD tuner with MP3 compatibility and an auxilary input, push-button start and 17-inch alloy wheels (including full-size alloy spare).

Nissan expects this newly formed rival to compete directly with Camry and Liberty models and projects the 250 ST-L model to account for around 40 per cent of its overall sales.

Nissan J32 Maxima 350 ST-S ($37,990)

Pics to follow

Adding to the 250 ST-L’s comprehensive feature and specification list, the 350 ST-S presents itself as the next step up and the first of the 3.5-litre V6 powered Maximas in the new J32 range.

Perhaps set to rival Toyota Aurion, Honda Accord V6 – and even Ford Falcon XT and Holden Commodore Omega – in terms of price, the 350 ST-S offers an additional 15kW of power from the previous model as well as a 6 per cent improvement in fuel economy.

The engine is a revised version of the same VQ35DE 3.5-litre V6 as found in the previous model, but is both smoother and more capable delivering 185kW of power at 6000rpm and 326Nm of torque from 4400 revs.

Again mated to Nissan’s Xtronic CVT transmission, the 350 ST-S is a very capable performer with brisk acceleration both from standstill, and during overtaking, yet still manages excellent fuel economy at a claimed 10.2 litres per 100km.

As found in the lower spec 250 ST-L, the 350 ST-S also offers ABS with EBA and EBD, ESP and six airbags while inside, and in addition to those features listed on the 250 ST-L, the mid-level Maxima gains a rear spoiler and rear park assist, intelligent key system and heated front seats.

Nissan has indicated the 3.5-litre powered models will account for approximately 60 per cent of new Maxima sales, though are unsure how the split between the two upper models will pan out.

Nissan J32 Maxima 350 Ti ($46,990)

Sitting atop the all-new J32 Maxima shelf is the 350 Ti, and despite the noticeably large price hike over the 350 ST-S, this range topping model adds a profusion of gear to the equation to make it a very worthwhile consideration against similarly priced rivals.

The 350 Ti is, as the nomenclature suggests, powered by the same 3.5-litre V6 engine found in the 350 ST-S and similarly delivers the same 185kW of power and 326Nm of torque and while visually it isn’t vastly different to the mid-spec model below, there are enough indicators availed to differentiate the pair including more elegant 17-inch alloy wheels and more pronounced chrome highlights.

But the real story lies beneath the skin with a feature packed cabin offering buyers an electric tilt-slide sunroof, memory enabled electric front seats, satellite navigation, rear parking camera, Bluetooth mobile phone connectivity and, perhaps best of all, an 11-speaker Bose full Dolby 5.1 channel surround sound audio system on top of the features already found in the 250 ST-L and 350 ST-S combined.

All options are simple to use and understand too and offer excellent fit and finish throughout, a credit to the vehicle’s now Thai sourced production.

The car is also very quiet on all but the most coarse of roads and is comfortable, supportive and generously proportioned. All models within the Maxima range feature a 506 litre boot.

As mentioned with the 350 ST-S model Nissan hopes the two V6 powered models will account for 60 per cent of the Maxima’s sales ratio and go some way to improving the brand’s 6th place ranking among the 180,000 medium and large sedans sold in Australia each year.

The all new Nissan Maxima will be available for sale nationally from June 1.

For our review of the previous generation Nissan Maxima, click here.

Specifications – Maxima 250 ST-L:

• Engine: 2496cc DOHC V6 (24 valve)
• Power: 134kW @ 6000rpm
• Torque: 228Nm @ 4400rpm
• Induction: Multi Point
  
• Transmission: Six-Ratio CVT
• Driven Wheels: Front
• Brakes: Discs with ABS, EBA & EBD
• CO2 Emissions: TBC
  
• Fuel Consumption: 9.5 litres per 100km
• Fuel Tank Capacity: 70 litres
• Fuel Type: 91RON petrol
• ANCAP Rating: TBC
• Airbags: Front, Side and Curtain
• Safety: ESP with Traction Control
• Spare Wheel: Full Size Alloy
• Cargo Capacity: 506 litres
• Tow Capacity: 1200kg (Braked)
• Turning Circle: 11.4 metres
• Warranty: Three Year/100,000km
• Weight: 1516kg (Tare)
• Wheels: Alloy 17 x 7.0-inch

Specifications – Maxima 350 ST-S & Ti:

• Engine: 3498cc DOHC V6 (24 valve)
• Power: 185kW @ 6000rpm
• Torque: 326Nm @ 4400rpm
• Induction: Multi Point
  
