Aurion attack

John Mellor's
Australia’s Number One Automotive Industry Journal
GoAuto news
No. 358
October 18, 2006
Aurion attack
Holden and Ford had better watch out. Toyota is back in town
lumbar), cruise control, power-operated
windows and mirrors, remote central locking,
Australia has mounted its most strident attack backlit instruments and a security alarm, while
on Holden’s Commodore and Ford’s Falcon premium entrants have uncommon features
with the launch this week of its value-laden for Australian-built cars such as adaptive
headlights and keyless entry and start.
Aurion large sedan.
On sale from October 30 with an opening Telematics makes a return, too.
The model variant naming
price of $34,990 – $1500 less
for the Aurion – itself a name
than the Commodore Omega
$34,990 derived from the ancient Greek
and $1000 below the Falcon AT-X (a)
$38,500 for “tomorrow” or “first light”
XT (both with auto and air) Sportivo SX6 (a)
$39,500 – is an interesting mix of
– the 200kW Aurion has more Prodigy (a)
Sportivo ZR6 (a)
$42,500
nomenclature, with the base
power than either of the other
Presara (a)
$49,990
model (AT-X) and the sports
two big Aussie sixes, better
fuel consumption according to the relevant lines (two Sportivos in the SX6 and ZR6) having
Australian standard and a head-turning list of obvious links with certain Ford and Holden
standard features across the range.
models. The higher-series entrants are almost
These include a six-speed automatic too bizarre for words. Prodigy and Presara?
transmission (with sequential-manual shift
Toyota’s desire to distinguish the Aurion
control), six airbags – including full-length side from the Camry – the sedan that has a great
curtain airbags and dual-stage frontal airbags – deal in common with its new stablemate and
air-conditioning, electronic stability and traction rolls down the same production line in Victoria
control, and anti-lock brakes with electronic
INSIDE:
THE CABIN
brake-force distribution and brake assist.
THE MODELS
THE DRIVETRAIN
Also standard on all models is an eightTHE STYLING
THE CHASSIS
way power-adjustable driver’s seat (including
By TERRY MARTIN and MARTON PETTENDY
FORGET all about the unloved Avalon. Toyota
PRICING:
– is great among the marketeers.
Eyebrows, if not hackles, will be raised over
certain claims Toyota is making with its new
Aurion. Hard facts such as power output will
not be disputed, but Australia’s biggest-selling
brand has commissioned “independent”
research to argue that the Aurion has the most
“useable cabin length” in the large-six class.
It also claims Aurion is lighter than
other Australian-built sixes, again citing
“independent” testing showing the AT-X tipping
the scales at 1590kg compared to its direct rivals,
which weigh between 1625kg and 1694kg.
Toyota has been careful to avoid making
comparisons with the Camry, from which
it draws its vehicle architecture, chassis
components and some design elements, to
name a few main areas. The two cars share
roof and door panels and have similar interior
and exterior dimensions, including an almost
identical boot capacity.
Continued next page
THE SAFETY
THE VERDICT
THE FUTURE
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O C TO B E R 1 8 , 2 0 0 6 Page 2
Aurion
attack
Continued from previous page
Running on normal unleaded petrol, the
3.5-litre quad-cam V6 produces its 200kW at
6200rpm and has a torque peak of 336Nm at
4700rpm. Power rises to 204kW on premium
unleaded, and the ADR 81/01 fuel consumption
rating sits at 9.9L/100km when using top-shelf
fuel. Acceleration to 100km/h is a claimed 9.3 Buttner at Aurion’s national media launch on
Monday.
seconds.
“We do not expect to dominate the
Said to make Aurion the most powerful
vehicle Toyota has ever sold Down Under, marketplace. We expect Holden and Ford to
the 2GR-FE engine is also claimed to be the continue with some strength in the market, but
sole Australian-built big six to meet the Euro we genuinely believe we have a true competitor
IV emissions standard, and hands the Aurion with which we can gain a much bigger share
a four-star rating on the Federal Government’s of that very, very large segment. But, frankly,
we’re not putting on the table our
Green Vehicle Guide – something other
specific volumes today.”
Aussie car-makers cannot boast.
While Toyota is adamant no Aurion
This is the car Toyota believes will
sales will be substitutional for Camry,
reinvigorate the large-car segment
it has revealed enough information
in Australia, and which will be the
for GoAuto to make an educated sales
fair-dinkum rival to the Falcon and
estimate. The upgraded Altona plant
Commodore which the Avalon was
is currently running at a maximum
not.
capacity of 140,000 vehicles annually
For GoAuto, it also raises obvious
questions about cannibalisation of David Buttner and the company plans to export
Camry sales rather than making true inroads 80,000 Camry and Aurion vehicles to New
into the market dominance of Commodore Zealand and the Middle East in 2007, with 10
and Falcon, sales of which have diminished to per cent of this volume to be Aurion.
That leaves a total of 60,000 vehicles for
worrying levels this year, despite the arrival of
annual local consumption and chairman
Holden’s all-new VE sedan.
Stung by Avalon’s failure to meet its emeritus John Conomos believes that, in the
ambitious sales targets and Aurion’s long term, Aurion will eventually prove more
positioning in the highly competitive large-car popular in Australia than Camry.
Officially, Toyota Oz plans to build “a greater
market, which contracted 20 per cent last year
and lost its rating (to small cars) as Australia’s proportion” of four-cylinder vehicles than V6
biggest vehicle segment, Toyota stops short models at Altona, but Toyota sources have
of revealing specific volume forecasts for long nominated 24,000 annual sales – 2000
a month or almost double Avalon’s eventual
Aurion.
“We always have the crystal ball out, we do sales rate – as the break-even target for Aurion.
have forecasting and we have our numbers, To September this year, Holden has sold about
but by declaring them today we’d be revealing 41,000 Commodores, while Ford has shifted
them to all our competitors,” said senior around 33,000 Falcons.
Toyota is also evasive when it comes to
executive director sales and marketing David
Outback testing
revealing the total development cost for
Aurion, because it claims the model was part
of a global design and engineering program.
Officially, $450 million was “the project cost
of a series of local cars”, which included
increasing production capacity from 110,000
to 140,000 at Altona, which can produce a
flexible mix of both left- and right-hand drive
Camry and Aurion variants.
“In principle we are not able to divulge
development costs only for Aurion,” said
Toyota Technical Centre Australia boss
Max Gillard. “The $450 million was spent
exclusively in Australia for manufacturing …
the lines get very blurred when you talk about
a car that’s developed for both Middle East and
some Asian markets.”
Mr Conomos was more pointed. “Our
investment is substantially less than the $1.3
billion I believe Holden has spent on their
series of cars, but you shouldn’t look at Aurion
in isolation because Camry is the foundation,”
he said.
Furthermore, Toyota claims Aurion’s
aggressive retail pricing, which Mr Conomos
says will be augmented by “a very competitive
fleet buying price”, will not come at the
expense of profit margins.
“We set rigorous cost targets and the $1500
(base price shortfall to Commodore) is the
result of cost planning targets that were started
many years ago,” Mr Conomos said. “We will
meet all our financial targets.”
On paper, Aurion looks to be a formidable
contender. And the story has only just begun.
The models - next page
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AT-X
O C TO B E R 1 8 , 2 0 06 Page 3
THE MODELS
WE HAVE mentioned some of the standout
features on AT-X and all other models in the
auto-only Aurion range. But when considered
as a complete list, the value inherent in the
vehicle is unmistakable.
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 singleCD 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 fullsize spare wheel is standard.
AT-X
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, woodeffect 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.
Continued next page
Prodigy
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O C TO B E R 1 8 , 2 0 0 6 Page 4
THE MODELS
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, threespoke leather-clad steering wheel (with multiinfo 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 metalliclook 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.
