2007 Toyota Aurion AT-X

mikmak · 03-27-2007, 10:29 AM

On my recent trip to Melbourne, I booked a hire car through Hertz. "Ford Falcon or Similar" was my choice so I was less than impressed (though I'll admit curious) to find that the Aurion is similar enough in rental terms. My dissapointment may have been curbed had I not fantasised about the "or similar" being a VE Commodore.

First impressions were okay. It looked nice enough and I approached with as little prejudice as I could manage. After all, the only Toyotas i had driven recently were a Corolla (current shape) , 4 cyl Camry and the odd Hilux. The boot was large enough to swallow a large bag full of kids clothing and supplies for 4 days, a large suitcase for myself and my partner, and a stroller. The regular hinge (as opposed to parallelagrams, the modern standard) didn't really affect the amount of space I required.

Access to strap the kids in (car seats) was sufficient for my 6'6" frame although I never got to sit in the back, as the restraints were in for the duration. The drivers seat had massive ranges of adjustment and gave me an initial satisfaction that I had got it right. It wasn't long, however, that I longed for the comfort of the Commodores pews. A broad but featureless concave seat gave little support to my back and shoulders. My backside was catered for but gave little consolation to the annoying hard plastics which my knees rested against. There is a little storage compartment next to my left leg, which bugged me for near on the entire weekend (especially when I got busy).

At start-up, I got the full optitron experience. Illuminated red instrument wands powered up then faded back as the rest of the instrumentation lit p to meet them half way. I rate it up there with a Liberty (Legacy) start up.

Out of the car park (and straight into maccas) I adjusted constantly to try and miss that bloody storage compartment near my knee, without success.

Out on to the Tullamarine freeway, I head for Geelong (about an hour south) and its already 2230. Once I get on the Princes Hwy and leave the street lights behind, I am confronted with the ridiculously bright blue light of the centre console. Aside from being ergonomically sound, at the best of times it looks like it was designed for a semi blind pensioner. Perhaps the widely spaced and overtly large dials are a necessity to combat this irridescent nightmare. The controls on the boring thin and lifeless tiller (more on that later) were on the wrong side (left thumb) but probably has more to do with familiarity.
The most dissapointing part of the whole experience was the steering. Aside from having the same heavy load up, off centre and whilst cornering, as the 4 cyl Camry, this particular vehicle had serious tracking problems at the straight ahead. The clock had 5400kms when I picked it up and already it was pulling left, not severly, but enough to have to continuously provide small inputs. It wasn't tyre pressure and there was no sign of uneven wear. I just had to put up with it for the whole four days.

One thing that I didn't mind putting up with, was the power! 200kW is just about right for a V6 and this one was smooooth, with a capital mmmm. Planting the foot at 80 was followed by slight hesitation and then this lively syrupy push in the back that increased expotentially with the weight of the right foot. It was times like this that I didn't mind applying a little counter to the torque steer. You could really feel the front wheels pulling ahead, like the arms of a wheelchair athlete. This truly is a great little bum dragger. There is no doubt of its lack of torque down low, so mid range is where the fun was at. I found ways to get a bit behind my father in law in traffic so I would have to catch up, seeking out gaps to exploit it pros and avoid its cons (sinking the slipper after plodding along at around 20-30 meant a 3-4 ratio jump). The sound was better than my Alloytec by a long shot, had it been in a RWD car, Toyota would have a real contender.

Alas that is not the whole picture. The transmission would appear to have been designed in accordance with the theory of perpetual motion. Just when you think you've got it sorted, something at the start of the equation drops away and you are back to square one. It is frustrating in the extreme. Selecting sport mode allows requests only.

Up changes and down changes carry on regardless, the gear indicator teasing you with its blatant lies. You can't test the low down torque (or lack of) because it down changes with out input. Eventually, I accepted the futility of it all and just left it in 'D'. Besides, getting too 'sporty' resulted in heavy handed electrickery robbing you of any substance or satisfaction, as the front end was very heavy around the bends and consistently out of line.