• Transmission: Six-Ratio CVT
• Driven Wheels: Front
• Brakes: Discs with ABS, EBA & EBD
• CO2 Emissions: TBC
  
• Fuel Consumption: 10.2 litres per 100km
• Fuel Tank Capacity: 70 litres
• Fuel Type: 95RON petrol
• ANCAP Rating: TBC
• Airbags: Front, Side and Curtain
• Safety: ESP with Traction Control
• Spare Wheel: Full Size Alloy
• Cargo Capacity: 506 litres
• Tow Capacity: 1200kg (Braked)
• Turning Circle: 11.4 metres
• Warranty: Three Year/100,000km
• Weight: 1535kg/1563kg (Tare)
• Wheels: Alloy 17 x 7.0-inch

©2010 Car Advice | News | Reviews - http://www.caradvice.com.au - All Rights Reserved.

Mr Burela told a briefing of automotive journalists in Melbourne that the Australian companies, including Ford, should be building small cars now, not in a year or two when they plan to commence building them.

The Ford Australia President and CEO, who led the project to develop the latest Ford Fiesta before returning to Australia to take over the top job at Ford, said that had Australia car companies been on the ball they would already be making small or medium sized cars to supplement their large car production.

In a very self-effacing moment Mr Burela described the failure to make the decision as a “travesty” for the local industry.

“I think that one of the biggest travesties and issues that the Australian industry has faced is that in Australia we were not looking far enough into the future, to understand where the consumer and where the market would be heading,” he said.

“All of us should have been producing a small or medium car in Australia today. Yet all of us are only producing large cars in this country.

“It is not a case of fault. I think it is a case of, you make the decisions that you make at the time based on the best source of input and data and intelligence that you can gather,” he added.

Both Ford and GM Holden will move into small car production in the next 18 months, Holden producing an as yet unnamed small car, based on a global Delta platform, at its plant at Elizabeth in South Australia, along side the Holden Commodore large car.

Ford has been planning for almost two years to move production of the next Ford Focus small-car to Australia from South Africa and will build the car at its Geelong and Broadmeadows plants.

Toyota currently makes the essentially medium-size Camry and Aurion in Australia, although in the past it has sought to portray both as large cars.

The Ford boss said that small and medium cars had been a huge success in Europe and he expected to see a major shift in Australian buying patterns over the next five or six years.

At the same time he defended the large car market in Australia, saying that Ford forecasting showed the market in Australia would remain at around 10 per cent through until at least 2020.

“I think you will see an ongoing large-car segment that is around the 100,000 units, and our forecasting right out through to the end of the decade, by that I mean 2020, is that it will continue to be around that 90,000 to 110,000 figure,” he said.

Mr Burela was also very bullish about the future of the Australian car industry saying; “We’re actually forecasting that the industry around the end of the decade will hit the 1.1 to 1.15 million units.”

He also sais that Ford Australia was in “pretty good shape” and was fortunate that it did not have to make any decision about the future of its large car, the Falcon, until the end of next year or into 2011.

©2010 Car Advice | News | Reviews - http://www.caradvice.com.au - All Rights Reserved.

I don’t think a single day has gone by that someone hasn’t asked me, “out of all the cars you’ve driven, what is your favourite car?” Oh no, not this question, not again. I usually answer; “Have you got five hours to spare? ‘Cause that’s how long it will take to respond!”.

- Alborz Fallah

What is my favourite car? Well 2008 was a supremely awesome year for CarAdvice, we broke new barriers and once again proved to the industry that the internet is the most vital resource for those looking to buy a new car.

I’ll ask you a simple question, when you’re going to buy a car, what’s the first thing you do? Come online and research it. Simple, however you won’t believe how hard this concept has been for us to emphasis to manufacturers. Some simply believe the internet is a fad and one that will disappear.

 If you’ve noticed, we rarely feature any reviews on Fiat, Alfa Romeo, Citroen, Ferrari and Maserati.  This is not because we don’t like them (we love them), but because the agency responsible (same agency for all brands) for the press cars doesn’t believe in new-age media such as CarAdvice. Although, ironically, its marketing department disagrees and you may well have seen constant advertisements for Alfa Romeo on CarAdvice in recent months. Somewhat bizarre!

The internet is still a new concept to some but given the financial turmoil some of these companies are in, I imagine this will change sooner, rather than later.