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-
Sportivo ZR6 (left) and SX6
conditioning (as per Prodigy), black leather PRESARA
“Crossbar” seat trim, leather door trim with
metallic-look highlights, six-way adjustable front OVER the Prodigy, the Presara has 17-inch
passenger’s seat, keyless entry and keyless go (as alloy wheels (including alloy spare), adaptive
front lighting, auto-levelling high-intensity
per Presara) and chrome interior doorhandles.
discharge headlights
According to Toyota,
(with
washers),
at $42,500, Sportivo
exterior
chrome
ZR6 is almost $3000 Metallic paint (AT-X, Prodigy, SX6)
$300
doorhandles,
chrome
cheaper than its nearest Moonroof (Prodigy, SX6, ZR6)
$1650
garnish at the rear
rivals in Commodore 16-inch alloy wheels (AT-X)
$650
SS and Falcon XR8, and 16-inch alloys/rear spoiler (AT-X)
$1150 end, a “moonroof”,
offers $2200 worth of Moonroof/sat-nav (ZR6)
$4850 metallic/mica paint,
the Toyota Link
extra equipment. ZR6
options include the “moonroof” pack as per SX6 telematics service, satellite navigation, a
four-spoke leather/woodgrain steering wheel,
and Prodigy with or without satellite navigation.
steering-mounted climate and Bluetooth
telephone controls, an auto-dipping rearview 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.
Presara
THE OPTIONS
The styling - next page
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O C TO B E R 1 8 , 2 0 0 6 Page 5
THE STYLING
By TERRY MARTIN and MARTON PETTENDY
IS AURION just a bigger Camry? Without
a doubt, Toyota Australia’s new large car
comes from the same mould as its world-car
partner which rolls down the same production
line at Altona. The two have similar exterior
dimensions and, on first viewing, have a close
– though not identical – resemblance when
looking from side-on or at the rear-end.
Both cars were sculpted using Toyota’s
“vibrant clarity” design ethos, and as large
sedans both vehicles make the most of their
size with a low and wide stance and short front distinctive face.
“We know our market, and for the first time
and rear overhangs.
It is the front end where the Aurion makes we’ve had a big say in the design of our own
its mark. Australian designer Nick Hogios - vehicle from inception.”
The Aurion’s 4825mm overall
who had a role in ensuring the Aurion
length is a mere 10mm longer than
would have the blend of American
the Camry, the width is the same at
size and European style that Toyota
1820mm and the 1470mm overall
believes Australians favour - describes
height is actually 10mm lower than
the bonnet and bumper treatment as
Camry. Ground clearance on Aurion is
“double concave architecture”.
146mm - 17mm higher than Camry.
“To balance the hood, it has a lower
Underneath the Aurion is a venturifront bumper which cradles it, (and)
style stepped underbody cover
that leads to the unique tagline for
designed to maximise downforce
this car: double concave architecture,
which is the signature of the front- Nick Hogios on the front of the vehicle. There
are fairings for the rear wheels which direct
end,” he said.
“Conventionally designed cars have airflow around the tyres and hence reduce
architecture that is primarily horizontal drag, while Sportivo models come with a range
– lamps, grille and bumper surface breaks of aerodynamic features.
are placed in a horizontal line. Aurion tries to
In addition to visually appealing elements
create more drama and interest with vertically such as a rear wing spoiler, front bumper/
sculpted features balanced by lamps that are spoiler and side and rear skirts, both
placed quite wide. This gives the car a very Sportivo models have rear floor and fuel tank
Sportivo ZR6
undercovers to increase downforce at the rear.
The Sportivo models have a drag coefficient
of 0.292Cd, while other Aurion variants have
a 0.301Cd.
Other points of interest are in detail elements
across the Aurion range, including the twin
exhaust outlets (on all model variants) and turn
indicators embedded into each wing mirror.
According to Toyota, Aurion’s exterior
design was voted better than all of its largecar rivals in every styling clinic the company
conducted. Toyota research, more of which
was conducted for Aurion than for any other
Toyota Australia model, also shows that
design was instrumental in the purchasing
decision of 27 per cent of large-car buyers in
1999, a figure that had reduced to 18.5 per cent
in 2005.
“Large-car buyers are less than impressed
with the design of large cars,” said Toyota
Australia sales and marketing chief David
Buttner, who hopes Aurion will change that.
The cabin - next page
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O C TO B E R 1 8 , 2 0 0 6 Page 6
THE CABIN
By TERRY MARTIN
TOYOTA’S interior designers have attempted
to emphasise the Aurion’s cabin space but to
also create an enveloping cockpit environment
through design elements such as integrating
the centre console and dash stack.
It uses the common theme of metallic-look
surfaces and mock woodgrain to enhance the
visual appeal of each model grade and, as
designer Nick Hogios describes it, to integrate
functional areas.
It also looks cleaner with a foot-operated
park brake – not every owner’s first choice
in this department – favoured over a console- leather are used on Prodigy, Sportivo ZR6
and Presara models. Interior trim colour relies
mounted handbrake lever.
Toyota claims that independent testing heavily on various shades of grey – a standard
(which it commissioned) found that Aurion grey in the base AT-X, charcoal on Sportivos
and, on Prodigy and
has the most “useable
Presara, a lighter
cabin length” in the
large-six class, with Front seat headroom: 995mm (975mm on ZR6) shade known as
“Grege” (call it
1835mm from the ball Rear seat headroom: 975mm (970mm on ZR6)
anything but beige,
of the driver’s foot to Front seat legroom: 1045mm
it blends ivory and
the rear-seat hip point. Rear seat legroom: 1000mm
grey).
The
electric- Front seat shoulder-room: 1465mm
Sportivo models
operated driver and Rear seat shoulder-room: 1445mm
get sportier seats
front passenger seats
found on all models across the range bar AT- than other Aurions, with more pronounced side
X (which has a manual passenger seat) offer bolsters for the seat cushions and higher side
260mm of fore-aft movement. The AT-X bolsters for the backrests.
Adjusting for reach as well as height across
passenger seat has a 255mm range.
Euro-look flat woven fabrics with embossed the range, the steering wheel on Sportivo
THE DETAIL
AT-X
models has a leather-wrapped three-spoke
design with metallic highlights, while highseries variants use a four-spoke steering wheel
with either black or silver accents.
Large-diameter Optitron backlit instruments
and meters are used on all model variants, while
all grades other than AT-X have a trip computer
panel (with an “AURION” welcome feature)
housed beneath the speedo. This can show the
outside ambient temperature, estimated fuel
range, average speed, fuel consumption and
trip time.
Presara and Sportivo ZR6 are the first
Australian-built Toyota models with keyless
entry/locking and keyless go. Push-button
engine start and stop is featured on these
models.
The drivetrain - next page
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O C TO B E R 1 8 , 2 0 0 6 Page 7
THE ENGINE
By TERRY MARTIN and MARTON PETTENDY
POWER is one thing. But the Aurion’s Japan-
sourced 200kW/336Nm 3.5-litre quad-cam
24-valve V6 is also being billed as the most
advanced engine Toyota has offered yet in an
Australian-built car.
Codenamed 2GR-FE, and essentially the
same engine found in the 203kW/342Nm Lexus
RX350, the V6 has dual variable valve timing
“with intelligence” (VVT-i), which is claimed
to be responsible for improved performance
– in particular boosting torque at low-medium
and high rpm – and reduced fuel consumption
and emissions.
According to the manufacturer, dual
VVT-i can alter inlet timing across a range of
40 degrees (relative to crankshaft angle) and
alter exhaust valve timing across a range of
35 degrees. The result is optimisation of the
valve overlap period relative to the engine and
driving conditions, with the amount of valve
overlap ranging from one degree to 76 degrees
(again, relative to crankshaft angle).