Overall, it did day to day in due course. As long as you don't like driving, it's the perfect car for mass consumption. Plenty of standard kit wil appeal to the masses who just want get from a to b with nerry a thought. Masses of airbags, great adjustment of a barely average seat and a stereo that has reasonably good AM reception, all add up to a decent vehicle but not a good car (according to my requirements). A hot dog with all the trimmings is still just a hot dog.

Personally, I prefer steak.

casket_demon · 03-27-2007, 10:40 AM

Are the wings retractable? cause I still waiting to see them.

mikmak · 03-27-2007, 10:49 AM

I'm sure I could get it airborne at the local quarry.

**paul8488** · 03-27-2007, 11:24 AM

Hey, I liked reading that. Anyone who says the car is outright garbage isn't being very objective, as Toyota doesn't build outright garbage. Still, sounds like you're better suited to something more like what Holden offers.

And beige? Do you have to pay extra for the pleasure of driving a beige Toyota? Sheesh... talk about snorzeville. Please tell me the AT-X isn't the 'Sport' version.

mikmak · 03-27-2007, 07:14 PM

The blue one next to it is the 4 cyl Camry and cost a dollar a day less. It was worth the extra dollar.

AT-X is the fleet dunger version. The "Sportivo" has the same engine and gearbox with better suspension, seats and dodgy body kit. I prefer the look of grumbles one.

IAMCANADIAN · 03-27-2007, 07:34 PM

Is the Aurion RWD? I think it's one of the nicest looking Toyota's I've seen in a long time.

Squachy · 03-27-2007, 08:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IAMCANADIAN

Is the Aurion RWD? I think it's one of the nicest looking Toyota's I've seen in a long time.

Its FWD.
Remember, the Aurion is a gussied up V6 Camry for Australia.

Plus Toyota doesnt make any RWD cars other than the Lexus branded ones and the Japanese only models (like the Crown and MarkX...i believe those are RWD)

HoosierRon · 03-27-2007, 08:34 PM

If the Camry is vanilla, then this thing is unflavored. Just how bland can one make a car?

IAMCANADIAN · 03-27-2007, 09:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Squachy

Its FWD.
Remember, the Aurion is a gussied up V6 Camry for Australia.

Plus Toyota doesnt make any RWD cars other than the Lexus branded ones and the Japanese only models (like the Crown and MarkX...i believe those are RWD)

It's actually not bad, looks nice, has a V6, pretty good package. I'd rather have that than the current Camry.

E. Haskell · 05-05-2007, 08:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IAMCANADIAN

It's actually not bad, looks nice, has a V6, pretty good package.

Settle down grandpaw

RedVee8 · 05-05-2007, 10:28 AM

We've now got 2 Aurions in our fleet. The Chairman (not sure which spec) and one of the managers (AT-X). When I asked 'why did you go to the dark side?' said manager replied - it was 'cheaper and had more gadgets' than the Holden. So there you go, reality Oz style.

Diesel/_ · 05-05-2007, 05:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Squachy

Its FWD.
Remember, the Aurion is a gussied up V6 Camry for Australia.

Plus Toyota doesnt make any RWD cars other than the Lexus branded ones and the Japanese only models (like the Crown and MarkX...i believe those are RWD)

You mean a gussied up Avalon(right?). I like the Crown too (esp. the Crown
Athlete).

Butz · 05-05-2007, 06:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Diesel/_

You mean a gussied up Avalon(right?). I like the Crown too (esp. the Crown
Athlete).

Nope it's a Camry, it even has the same interior.

FordFan · 05-06-2007, 05:11 AM

Keep It Away From Me!!!

Diesel/_ · 05-06-2007, 01:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Butz

Nope it's a Camry, it even has the same interior.

Then what's the point of getting it over the Camry?