The reason I mentioned this is because I am going to go over some of the highlights of the past year and some of the cars that really changed my attitude to brands and car culture in general.  Unfortunately I can’t honestly say I’ve experienced all cars, for the reason already mentioned, but here is what I can tell you.

 The car that changed my perception of an entire brand. If you read my Volvo C30 T5 review, you may in fact realise that just a week before I wrote it, I had this deep hatred for Volvo as a whole. Yes, hate is the appropriate word as it was true.

Honestly, how many of you out there dislike Volvo? Don’t deny it, you know it’s true, you can’t even imagine driving a Volvo, you can’t ever imagine answering “Oh, what do I drive? Umm … a … uh … Volvo”. Unfortunately for the Swedish manufacturer cool is simply not a word that can be associated with its brand.

Well, I tell you what. The perception and conception is completely wrong. Here I was, going flat out, keeping up with Anthony in the Aston Martin DB9 around twisty mountain roads and I felt sick. Sick because I realised that I’d been so wrong. Sick because I realised I’d been propagating this anti-Volvo stereotype for years (something of which I am still guilty).

You see the Volvo C30 T5 is a brilliant car, it’s a good $3000 more expensive than it ought to be and the list of options is extensive but it’s still brilliant. It looks good and it goes like a rocket. Then there is the Volvo S80, the car that convinced me that Volvo can be cool.

Next page…

Pages: 1 2 3 4

©2010 Car Advice | News | Reviews - http://www.caradvice.com.au - All Rights Reserved.

Just 888 TRD vehicles have been delivered since the brand was established in Australia, with the last model set to roll off the production line on March 31, 2009.

The TRD Aurion accounted for 537 of this total since it was first launched 16 months ago, while the TRD HiLux sold 351 units in a much shorter space of time.

“Toyota has a responsibility to ensure its core business activities, and the people who rely on them, are protected for the long term,” said David Buttner, senior executive director Toyota Australia.

All TRD owners will be covered by Toyota’s new-vehicle warranty and the company would continue to supple parts in order to meet its legal obligations.

“Toyota made a significant financial commitment to TRD vehicle conversion and clearly understood short-term profitability was unlikely,” Mr Buttner said.

All employees involved in the TRD performance branch will be located to a new role within Toyota.

©2010 Car Advice | News | Reviews - http://www.caradvice.com.au - All Rights Reserved.

The recommended retail price of all vehicles in the Toyota line-up will rise by an average of 2.4 percent, depending on the model and grade.

Toyota’s smallest car, the Yaris, will rise by up to $800 while the top-selling Corolla will carry a premium of around $750.

Models on the opposite side of the price scale will receive the largest price hike, up $2000 for the Prado and $3,773 for the top-of-the-line LandCruiser Sahara petrol model.

However, supporting Toyota’s claim that this price rise is a result of the weakening Australian dollar, the locally produced Camry and V6 Aurion models will not be affected.

“In the past year, there have also been steep increases in the prices of raw materials, such as steel. In the light of all these pressures, we believe the increase of 2.4 per cent from the start of the new year is extremely modest.”

Although locally built models won’t come away unscathed in 2009, with the metallic paint option rising by $25 to $400 – compared to a $50 increase on imported models.

©2010 Car Advice | News | Reviews - http://www.caradvice.com.au - All Rights Reserved.

The exciting Aussie Racing Cars compete nationally at V8 Supercar events, as well as the Indy 300 and the Australian Grand Prix with Toyota is the first manufacturer to directly support entries in Aussie Racing Cars.

Toyota Australia motorsport manager Todd Connolly said Aussie Racing Cars are an exciting category that offer thrilling wheel-to-wheel racing.

“We’re really pleased to join such a competitive, popular and entertaining series,” he said. “Toyota sees it as an ideal grass-roots category for young drivers to learn and make their way up the ladder in motor sport.”

The 450kg Aussie Racing Cars have identical mechanical specification to ensure close competition and to put the emphasis on driver skill. They have a moulded body (a caricature of the vehicle on which it is based), a space-frame chassis and 1.2-litre Yamaha engine that delivers 91kW at 11,500rpm.

Todd Connolly identified two synergies with the new TRD Aurion Aussie Racing Cars and Toyota.

“Yamaha has been a Toyota technical partner for the last four decades and developed the latest Corolla dual-VVT-i-equipped engine,” he said. “CATIA, who sponsor our Formula One team and Australian rally team, provided the software to design the TRD Aurion look-alike body for the four new cars.”