Other engine features include roller rockers
(with maintenance-free valve clearance
adjusters), direct ignition, electronic control
for the “acoustic control induction
system” (ACIS) and a lightweight
cast-aluminium cylinder block.
Engine: 2GR-FE 3456cc 24-valve quad-cam V6 with VVT-i
Service weight is 163kg.
Power: 200kW at 6200rpm (204kW on PULP)
Torque: 336Nm at 4700rpm
The 3456cc 60-degree V6 has
Transmission: Six-speed automatic (with sequential shift)
an oversquare bore-and-stroke
Driven wheels: Front
relationship of 94mm x 83mm.
Performance (0-100km/h): 9.3 seconds
Compression ration is 10.8:1.
Consumption (ADR 81/01): 9.9L/100km
The 200kW maximum power
Fuel tank capacity: 70 litres
peaks
at 6200rpm, while the 336Nm
Towing capacity (braked): 1600kg
maximum torque is produced at
4700rpm. Power rises to 204kW on premium
unleaded, while fuel consumption rating sits
at 9.9L/100km when using premium-unleaded
petrol, as per the ADR 81/01 standard. No
consumption figure is given for regular
unleaded.
Kerb weight is listed at 1590kg for the ATX variant, with all models claimed to reach
100km/h from standstill in 9.3 seconds.
The engine meets Euro IV emissions
standards, which is one rung above the Euro
III minimum required under ADR 78/01. To
achieve Euro IV, carbon monoxide emissions
(CO) levels must be reduced from 2.3g/km to
1.0g/km, hydrocarbon (HC) emissions reduced
from 0.2g/km to 0.1g/km and nitrogen (NOx)
emissions reduced from 0.15g/km to 0.8g/km.
gear sets, creating a six-speed
gearbox with a shorter shaft length
and smaller exterior dimensions than
a five-speed unit. It uses an “ultra
flat” torque converter to reduce
transmission length (by around
12mm) and weight. The ultra-flat
torque converter also has a lowspeed lock-up damper for smooth
low-speed lock-up.
Both fifth and sixth ratios are
over-driven, with gear ratios as
follows: first – 3.300; second – 1.900; third
– 1.420; fourth – 1.000; fifth – 0.713; sixth –
0.608 and reverse – 4.148. Final
drive is 3.685:1.
Toyota
says
a
manual
transmission was never in the
Aurion plan – even for Sportivo
variants – because manual versions
account for less than five per cent
of Camry Sportivo variants. Toyota
also claims it is made redundant by
the manual-shift mode in Toyota’s
new in-house 6-AT, which is
lighter and more compact than its
Avalon forebear’s five-speed auto.
THE DETAIL
THE GEARBOX
CODENAMED U660E, the Toyota-designed
and built six-speed automatic transmission
fitted as standard to Aurion has what Toyota
calls “artificial intelligence” – an elaborate
term to describe the adaptive shift pattern that
alters in accordance with factors such as throttle
opening angle, accelerator pedal operation and
vehicle and engine speed.
The U660E’s design includes two planetary
The chassis - next page
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O C TO B E R 1 8 , 2 0 0 6 Page 8
THE CHASSIS
By TERRY MARTIN
CONSIDERING Aurion is built off the same
global Toyota platform as the Camry, it should
come as no surprise that the two vehicles have
much in common on the chassis front.
The Aurion is a heavier vehicle, in the
order of 175kg considering that the AT-X has
a 1590kg kerb weight (other model weights
are still to be provided) and the Camry Altise
weighs in at 1415kg.
Aurion has the same “coil over” all-strut
suspension package, with MacPherson struts
with wide-based L-shaped lower arms at the
front and dual transverse links at the rear.
Suspension highlights such as multi-leaf/
multi-disc linear control piston valves in the
dampers and a visco-elastic oil seal at the top
of the damper body also carry over.
As with Camry, the Aurion’s body structure
makes “extensive” use of lightweight highstrength steel, and includes anti-vibration sub-
Outback testing
frames front and rear and a reinforcing cowl stability and steering feel.
Aurion rests on the same 2775mm wheelbase
front panel designed to increase rigidity across
as the Camry and has the same front (1575mm)
the front suspension towers.
All Aurion models have the large V-shaped and rear (1565mm) track dimensions.
The two vehicles also have braking hardware
brace located behind the rear seat – as seen on
in common – disc brakes at
Camry Sportivo – which links the
each corner, measuring 296 x
rear suspension towers and the
28mm (and ventilated) at the
floor. (It also rules out a split-fold Overall length: 4825mm
Overall width: 1820mm
front, and 286 x 10mm at the
rear seat.)
rear. Single-piston callipers
Underbody bracing found on Overall height: 1470mm
Wheelbase: 2775mm
are used front and rear. The
Camry Sportivo is also used on
Front track: 1575mm
standard ABS is a fourAurion Sportivo. Similarly, all Rear track: 1565mm
Altona-built Sportivo models have Ground clearance: 146mm channel, four-sensor Bosch
5.3 system
in-built rebound springs in the rear Kerb weight: 1590kg
The AT-X and Prodigy both
damper units, which are designed Turning circle: 11.6m
have a 16-inch wheel and
to provide a flatter ride during
(Dunlop) tyre combination (steel on the base
cornering.
Spring, damper and rear stabiliser bar model, alloy elsewhere) with 6.5J x 16 rims
and 215/60 R16 tyres. The two Sportivos and
settings have all been tweaked on Sportivo.
“Nachlauf” steering geometry is used, Presara go up an inch, resting on 7.0J x 17 rims
which locates the kingpin axis ahead of the and 215/55 R17 Michelin rubber.
axle centre, aiming to optimise straight-line
The safety - next page
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O C TO B E R 1 8 , 2 0 0 6 Page 9
THE SAFETY
By TERRY MARTIN
THE Aurion sets a new benchmark for
Australian-built vehicles with the standard
inclusion of six airbags – dual-stage front
airbags, front side airbags and side curtain
airbags – as well as electronic stability and
traction control, and ABS brakes with electronic
brake-force distribution and brake assist.
Independent crash testing under the NCAP
regime is still to be conducted, however a
minimum four stars (out of five) is expected.
Toyota claims the Aurion has the highest
body rigidity ever achieved in an Australianbuilt Toyota model, which contributes to
reduced noise, vibration and harshness (NVH),
as well as improved crashworthiness.
The front seats have an anti-whiplash
design, along with seatbelt pretensioners and
belt force-limiters. The rear three seats have
a lap-sash belt with an automatic locking
retractor, as well as head restraints for all three
positions.
Pedestrian protection measures include
impact-absorbing brackets in the front guards
and a bonnet “support frame” designed to
provide uniform distribution of impact loads
to reduce trauma to a pedestrian’s head and
torso.
All models have projector-type low-beam
headlamps, while the Presara adds “adaptive”
self-levelling high-intensity discharge lights to
its low-beam performance.
The adaptive nature of the Presara’s lights
extends illumination when cornering. Each
low-beam lamp has a swivel actuator linked
to a dedicated ECU that extracts information
from the steering angle sensor and the front
wheel speed sensors.
The articulation angle is specific to each
lamp – the right-hand lamp has a movement
range of 15 degrees, while the left-hand lamp
has a 10-degree range. The system is activated
when the vehicle is travelling forward at more
than 10km/h and when the steering articulation
angle is more than six degrees.
Toyota has also reintroduced a telematics
emergency roadside assistance and vehicle
tracking service with the Aurion. Fitted
standard to Presara, the “Toyota Link” service
enables car occupants to contact a customer
service centre in the event of a collision,
breakdown or theft, but is operational only
when in GPS mobile phone range.
The system now enables owners to have online access and the in-car controls are better
integrated into the cabin, having been relocated
from the rear-view mirror to an overhead
console. The buttons are also more tactile,
reducing the potential for driver distraction,
while a new volume control with improved
microphone and speaker system is also
designed to make the system easier to use.