03-27-2007, 10:29 AM	#1 (permalink)
mikmak 7.0 Liter LS7 V8 Join Date: May 2005 Location: Pacific Paradise, Australia Drives: VZ Wagon and JSII sedan Posts: 7,975	2007 Toyota Aurion AT-X On my recent trip to Melbourne, I booked a hire car through Hertz. "Ford Falcon or Similar" was my choice so I was less than impressed (though I'll admit curious) to find that the Aurion is similar enough in rental terms. My dissapointment may have been curbed had I not fantasised about the "or similar" being a VE Commodore. First impressions were okay. It looked nice enough and I approached with as little prejudice as I could manage. After all, the only Toyotas i had driven recently were a Corolla (current shape) , 4 cyl Camry and the odd Hilux. The boot was large enough to swallow a large bag full of kids clothing and supplies for 4 days, a large suitcase for myself and my partner, and a stroller. The regular hinge (as opposed to parallelagrams, the modern standard) didn't really affect the amount of space I required. Access to strap the kids in (car seats) was sufficient for my 6'6" frame although I never got to sit in the back, as the restraints were in for the duration. The drivers seat had massive ranges of adjustment and gave me an initial satisfaction that I had got it right. It wasn't long, however, that I longed for the comfort of the Commodores pews. A broad but featureless concave seat gave little support to my back and shoulders. My backside was catered for but gave little consolation to the annoying hard plastics which my knees rested against. There is a little storage compartment next to my left leg, which bugged me for near on the entire weekend (especially when I got busy). At start-up, I got the full optitron experience. Illuminated red instrument wands powered up then faded back as the rest of the instrumentation lit p to meet them half way. I rate it up there with a Liberty (Legacy) start up. Out of the car park (and straight into maccas) I adjusted constantly to try and miss that bloody storage compartment near my knee, without success. Out on to the Tullamarine freeway, I head for Geelong (about an hour south) and its already 2230. Once I get on the Princes Hwy and leave the street lights behind, I am confronted with the ridiculously bright blue light of the centre console. Aside from being ergonomically sound, at the best of times it looks like it was designed for a semi blind pensioner. Perhaps the widely spaced and overtly large dials are a necessity to combat this irridescent nightmare. The controls on the boring thin and lifeless tiller (more on that later) were on the wrong side (left thumb) but probably has more to do with familiarity. The most dissapointing part of the whole experience was the steering. Aside from having the same heavy load up, off centre and whilst cornering, as the 4 cyl Camry, this particular vehicle had serious tracking problems at the straight ahead. The clock had 5400kms when I picked it up and already it was pulling left, not severly, but enough to have to continuously provide small inputs. It wasn't tyre pressure and there was no sign of uneven wear. I just had to put up with it for the whole four days. One thing that I didn't mind putting up with, was the power! 200kW is just about right for a V6 and this one was smooooth, with a capital mmmm. Planting the foot at 80 was followed by slight hesitation and then this lively syrupy push in the back that increased expotentially with the weight of the right foot. It was times like this that I didn't mind applying a little counter to the torque steer. You could really feel the front wheels pulling ahead, like the arms of a wheelchair athlete. This truly is a great little bum dragger. There is no doubt of its lack of torque down low, so mid range is where the fun was at. I found ways to get a bit behind my father in law in traffic so I would have to catch up, seeking out gaps to exploit it pros and avoid its cons (sinking the slipper after plodding along at around 20-30 meant a 3-4 ratio jump). The sound was better than my Alloytec by a long shot, had it been in a RWD car, Toyota would have a real contender. Alas that is not the whole picture. The transmission would appear to have been designed in accordance with the theory of perpetual motion. Just when you think you've got it sorted, something at the start of the equation drops away and you are back to square one. It is frustrating in the extreme. Selecting sport mode allows requests only. Up changes and down changes carry on regardless, the gear indicator teasing you with its blatant lies. You can't test the low down torque (or lack of) because it down changes with out input. Eventually, I accepted the futility of it all and just left it in 'D'. Besides, getting too 'sporty' resulted in heavy handed electrickery robbing you of any substance or satisfaction, as the front end was very heavy around the bends and consistently out of line. Overall, it did day to day in due course. As long as you don't like driving, it's the perfect car for mass consumption. Plenty of standard kit wil appeal to the masses who just want get from a to b with nerry a thought. Masses of airbags, great adjustment of a barely average seat and a stereo that has reasonably good AM reception, all add up to a decent vehicle but not a good car (according to my requirements). A hot dog with all the trimmings is still just a hot dog. Personally, I prefer steak. __________________ You start a conversation you cant even finish it. You're talkin a lot, but you're not sayin anything. When I have nothing to say, my lips are sealed. Say something once, why say it again?