The first TRD Aurion Aussie Racing Car to hit the circuit has been nominated as a “guest” car that will feature different motor sport personalities at each event. It is finished in the same livery as TRD’s 2008 Targa Tasmania class-winning TRD Aurion.

Race commentator and V8 race driver Neil Crompton will debut this car at Surfer’s Paradise, with an added exterior feature. The car will have its roof painted as a bandanna to support CanTeen’s October 31 National Bandanna Day for young people living with cancer.

Todd Connolly said he hopes the car’s appearance at the Nikon Indy 300 event would help raise awareness of CanTeen’s largest annual fund-raising day, when it aimed to sell one million bandannas. There will be a hospitality area at the circuit for CanTeen families from South-East Queensland.

Indy gets under way this Thursday with further information available at www.indy.com.au

©2010 Car Advice | News | Reviews - http://www.caradvice.com.au - All Rights Reserved.

2008 FG Ford Falcon G6E vs. Holden Calais V6 vs. Honda Accord V6 Luxury vs. Toyota Aurion Presara

• Introduction
• Ford Falcon G6E
• Holden Commodore Calais V6
• Honda Accord V6 Luxury
• Toyota Aurion Presara
• She Says
• Performance Figures
• Conclusion

Model tested: 2008 Ford Falcon G6E Recommended Retail Price: $46,990. Options fitted: None fitted.

Handling; engine and gearbox; rear leg room; price point

Non-flat boot floor; no xenon headlights

CarAdvice rating: (4.25)

-

Model tested: 2008 Holden Commodore Calais V6 Recommended Retail Price: $46,190 Options fitted: Metallic paint ($400).

Space, standard ESP, solid ride

No Sat/Nav or reversing camera, ‘poverty’ interior

CarAdvice rating: (3.00)

Model tested: 2008 Honda Accord V6 Luxury Recommended Retail Price: $46,990. Options fitted: None fitted.

Impressive handling; size; features

Sometimes heavy on fuel, too many buttons on centre console

CarAdvice rating: (4.15)

-

Model tested: 2008 Toyota Aurion Presara Recommended Retail Price: $49,490. Options fitted: None fitted.

Performance, plenty of luxury items, good safety equipment

Stodgy handling, generic interior styling, pricey

CarAdvice rating: (3.50)

- Review by Paul Maric, David Twomey and Matt Brogan, photography by Paul Maric.

Introduction:

In this day and age it is becoming increasingly difficult for car manufacturers to meet the demands of consumers. With petrol prices continually skyrocketing, pressure is on manufacturers to make fuel efficient cars, while still catering for size and performance.

In the first test of its kind in Australia, CarAdvice has pegged the rear-wheel-drive Falcon and Commodore against their Japanese front-wheel-drive rivals, the Accord V6 and Aurion.

The luxury variants chosen here will be popular amongst professionals and families with a luxury cruiser in mind.

After a week of extensive testing ranging from city driving to performance tests, we have determined a winner. The results are close but paint a clear picture of the current large car market in Australia.

Next page…

Pages: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

©2010 Car Advice | News | Reviews - http://www.caradvice.com.au - All Rights Reserved.

All LandCruiser 70 Series sold with a July 2008 service plate are now eligible to receive up to six capped price scheduled services for a cost of no more than $250.

However any additional unscheduled servicing for vehicles subjected to heavy usage and harsh driving conditions are not covered under the program, which is limited to three years or 60,000 kilometres of driving.

“Although LandCruiser 70 Series is a workhorse and designed to handle heavy loads, it still endures more wear and tear than other Toyota vehicles, making $250 per service a great saving.”

Toyota estimates that over the six scheduled services, this will amount to a saving of $1528 for LandCruiser 70 Series owners – including GST.

“It’s reassuring, in this time of high petrol prices and on-road vehicle costs, for drivers to know what standard scheduled servicing costs they will incur over the next three years, or 60,000 kilometres, right from the outset of buying a vehicle,” Mr Callachor said.”

The locally manufactured Toyota Camry and Aurion are limited to just four standard scheduled services under the capped price scheduled servicing, while all other Toyota vehicles receive six standard scheduled services.

©2010 Car Advice | News | Reviews - http://www.caradvice.com.au - All Rights Reserved.

The survey took into account factors such as cost of finance, depreciation, scheduled services, registration, insurance, fuel and tyres in order to evaluate each vehicle.