The verdict - next page
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O C TO B E R 1 8 , 2 0 0 6 Page 10
By MARTON PETTENDY
PUT aside, for the moment, the fact that
Toyota’s brand-new Aurion is really a newgeneration Camry sedan clothed in a different
body, powered exclusively by a V6 engine
and stuffed with loads more technology and
equipment.
And forget about Toyota’s last attempt at a
Commodore-style sedan, the dead-and-buried
Avalon, because – in its own right – Aurion
delivers everything we expected from it.
Underneath the more muscular, more
aggressive and, dare we say it, more blokey
exterior styling and the neatly crafted, highquality interior there is a superbly executed
ride-and-handling package, motivated by a silkysmooth 3.5-litre V6 that delivers both power
and economy neither Commodore nor Falcon
can match, and is mated to a first-rate six-speed
automatic transmission with manual-shift mode.
Throw in, too, the fact that, unlike Holden’s
new VE Commodore, every Aurion comes
standard with side curtain airbags, a full-size
spare wheel and body-coloured wing mirrors,
(proper pull-type) door handles and exterior
garnishes.
Yes, tacky plastic wheel covers remain the
most glaring external giveaway the AT-X is
the cheapest Aurion in the range, but inside
there is an upmarket ambience that both
Commodore Omega and Falcon XT drivers
will immediately appreciate.
THE VERDICT
Of course, current Camry owners will
also be familiar with the largely carryover
dashboard and console, which presents an
array of large, push-button controls in a logical
arrangement that falls readily to hand. Lexusstyle instruments look classy but probably do
not provide incrementation that is accurate
enough, especially in the absence of a digital
speedo display. But the blue backlit centre
console stack is all class.
A wide range of seating and steering wheel
adjustment will suit a variety of body shapes
and sizes, and is let down only by a seat base
that is a little too short and too high.
The latter is exacerbated by a low-slung Apillar that is almost as intrusive as Falcon’s
and almost as thick as Commodore’s and,
besides the fiddly foot-operated parking brake,
is the only let-down in an otherwise highly
ergonomic package.
Stretching room is adequate rather than
generous and an almost-flat rear floor
maximises rear legroom, which in isolation
appears a good match for its rivals. Twin
rear air-vents, four soft-sprung overhead
grabhandles, a large lockable glovebox and
four decent door pockets are a boon, but the
practicality of a split-folding rear seat like
Falcon has is missing. Instead, there’s an even
smaller ski-port than in Commodore and 380.
On the move, Aurion presents all the hallmarks
for which Camry is now famous. Feeling lighter
on the road than Falcon and Commodore, the
weightlessness of both hand and foot controls
help to make Aurion confidence inspiring to
drive immediately at any speed.
Noise suppression is excellent at most
speeds on most road surfaces, though the
lower-profile 17-inch Michelin rubber beneath
Sportivo and Presara is noticeably louder and
rougher on coarse-chip bitumen than the base
model’s 16-inch Dunlops.
While the more firmly sprung Sportivo’s
greater body control is worth the lesscompliant ride, the AT-X is far from floaty.
The local suspension development work is
apparent in the way all Aurions hold the road
with European, rather than American, levels
of composure over all manner of cambers,
corrugations and cavities.
Steering, too, is nicely weighted without
being a chore at carpark speeds, and provides
reasonably crisp turn-in and response in most
situations – with only a whiff of steering
kickback at the very edge of adhesion during
hard cornering over bumps. There is no sign of
bump-steer or steering rack rattle.
Continued next page
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Email: ken.rich@horwath.com.au
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O C TO B E R 1 8 , 2 0 06 Page 11
THE VERDICT
Continued from previous page
overdrive gears deliver outstanding economy
on the open road, but in spirited driving over
300km of wet, broken, undulating blacktop
between Coffs Harbour and Dorrigo we saw a
worst consumption figure of 13.9L/100km and
an average of 12.5, which would only narrowly
undercut Commodore and Falcon’s real-world
figure in similar circumstances.
Driving enthusiasts will rue the lack of
a manual transmission or extra power in
the Sportivo variants, but as a cutting-edge
V6/auto combination Aurion will please a
far greater number of daily drivers than it
disappoints – and probably many more with
sporting pretensions.
Notwithstanding the fact Aurion’s boot is no
bigger than Camry’s (but still larger than all its
rivals’) and that interior space gains are also
non-existent, Aurion should make a great deal
of sense for a great deal of Australians.
Combine the powerful, sophisticated
and well-priced Aurion’s standard safety,
convenience and cosmetic advantages with
Toyota’s legendary reputation for reliability,
quality and resale value, and the AT-X should
appeal as much to the demanding fleet buyers
as price-sensitive private customers.
Unlike Avalon, the Aurion is significantly
different to Camry in terms of both aesthetics
and the driving experience. Given the high level
of standard safety and equipment of the base
AT-X, which should comprise almost two-thirds
of all sales, we think Aurion should easily rob
enough sales from Commodore, Falcon and 380
for it to be successful. The question is how many
Camry sales it substitutes in the process.
And if Toyota’s multi-million-dollar
marketing campaign cannot get large-sedan
buyers’ heads around its clumsy name (two
different Accords with different engines works
for Honda, so why not Toyota?), then at least
Aurion’s mere existence will have improved
the big Aussie six breed.
No, if cars like VE and Aurion can’t turn the
Aussie big-six market around, nothing will.
The future - next page
bnwCUS3009/GAN/HP
Torque steer, the bane of many powerful frontdrive cars, is also kept well in check – certainly
better than in the 380 – but one can’t help feeling
the (unswitchable) stability control system plays
a big role here. Matching Commodore in its
standard fitment across the range, it does a highly
intuitive, effective and unobtrusive job of keeping
the show on the road. For the vast majority of
drivers in most conditions, switching it off (if you
could) would be pointless.
Which brings us to the powertrain, the real
reason for Aurion’s being. Sure, it feels like
there is 200kW on tap somewhere before the
rev-limiter cuts in at around 6500rpm, and the
Aurion V6 is a sweet-revving six that works
brilliantly with Toyota’s pleasingly adaptive
six-speed. But at engine speeds below 3000rpm
acceleration is, at best, sluggish.
Down low Aurion feels significantly more
lethargic in terms of “step-off” torque than
Falcon’s buxom 190kW/380Nm 4.0-litre sixpack and narrowly on par with Commodore’s
3.6-litre V6, which makes only modest gains to
180kW/330Nm in vastly heavier VE guise.
Luckily, the six-speed auto’s quick and
smooth-shifting nature masks its lack of
bottom-end torque effectively, and its manualshift mode can be used to select a maximum
ratio for decent response and engine braking.
Thankfully, when in manual mode, it will
change down but not up. The 6-AT’s two
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O C TO B E R 1 8 , 2 0 0 6 Page 12
BRIEFLY
AMBUSH MARKETING
ALTHOUGH reluctant to reveal the total cost
of its marketing campaign for Aurion, which
began at the Melbourne International Motor
Show in February and included high-profile
AFL sponsorship, Toyota denies it has stooped
as low as redirecting Ford and Holden website
viewers to its own Aurion website, as has been
rumoured. Toyota sales and marketing boss
David Buttner said he would have known about
such a ploy if it existed, but was honoured to
hear reports that Holden’s ambush marketing
campaign had resorted to flying the Big Red
already stretching the friendship of its front- airship over Coffs Harbour on Monday –
drive chassis.
allegedly on its way to the Gold Coast for the
“In rear-drive (cars) for sporty drivers it Lexmark Indy 300.