03-27-2007, 10:40 AM	#2 (permalink)
casket_demon 6.0 Liter Vortec V8 Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: @ home in my room Posts: 1,937	Re: 2007 Toyota Aurion AT-X Are the wings retractable? cause I still waiting to see them. __________________ Current line up: 1987 Buick Regal S/W 1987 Pontiac Trans AM 1991 Pontiac Firebird Formula 1998 Ford Windstar 1998 Subaru Impreza Wagon 1998 Chevy Camaro Z-28 2004 Chevorlet Trailblazer And further down the road: 2k4 Cadillac CTS V. Those gone but not forgotten: 1991 Ford Taurus 1993 Chevy Lumina --ME--

03-27-2007, 10:49 AM	#3 (permalink)
mikmak 7.0 Liter LS7 V8 Join Date: May 2005 Location: Pacific Paradise, Australia Drives: VZ Wagon and JSII sedan Posts: 7,975	Re: 2007 Toyota Aurion AT-X I'm sure I could get it airborne at the local quarry. __________________ You start a conversation you cant even finish it. You're talkin a lot, but you're not sayin anything. When I have nothing to say, my lips are sealed. Say something once, why say it again?

03-27-2007, 11:24 AM	#4 (permalink)
paul8488 GMI Staff Member Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: France Drives: 2007 MBK Flipper Scooter Posts: 13,251	Re: 2007 Toyota Aurion AT-X Hey, I liked reading that. Anyone who says the car is outright garbage isn't being very objective, as Toyota doesn't build outright garbage. Still, sounds like you're better suited to something more like what Holden offers. And beige? Do you have to pay extra for the pleasure of driving a beige Toyota? Sheesh... talk about snorzeville. Please tell me the AT-X isn't the 'Sport' version. __________________ *The department of redundancy department.*

03-27-2007, 07:14 PM	#5 (permalink)
mikmak 7.0 Liter LS7 V8 Join Date: May 2005 Location: Pacific Paradise, Australia Drives: VZ Wagon and JSII sedan Posts: 7,975	Re: 2007 Toyota Aurion AT-X The blue one next to it is the 4 cyl Camry and cost a dollar a day less. It was worth the extra dollar. AT-X is the fleet dunger version. The "Sportivo" has the same engine and gearbox with better suspension, seats and dodgy body kit. I prefer the look of grumbles one. __________________ You start a conversation you cant even finish it. You're talkin a lot, but you're not sayin anything. When I have nothing to say, my lips are sealed. Say something once, why say it again? Last edited by mikmak : 03-27-2007 at 08:08 PM.

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03-27-2007, 07:34 PM	#6 (permalink)
IAMCANADIAN 7.0 Liter LS7 V8 Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 5,971	Re: 2007 Toyota Aurion AT-X Is the Aurion RWD? I think it's one of the nicest looking Toyota's I've seen in a long time. __________________ 2007 Pontiac Grand Prix Sedan

03-27-2007, 08:34 PM	#8 (permalink)
HoosierRon Banned Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 6,666	Re: 2007 Toyota Aurion AT-X If the Camry is vanilla, then this thing is unflavored. Just how bland can one make a car?

05-05-2007, 10:28 AM	#11 (permalink)
RedVee8 6.0 Liter Vortec V8 Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Rosemeadow, NSW Australia Drives: 1984 Holden VH Commodore Vacationer 253 V8 2006 A Posts: 1,597	Re: 2007 Toyota Aurion AT-X We've now got 2 Aurions in our fleet. The Chairman (not sure which spec) and one of the managers (AT-X). When I asked 'why did you go to the dark side?' said manager replied - it was 'cheaper and had more gadgets' than the Holden. So there you go, reality Oz style. __________________ RedVee8 Current Holdens. VH Commodore Vacationer 253 V8; AH Astra CDX 1.8; CG Captiva LX 3.2V6 (work). Previous Holdens. 1969 HT Kingswood 186; 1975 HJ Premier 202; 1977 TC Gemini; 1985 JD Camira SL/E 1.8i Keep Holden On.

05-06-2007, 05:11 AM	#14 (permalink)
FordFan 4.4 Liter Supercharged Northstar Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 2,049	Re: 2007 Toyota Aurion AT-X Keep It Away From Me!!!

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