It was found that the Toyota Aurion AT-X equipped with a six-speed automatic transmission costs an average of $226.20 per week to run – $13.24 less per week than its main rival, the VE Commodore Omega.

This figure equates to a cost difference of $688.47 per annum, with the AT-X already priced $1,635 below its main rival.

“Motorists are looking at running costs more closely than ever, so the RACV study underlines another dimension to Aurion AT-X ’s overall affordability as the least expensive vehicle to run in its class,” said Toyota Australia’s senior executive director sales and marketing, David Buttner.

From a field of five which took part in the same category – including an LPG-equipped Falcon and Dual Fuel Commodore – the Aurion AT-X also boasted the least depreciation, interest charges and total registration costs of any car in the survey.

©2010 Car Advice | News | Reviews - http://www.caradvice.com.au - All Rights Reserved.

Sales figures released today reveal that Toyota sold more than 25,600 cars for the month of June, breaking its own record of 24,539 which it set 12 months ago.

It’s strongest performer was the Corolla with more than 5000 sales, closely followed by the HiLux which contributed just over 4500 to the overall total.

With the financial year ending just yesterday, Toyota also announced that it has sold more than 247,500 vehicles for the fiscal year – also an all-time industry record.

No other brand has ever sold more than 200,000 vehicles in any 12-month period in Australia.

©2010 Car Advice | News | Reviews - http://www.caradvice.com.au - All Rights Reserved.

This dry spell is about to come to an end, with Lotus set to reveal its Espirit-successor – the Lotus Eagle – at next month’s British Motor Show on July 22.

Like the current Elise and Exige line-up which feature the 1.8L VVTL-i engine, Lotus has also looked to its Japanese companion to power the Eagle which is set to boast a Toyota-sourced powerplant.

Specifically, a modified version of the 200kW 3.5-litre V6 engine from the Toyota Aurion will be used to power the new Eagle in both naturally-aspirated and supercharged variants.

The Eagle is set to replace the Espirit as the flagship of the Lotus range which ended production in 2004.

The new mid-engined 2+2 coupe will utilise Lotus’ trademark lightweight aluminium space frame technology, no doubt keeping the overall weight hovering about the 1,000kg mark.

Source: CarScoop

©2010 Car Advice | News | Reviews - http://www.caradvice.com.au - All Rights Reserved.

The TRD Aurion Pro-Factory Xtreme (Pro-FX) drag car was finally unveiled today at Queensland’s Willowbank Raceway and it’s a seriously quick car.

The 350km/h dragster is heading out to the 2008 Winter nationals (Australia’s biggest drag racing event) soon, where it will put all 1300kW to use. Yes that’s not a typo, 1300kW of power push the Aurion from 0-100km/h in less than one second!

Although you might question the relation between the Pro-FX and the actual TRD Aurion, given the drag car is rear-wheel drive while the Supercharged road going version is driven via the front, Toyota Australia motorsport manager Todd Connolly believes the Pro-FX “perfectly complements” Toyota Australia’s new range of performance-bred TRD-branded road cars.

“Toyota is synonymous with quality, durability and reliability, while TRD has added style, passion and performance to our line-up, today’s unveiling of the Ultimate Motorsport TRD Aurion Pro-FX takes us to a whole new level – this car has performance and excitement by the bucket-load.” Connolly said.

CarAdvice is currently road testing the TRD HiLux, stay tuned for a full review next week.

©2010 Car Advice | News | Reviews - http://www.caradvice.com.au - All Rights Reserved.

The TRD Aurion entry will be far from standard, using a scaled-down body shell of the new TRD Aurion and a 1.2-litre engine – and no that’s not a typo.

“The TRD Aurion’s body shell is really more of a caricature than a scaled-down version of the real car. We are in the final stages of producing the initial test moulds now so the finished product will be on the track later this year.”

The series is a support category for the V8 Supercar Championship and races at some of Australia’s biggest events, including the Australian Formula One Grand Prix and at Indy on the Gold Coast.

Every car in the field runs a spec mechanical package and chassis that is fitted with moulded body shells representing the relevant make and model of the car.

Weighing just 450kg, the cars are powered by a 1.2-litre, twin-cam, four-valve Yamaha engine, producing 91kW at 11,5000rpm and sprint from 0-100km/h in just 4.5 seconds.

Although the series has been based around Ford and Holden-derived cars, Aussie Racing Cars director Phil Ward said he does not see the category as a red versus blue battle and hopes Toyota’s involvement will encourage other manufacturers to get involved.