(switchable VSC) is preferable because it can
be more fun. It’s not necessary with front-drive, SALES SPLIT
THE FUTURE
and we are already near the limits of front-drive TOYOTA expects the entry-level AT-X to
By MARTON PETTENDY
with this engine, but it could happen,” he said. comprise about 65 per cent of Aurion sales –
TOYOTA’S five-variant Aurion sedan range
The global Toyota Modular Platform chief
was launched to the media on Monday, but said fitting the Lexus RX350’s more powerful the same proportion it expects to sell to fleets,
GoAuto has learned its successor has already V6, which features a different exhaust system which is less than the 80 per cent of fleet sales
traditionally attracted by Commodore and
been signed off.
and ECU, was also technically
Falcon, and less than that of Avalon, which
Beyond next year’s Toyota Racing
possible.
became Australia’s top-selling taxi donor car.
Development-tweaked
Aurion
Mr Okane said Toyota had also
Sportivo variants should form 25 per cent of
performance flagship, which will be
looked into steering wheel-mounted
the mix, leaving the luxury-oriented Prodigy
based on the supercharged Aurion
gearshift buttons, like that featured
and Presara to account for 14 and six per cent
concept revealed at this year’s
on automatic versions of premium
respectively.
Melbourne International Motor Show,
Commodore variants.
a host of updates are already in the
And when told by GoAuto the VE
SEGMENT STILL ALIVE
pipeline for the facelifted version due
Commodore also featured the same
TOYOTA chairman emeritus John Conomos
to appear in 2009.
practical
one-touch
indicator
function
Yukihiro Okane
According to the global executive
now employed by many European says Aurion’s arrival is a 20-year dream
chief engineer for Camry, Kluger and Aurion, models, he asked for more information – and come true for him personally and that Toyota
Yukihiro Okane, who flew directly to Coffs for his personal assistant to take detailed notes. Australia’s first legitimate large car will be
instrumental in the big Aussie six segment
Harbour from the US on Sunday after attending
making a “strong contribution” to healthier
the Camry Hybrid launch there, these could
new-car sales in the fourth quarter of 2006.
include everything from one-touch indicators
“The large sedan segment is not dead,” he
to switchable VSC.
said. “The market is in recession but from
Mr Okane said the lack of a switchable
very high levels. Logically, it must rejuvenate
stability control system, like that featured in
and respond. We expect a strong final quarter
premium versions of both Commodore and
to continue to 2008. The demand pattern will
Falcon, was not Toyota policy, and that such
become clear after the launch of this car. Many
a feature was being investigated for fitment in
buyers have told me they are holding off their
future Sportivo or TRD Aurion models.
TRD Aurion
purchase until after the launch of Aurion.”
But he warned Aurion’s 200kW output was
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O C TO B E R 1 8 , 2 0 0 6 Page 13
Ford cutback
Falcon and Territory
production to be slashed
from next month
By NEIL McDONALD
AS TOYOTA was launching its Australian-
built Aurion large car this week, Ford Australia
was holding a press conference to reveal that it
would slash production of its Falcon large car
and Territory SUV by 20 per cent from next
month.
From November 20 the company will
“I think if it’s in the neighbourhood of 13.5
“realign” down production at its Broadmeadows per cent to 15.5 per cent you have a marketplace
plant. The build rate for Falcon and Territory where you can make something of it and then
will fall from 65 cars an hour to 52 an hour, you add on top of that exports and all of a
which reduces its daily build rate from about sudden you have yourself a business,” he said.
450 to 360 vehicles a day.
“I do believe that there is still a viable place for
The company is also looking at a range us here, both locally and as an exporter.”
of options to cut further costs and is
He remained upbeat that the largenegotiating with its 5500 workers over
car market could bounce back.
possible redundancies.
“I still think it’s still too early
Ford Australia president Tom
to say that it’s not going to bounce
Gorman said the company was
back,” he said. “I don’t know if it’s
“reacting to the clear trends that have
still a residual effect of people’s
been happening for some time”.
concern with what’s happening with
In 1997 large cars made up 28 per cent
petrol prices.”
of the total market but since 2003 that
Because the Falcon sedan, ute
segment has lost nine percentage points Tom Gorman and Territory are built on the same
because of increasing market segmentation and production line, the company has flexibility
a swing away from six-cylinder large cars.
in allowing production of individual vehicles
“Nine percentage points on an industry of to be aligned with demand. “Also, in terms
our size now is between 87,000 and 90,000 of LPG we have taken our mix of LPG up
cars a year,” Mr Gorman said. “I don’t think substantially,” Mr Gorman said. “Not too long
anybody anticipated that level of change.”
ago we were at only 65 LPGs – we’re now well
Mr Gorman said he did not think large cars above 100 and heading towards 120.”
would ever return to a 20 per cent market share.
Ford is the second car-maker to reduce
production as a result of slow sales, joining
Mitsubishi which has struggled with its 380
range. In its first month on sale, Holden’s new
VE Commodore has also struggled
to recapture big-six interest, selling
4155 VEs.
To September, Falcon sales have
declined 18.6 per cent – 33,235
versus 40,837 over the same period
last year.
BF Falcon MkII
Falcon production
The Territory has suffered, too, with sales
volumes falling from 17,609 YTD last year to
14,449 this year, an 18 per cent drop.
Mr Gorman said Falcon inventories were
quite low but the company had to be realistic
“and you have to cut the cloth to fit the suit”.
“Producing cars at the line rate we’re at
today and not selling them … you only have a
couple of choices … you can either put them
against the fence but that’s not good for quality,
not good for our total cost base, it’s not good
for anything in the long run,” he said.
“Or you can step up to it and say: I’m going
to produce what the market is looking for in
the near term and I’m going to be as efficient
as I can at that level of production. But clearly
it has an adverse impact.”
Mr Gorman said many things had contributed
to buyers moving away from large cars.
“There has been a large move in the
Australian dollar,” he said.
“When we launched the BA Falcon the
Australian dollar was trading at 56 cents
to the US dollar and today it trades in the
neighbourhood of 75 cents.
“Imports have become far more attractive to
consumers as all of the importers have been in
the position to drive their prices down.
“Domestic manufacturers – Mitsubishi,
Holden, Toyota and us – have a slightly
different situation in front of us.
“You’ve also seen, as the market has
expanded from that time point, an unbelievable
list of new vehicles launched in the market in
every segment.”
DAIMLERCHRYSLER
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An opportunity is available for a Fleet Coordinator within our Service & Parts Division located at Mulgrave in the Commercial Vehicle Parts Marketing team.
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O C TO B E R 1 8 , 2 0 0 6 Page 14
New Corolla sedan!
All-new Corolla four-door
breaks cover in Japan
By NEIL McDONALD
TOYOTA has taken the covers off its 10th-
generation Corolla sedan and wagon.
When unveiling the car in Japan last week,
the Asian auto giant revealed the Corolla sedan
had a new name – Axio, which is taken from
the Greek word “axia” meaning “things of
value” – to shed the car’s competitive-but-staid
image in some markets.
“With the new name, we want to expand our
customer base and increase volumes,” TMC
president Katsuaki Watanabe said in Tokyo last
week, noting that the average age of existing
Corolla buyers in Japan was around 60.
The Axio name will be used in Japan and
Europe while the wagon will be called the
Fielder. However, all model variants sold in
Australia will retain the Corolla name.
While the wagon is unlikely to make it Down
Under, the sedan is due in the first quarter of
2007. A hatchback should follow soon after,
based on the Euro-inspired Auris “concept”
shown at the recent Paris motor show.
In Japan, the sedan and wagon are available
in both 1.5-litre and 1.8-litre guises, mated to
either five-speed manual gearboxes or what
Toyota calls its “super continuous variable
transmission-intelligent”
(Super
CVT-i)
automatic. Four-wheel drive is also offered,
although this not likely to make it to Australia.
Toyota claims both engines have improved
economy and performance while reducing
emissions. Most likely for Australia, the 1.8litre 2ZR-FE unit develops 100kW at 6000rpm
and 175Nm at 4400rpm, compared to the
current car’s 93kW at 6000rpm and 161Nm
at 4200rpm. The 2ZR-FE engine adopts dual
variable valve timing-intelligent (dual VVTi) that optimises both intake and exhaust for
smoother and more powerful acceleration.
Apart from being slightly roomier, the
Japanese-spec Axio adopts modern safety devices
like a pre-crash safety system using radar, brake
assist, radar cruise control, active headlights and
an intelligent parking assist system.
At 4410mm long, the newcomer is 20mm
longer than the current Corolla but sits on the
same 2600mm wheelbase; it is also the same
width at 1695mm but is 10mm lower. The front
track remains the same at 1480mm and the rear
track is up 5mm to 1465mm.
The company focused on enhancing
basic performance and improving quality
levels. Toyota said the new sedan and
wagon were developed with “car-making
by a new measure” as their basic theme.
Despite the company’s claim of trying
to improve the Corolla’s staid-but-solid
looks, the Axio has not strayed too far
from the Corolla’s conservatively styling.
The front end follows the latest trend of
headlights cutting sharply into the bumper
line while the bonnet has a slight edge to it,
rising to meet the front pillar.
The side glass pitches low from the leading
edge of the front door, flowing into the boot,
while the roofline has a continuous curve from
front to back. The rear pillars sweep downward
to create a gently arcing character line that
displays Corolla Axio’s stylish nature. At the
back the boot has a wide opening, down to
bumper level.
The interior has a simple and clean design
that follows the Camry principle of having all
centre controls high-set for ease of use. The
steering wheel is adjustable for reach as well
as height. To enhance visibility, the top surface
of the instrument panel is low while the front
pillars have been extended forward and made
slimmer. Japanese models also have a “smart
key” access to unlock doors and a button to
start the engine.
The back seat floor hump is minimised to
create a flat surface for extra legroom.
The Axio’s global outstanding assessment
(GOA) construction has been further evolved
to create a stronger crash safety frame while
the bonnet and the front of the car are built
around a pedestrian-friendly structure. The
front seat structures have active headrests and
seat frames.
Since its debut in 1966, the Corolla has been
a solid seller around the world. Last year in
Australia, Toyota sold 46,415 Corollas, making
it one of the best-selling passenger cars in the
country.
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To talk to us about how our knowledge and experience can benefit your business, contact our local Directors:
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O C TO B E R 1 8 , 2 0 0 6 Page 15
Z4 hard wired
BMW programs its
brutal Z4 Coupe to beat
the Porsche Cayman
By MARTON PETTENDY
BMW’s pumped-up, pint-sized Z4 Coupe has
won the first battle in its war against a gaggle
of compact German coupe competitors by
hitting Aussie shores narrowly ahead of Audi’s
sexy new TT and an entry-level Cayman from
Porsche.
Technically all three models are hatchbacks,
but that will not stop BMW claiming the M
version of its Z4 Roadster-based hard-top is
a “pocket GT” aimed directly at the top of
a high-performance coupe market that also
includes the Munich maker’s own M3.
BMW openly admits its top-shelf Z4 M
Coupe, which is claimed to be among the
stiffest models it has ever produced, can lap
Germany’s famed Nurburgring quicker than
the current M3, with which it shares its glorious
3.2-litre straight six.
Offering 252kW at a frenetic 7900rpm
(more than Ford’s turbocharged 4.0-litre six)
and 365Nm at 4900rpm, the latest iteration of
BMW’s six-cylinder M engine was introduced
way back in the E46 M3 of May 2001, and also
powers the Z4 M Roadster launched here as
part of an upgraded Z4 convertible range in
April this year. It returns claimed (EU) average
fuel consumption of 12.1L/100km and emits
292g/km of CO2 emissions.
When BMW’s next-generation M3 – to be
based on the redesigned E92 3 Series coupe
also released in October, led by the twin-turbo
3.0si
M Coupe
335i – adopts V8 firepower from late 2007, flat six and also comes as a five-speed auto
both Z4 M models will live on as faithful ($153,100).
The Z4 3.0si Coupe, which shares its superrecipients of the finest (and final) six-cylinder
light 195kW/315Nm 3.0-litre magnesiumfrom BMW’s M-division skunkworks.
Until then, short of the V10-powered M6 alloy six with the Z4 3.0si Roadster, is priced at
$87,900 for the (same Getrag)
(0-100km/h in 4.6 seconds)
six-speed manual and $90,500
coupe, the hard-top Z4-M
$78,000
for the six-speed ZF-sourced
is BMW’s quickest coupe, 2.5si Roadster
auto with paddle-shifters. The
officially blasting to 100km/ 2.5si Roadster (a) $80,600
$87,900
3.0-litre offers 0-100km/h
h in five seconds dead – the 3.0si Coupe
$90,500
sprinting in a claimed 5.7
same time BMW claims for 3.0si Coupe (a)
$91,200
seconds (six for the auto),
the Z4 M Roadster, which 3.0si Roadster
weighs 1320kg (auto: 1350kg),
weighs 10kg less at 1410kg, 3.0si Roadster (a) $93,800
M Coupe
$127,200
returns claimed average fuel
and two-tenths quicker than
M Roadster
$130,500
consumption of 8.9L/100km
the E46 M3.
While the M6 coupe enters Porsche 911 (auto: 9.0L/100km) and produces official CO2
territory by lapping the Nordschleife in around emissions of 213g/km (auto: 216g/km).
It lines up closest with this month’s new
eight minutes, the Z4 M Coupe is not far behind
at 8:15. Although that is marginally quicker base Cayman, powered by a 180kW/273Nm
than the M3, crucially, it is also five seconds 2.7-litre boxer six and priced at $118,000
better than a standard Porsche Cayman S, the (six-speed manual) and $122,600 (five-speed
auto). Porsche claims 6.1 seconds for the 2.7
M Coupe’s closest rival.
Priced at $127,200, the six- manual.
Just as the twin-seat Cayman is based
speed manual-only M Coupe is
almost $10,000 lower than its on Porsche’s second-generation Boxster
(pre-GST) predecessor and the convertible, so too does the two-pew M Coupe
last two-seater BMW tin-top, sprout from the Z3-replacing Z4 Roadster
the five-speed Z3 M Coupe. It launched here in July 2003 – but the obvious
is also $21,300 cheaper than difference is Porsche charges a $16,000
the 1340kg Cayman S manual premium while BMW offers a discount.
($148,500), which is powered
FULL STORY: CLICK HERE
by a 217kW/340Nm 3.4-litre
DRIVE IMPRESSIONS: CLICK HERE
PRICING:
Dealership For Sale – NSW South Coast
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O C TO B E R 1 8 , 2 0 0 6 Page 16
Kiss of life
Volkswagen gives some
artificial respiration to
its flagging luxury SUV
By NEIL McDONALD
IN A desperate bid to lift sales, Volkswagen
Group Australia (VGA) has slashed pricing
on its luxury Touareg SUV ahead of a mid-life
facelift arriving next year.
VGA has also revised the line-up, dropping
the $99,990 224kW/410Nm 4.2-litre V8 petrol
model and introducing two new V6 engines.
The company has increased specifications
but trimmed $5000 off the entry six-speed
Tiptronic automatic 2.5-litre R5 TDI and
cut $15,000 off the range-topping V10 TDI
by deleting the standard sunroof, satellite
navigation and wood/leather steering wheel.
These items are now optional.
The two new V6s are a 3.0-litre TDI and
latest-generation 3.6-litre FSI petrol engine.
The price revisions come just as a refreshed
Touareg was unveiled at the Paris motor show
last month, featuring a new 257kW/440Nm V8
FSI petrol engine and mildly upgraded exterior
and interior styling.
Although unconfirmed for Australia, the
new petrol V8, and possibly Audi’s 4.2-litre V8
TDI, could eventually be seen in local Touareg
models if there is demand.