©2010 Car Advice | News | Reviews - http://www.caradvice.com.au - All Rights Reserved.

Very much a family affair, fueled by the bitter rivalry between the two manufacturers, competition between the Mazda3 MPS and TRD Aurion entries is heating up.

Mazda drivers Rick Bates and Alister McRae managed a one-two finish on Day One in the 2WD Showroom Competition, matching their previous result in the Prologue – despite Toyota incorrectly claiming victory in its TRD Aurion entry.

Not only did Rick Bates outperform the near-standard TRD Aurion entry competing alongside in the 2WD Showroom category, but also twin-brother Neal Bates in his race-prepped TRD Aurion entry.

Overall the performance of the Mazda3 MPS in the hands of Bates has been phenomenal, finishing the day 24th overall – equal with the brand-new R35 Nissan GT-R of Targa regular Tony Alford.

Jim Richards remains as the man to beat in his 2008 Porsche 911 GT2, finishing first overall narrowly ahead of Steve Glenney and Tony Longhurst in their rally bred Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9 and Subaru Impreza WRX STi Spec C respectively.

Day two of Targa is made up of 402km, including eight competitive stages over 72km. The field starts and finishes in Launceston and visits the east coast town of St Helens.

©2010 Car Advice | News | Reviews - http://www.caradvice.com.au - All Rights Reserved.

Available for a limited time, the Special Edition Aurion Touring offers over $2,500 worth of added equipment above the equipment levels of the entry-level Aurion AT-X at no extra cost.

In addition to 16-inch alloy wheels which alone usually retail for $1,150 – the Aurion Touring also gains the following:

• six-disc CD changer
• front foglamps
• dual-zone climate-control
• leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear lever
• front and rear parking sonars
• trip computer

The Special Edition Aurion Touring is priced at $34,990 and features Toyota’s 3.5-litre Quad-Cam V6 engine developing 200kW of power at 6200rpm and 336Nm at 4700rpm on regular unleaded petrol.

©2010 Car Advice | News | Reviews - http://www.caradvice.com.au - All Rights Reserved.

Three writers at Car Advice including myself have written reviews on Toyota’s controversial TRD Aurion and I was the only to sing the car’s praises.

It’s probably an age thing. I’m over 40 and Paul and Alborz are under 30. That must be it.

241 supercharged kilowatts is a lot of juice to be flowing to the front wheels. Torque Steer. Yes, of course there’s a little torque steer, but it’s entirely manageable and quite a non-event. Just hold the steering wheel properly, with both hands, as you should be and there’s no drama whatsoever.

And if you need to jump on the right pedal and give it a boot full, you’ll be rewarded with ‘blast off’ style acceleration that keeps on going and going, thanks to those 400 Newton metres peaking at a respectable 4000rpm.

Normally I would be physically ill if I had to live with red leather seats in a daily ride, but this colour trim in a black TRD, is stunning.

But before I end up writing another 1500 word review on the TRD, which I have no intention of doing, I wanted to share with you, a few photos of the car which I had shoved in a desktop file and forgotten about.

You can find our reviews below:

• TRD Aurion 3500S Road Test (Paul)
  
• TRD Aurion 3500SL Road Test (Alborz)
  
• TRD Aurion 3500SL Review (Tony)

Anthony Crawford

©2010 Car Advice | News | Reviews - http://www.caradvice.com.au - All Rights Reserved.

“My CarAdvice colleagues were not overly praiseworthy of the TRD. Too much torque steer, lack of soul, were the main gripes. I disagree. I like the car!”

- by Anthony Crawford

Test Model: TRD Aurion 3500SL (Sports Luxury)

CarAdvice rating:

Options Fitted: Option Pack ($5952), which includes: moonroof, rear personal lamps, satellite navigation, Bluetooth mobile phone compatibility. At $61,500 all items in this pack should be standard kit.

Recommended Retail Price: $61,500 but you can get into the TRD Aurion 3500S (Sports) for $56,990

Where it sits: TRD stands for Toyota Racing Development, so there is no mistaking where this car is positioned in the Toyota line up. It’s aimed squarely at the car enthusiast.

This is not so much another review of the TRD, but rather, why I consider this car better than the overall verdict so far.

Continue reading…

Pages: 1 2 3 4

©2010 Car Advice | News | Reviews - http://www.caradvice.com.au - All Rights Reserved.