The facelifted Touareg will not arrive until
mid-2007, but VGA managing director Jutta
Dierks said the company needed to become
more aggressive with Touareg sales ahead of
the facelift.
“There was no time to wait,” she said. “We
are in launch mode.”
She was confident the latest
price cuts and availability of a
torquey 3.0-litre V6 TDI would 2.5 R5 TDI
lift sales and buyer awareness 3.6 V6 FSI
3.0 V6 TDI
without having to resort to finance
5.0 V10 TDI
deals or other sales incentives
used in the past for the slow-selling SUV.
Over the past 12 months, VW has embarked
on an unprecedented launch attack across
its range, including new Passat, Jetta, Golf
R32, Polo GTi and Transporter variants. This
Touareg repositioning represents the last piece
of the VW puzzle to be put into place.
VW sales are up 39 per cent
this year, sitting at 15,737 YTD –
4412 more than last year. This has
positioned the brand in 11th place
behind Kia (which is 500 units
ahead YTD) and enables it to claim
the title as the strongest European
importer this year.
VGA general manager marketing
Peter Dierks said the price
alignment on Touareg was required
and the SUV needed more specific
marketing attention “in an increasing
competitor environment”.
The big off-roader has been on sale in
Australia since September 2003, but has failed
to gain traction among luxury SUV buyers,
selling just 561 last year in a luxury SUV
market that has experienced strong growth
against other declining SUV
segments. VW has sold 359
$64,990
units YTD, down 13.9 per cent
$74,990
on the same period last year.
$74,990
Apart from keener pricing,
$121,990
the entry-level five-cylinder R5
TDI, with 128kW at 3500rpm and 400Nm at
2000rpm, also benefits from the bulk of the
equipment changes.
R5 standard equipment runs to 4Motion
4WD system with low-range, dual-zone
climate-control air-conditioning, six airbags,
ABS and ESP, brake assist, hill hold and hill
descent control, 17-inch “Canyon” alloys,
cruise control, a trip computer, a multi-function
steering wheel, net partition and luggage
cover, front foglights, front and rear parking
sensors, exterior chrome package, rain-sensing
windscreen wipers, automatic headlights,
heated side mirrors, a hinged rear window,
remote central locking and a six-stack CD.
The V6 FSI and V6 TDI models add an alarm
system, walnut wood and brushed aluminium
highlights, cricket leather, and electrically
adjustable and heated front seats.
PRICING:
FULL STORY: CLICK HERE
DRIVE IMPRESSIONS: CLICK HERE
“They listened................AND WE DOUBLED OUR SALES”
Mario Kordovolos – Managing Director CLINTONS TOYOTA
The aftermarket specialist company
• Superior people
• Superior systems
• Six star service
Call me now to increase profit and control in aftermarket
Tina Knezovic – 13 14 96 www.sixstarsolutions.com.au
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John Mellor's
GoAutonews
O C TO B E R 1 8 , 2 0 0 6 Page 17
F&I Sales
Professional
• World’s leading warranty, CCI and
Gap insurance provider
• Major new global organisational
initiative
• Excellent remuneration and career
growth
As a result of a major worldwide organisational initiative the worlds leading
supplier of warranty, CCI and Gap
insurance products to the motor industry
is about to get even stronger in the
Australian market.
This well recognized company is looking
to complement its existing NSW sales
team with a senior sales professional
that will take responsibility for developing
existing customers and winning new
business in NSW.
You will be an enthusiastic and well
connected sales professional with
experience of selling business solutions
to the motor industry. Ideally you will also
have a well developed knowledge of the
finance, insurance and warranty market
as it relates to the automotive sector.
The successful candidate will be joining
a company that is already setting new
standards in the market and will not only
enjoy an attractive salary and incentive
package but also career opportunities
that can only come from being associated
with the best in the industry.
In order to be considered for this role you
must be conversant with PC applications
such as Outlook, Word and Excel.
For further information email:
fandisales@optusnet.com.au
The ‘hy life’
Lexus LS460hL
By TIM BRITTEN
LEXUS is committed to hybrid technology to
the extent that the Toyota offshoot is predicting
it could represent as much as 20 per cent of its
total Australian sales by the middle of 2007.
This comes in the wake of the luxury carmaker’s second hybrid launch here this year,
and precedes the arrival of the V8-engined, allwheel drive LS600hL hybrid in 2007.
When this happens, it will give the Japanese
company a commanding lead in bringing
hybrid technology to the market as other carmakers – according to Lexus – are engaged in
catch-up mode.
The reference here is to the hybrid project
being undertaken in a combined exercise
involving DaimlerChrylser, General Motors
and BMW, which represents a change in
thinking from a group that had previously
discounted the Lexus position on hybrids.
The system to come out of this program
shares similarities with the Lexus system but,
according to the executive director of hybrid
powertrain programs for DaimlerChrysler, Dr
Andreas Truckenbrodt, there are things that
make the joint development better.
Using technology such as separate high- and
low-speed modes and four fixed gear ratios in
its continuously variable transmission (CVT),
the system is claimed to offer better real-life
fuel economy and better towing capacity while,
according to Dr Truckenbrodt, embracing
some “smart control concepts which we want
to apply”.
But the system will be on the road in the US
until late next year (with BMW and Mercedes
models further away again) and, so far, has not
been designed for right-hand drive.
In Australia recently for the RX400h launch,
the general manager and chief engineer for the
Lexus planning division Yoshihiko Matsuda
exercised diplomacy by declining to comment
on the relative merits of either his company’s
system or that of GM/BMW/DaimlerChrysler.
“I am not familiar with the (GM/BMW/
DaimlerChrysler) system,” he claimed at the
launch. “So I am not saying which is better.”
However, he did concede that Lexus believes
its system, which comprises a planetary gearbased CVT and electric motors to supplement
a conventional petrol engine, is the “most
promising” of those being applied at the
moment, including “milder” systems like those
being used in the Honda Civic hybrid.
Lexus is clearly quite comfortable with its
significant hybrid lead right now as it deftly
builds what appears to be an unassailable lead
for the foreseeable future, covering all-wheel
drive (RX400h), performance/luxury V6
(GS450h) and upper luxury V8 (LS600hL).
At the RX400h launch, Mr Matsuda was also
asked a question many observers have wanted to
ask since the first Toyota Prius came to the market
here in 2001: why not a turbo-diesel hybrid?
FULL STORY: CLICK HERE
TYNAN MOTOR GROUP
Professional Business Managers
Tynan Financial Services require the services of professional and experienced BusinessManagers for numerous
positions within our multi franchised dealerships.
Applicants must be, computer literate, have excellent communication, sales and organizational skills and above all be able
to demonstrate a true desire to succeed. Successful applicants must be able to demonstrate proven results achieved as
a Business Manager or finance assistant in a Motor Vehicle Dealership or similar position.
Excellent working conditions and generous performance based salary package for the successful applicant.
Please forward your resume in strictest confidence to
Mr Grant Major – General Manager Finance at grantm@tynan.com.au or call Direct 02 954 58634
www.mellor.net
John Mellor's
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O C TO B E R 1 8 , 2 0 0 6 Page 18
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LOTUS HAS CONFIDENCE IN KIMBERLEY
BILL FORD ADVISER OUT THE DOOR
GROUP Lotus has confirmed Mike Kimberley
as its chief executive officer, charging him with
implementing the five-year business plan he
presented to the board of the Proton-owned British
sportscar marque late last month. A former Lotus
managing director during the Colin Chapman era
(and CEO Colin Chapman’s successor from 19831991), Mr Kimberley returned in May to review
Lotus’ business and operations. Among his tasks Mike Kimberley
will be to introduce a joint Lotus/Proton high-performance model in
May 2008 and a new mid-range sportscar in December 2008. Over
the past three decades Mr Kimberley has worked for General Motors,
Jaguar and Lamborghini.
FORD announced the departure of another senior
executive last week – chief of staff Steve Hamp, who
will leave the American auto giant on October 31.
The position, which involved advising executive
chairman Bill Ford and other top management on
strategic matters, is being eliminated. His specific
focus was the co-ordination and management of
the office of chairman and CEO, “alignment” of
the senior management team and co-ordination Steve Hamp
of the “corporate strategic dialogue and integration of strategy into
company operations”. “His unique organisational, leadership and
communications skills were an enormous help to me as I determined
the next steps for our company,” Mr Ford said.
Eye on the i
Mitsu committed to micro
car, despite ADR stumble
By NEIL McDONALD
MITSUBISHI Australia remains committed to
offering a micro “i” car in its line-up, despite
Australian Design Rules related to the car’s side
intrusion safety emerging as a stumbling block.
Mitsubishi’s president and chief executive
officer Robert McEniry said he was not
dissuaded to add another small car to the lineup, considering the slow take-up of the underperforming Colt hatch – a car he said would
start to improve now that it was available with
a five-speed manual gearbox and its price point
had come down to $15,990.
“It will start to pick up – watch this space,”
he said.
Mr McEniry said the “i” car would target a
completely different buyer.
“It will bring totally new buyers in, the younger
professional type of person. It would be only a car
for the major capital cities,” he said. “I think it’s
one of those cars that shows an enormous degree
of responsibility given fuel prices.”
Despite his enthusiasm, Mr McEniry
said no timeframe had been set for the car’s
launch, although Mitsubishi previously said
i-car
the car would go on sale within 12 to 18
months. Mitsubishi Japan is working on a rearengined 1.0-litre naturally aspirated MIVEC
petrol version – which Australia will get – to
supplement the 660cc turbocharged model.
The latter is powered by a 47kW/94Nm
turbocharged MIVEC three-cylinder engine,
which returns a claimed 5.4L/100km.
“They are looking at expanding the range too
and actually looking at making a slightly wider
version,” Mr McEniry said. “It’s certainly not
a dead subject for us, but it’s not going to be as
quick as I like. I would have liked to launch it
in two weeks’ time at the Sydney show.”
Mr McEniry believes the “i” could also help
bolster sales of the Colt as the pair would be a
good fit on showroom floors.
The Colt order intake is moving in the right
direction thanks in part to the “Revolution
2006” ad campaigns, and once the Cabrio
version arrives in a few weeks, Mr McEniry is
confident the hatch will do better.
He sees the Cabrio as a nice halo-car for the
Colt range and one that will bring a greater
awareness of the rest of the range, including
the new $29,990 1.5-litre turbocharged Ralliart
version.
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O C TO B E R 1 8 , 2 0 0 6 Page 19
GoAuto’s latest road test
www.goauto.com.au
Volkswagen Jetta TDI sedan
THE Volkswagen Golf has a new sedan brother with a new name – Jetta. Bigger than the Bora that it
supersedes and in possession of a mighty boot to compensate for its lack of hatchback versatility,
the Jetta satisfies those not wishing to think beyond conventional sedan design. The Jetta
greets passengers with a measurably more spacious interior than the Bora and accesses
that boot via a split-fold backrest so it’s not all that impractical. And it comes in three
versions: the smooth, refined 2.0 FSI, the punchy 2.0 FSI turbo and the enticingly thrifty,
yet powerful turbo-diesel TDI. Generally a little more refined than the Golf because
that’s the way sedans are, the Jetta extends the VW range and will undoubtedly fill the
ROAD TEST: CLICK HERE
order books with increasing rapidity.
VE RECALL
HOLDEN’S billion-dollar VE Commodore
and WM Statesman/Caprice have been hit by
their first national recall. The company has
recalled 1521 V8 models because of a fuel leak.
According to Product Recalls Australia, “in
extreme cases the vehicle may develop a fuel
leak and a fuel smell may become evident to the
driver”. The leak has been tracked to VE and
WM series Holdens fitted with a V8 engine that
were built in July and August. “A condition can
occur where a fuel hose that connects the main
fuel line and the injector rail in the engine bay
may have been manufactured incorrectly,” PRA
said. “If damaged, the location may not be visible
as it is covered by an outer sleeve band.”
CAMRY AT-X V6?
WAS it a mistake, or something to read into?
Toyota Australia’s website last week carried
a model list for Camry showing an AT-X V6
model variant, priced from $39,900. A GoAuto
reader who alerted us to the “new model” said
the price list was online for a short period before
being removed. Toyota has denied an AT-X (or
even a V6) Camry are under consideration.
And not least because the listed price is well
above the $34,990 Aurion AT-X, it seems it
was nothing more than a point of interest.
MORE THUNDER CLAPS
HOLDEN has introduced another VZ-series SS
Thunder ute, offering a claimed $3000 worth of
extras including 18-inch alloy wheels (pinched
from Monaro CV8-R), red front brake callipers, a
twin aero form hard tonneau cover, leather-faced
seat and door trim, and two VE Commodore
colours. Priced from $42,990, the SS ute uses
Holden’s 260kW/510Nm Gen IV 6.0-litre V8.
Launch Pad
brought to you by
OCTOBER:
Alfa Romeo Spider convertible
BMW Z4 Coupe
Ferrari 599 coupe
BMW Z4 Coupe
Ford Falcon BFII range
FPV BFII range
FPV BFII luxury sedan
Holden Captiva SUV range
Mazda6 diesel
Ferrari 599
Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van
Mercedes-Benz CLS/CLK/E/ML63 AMG
Porsche Cayman 2.7 coupe
Porsche Boxster convertible
Toyota Aurion sedan range
Toyota Aurion
Volkswagen Touareg 3.0 TDI
New model diary: CLICK HERE
GM DAEWOO SLOWDOWN
HOLDEN’S South Korean affiliate GM
Daewoo Auto & Technology (GMDAT)
expects its sales growth to fall from 38 per cent
YTD to 12.5 per cent in 2007 as the impact of
new-vehicle launches such as the Captiva SUV
wears off, according to GMDAT’s new chief
executive Michael Grimaldi.
Quoted in a Reuters report last week, Mr
Grimaldi said 2007 sales were forecast to rise
to 1.7-1.8 million – mainly on the back of
exports to destinations such as Australia – from
a 2006 target of 1.6 million.
He also reportedly said GM Daewoo would
reach two million annual sales in the “near
future” but declined to elaborate. More than
90 per cent of the company’s vehicles are
exported.
380 PLATINUM
MITSUBISHI Motors Australia has released a
limited-issue “Platinum Edition” of its Adelaidebuilt 380 large car, which has a claimed $4000
extra value over the 380 SX grade. Priced from
$30,990 for the five-speed manual variant,
or $32,990 for the five-speed automatic, the
380 Platinum adds reverse parking sensors, a
sunroof, a rear spoiler, platinum-coloured grille
and bumper inserts, “Platinum” decals, colourcoded foglamp bezels, a silver dash stack insert,
Bluetooth mobile phone connectivity and a
second 12V power socket.
166 Ti UPGRADE
ALFA Romeo Australia has held pricing firm
for its Ti-badged 166 model, which is now
available from $84,950. The sole 166 model
variant on offer in Australia, the sports-oriented
Ti has, as GoAuto revealed last month, several
extra features including unique 18-inch alloy
wheels, high intensity discharge headlights,
rear parking sensors, black leather cabin
upholstery, a sunroof and Ti badging. Sat-nav
is also included. The suspension continues
unchanged, as does the 162kW/265Nm 3.0litre V6.
PUNTO GETS DUALOGIC
FIAT has introduced its “DuaLogic”
transmission to the Punto small-car range. A
version of Alfa Romeo’s Selespeed clutch-less
sequential-manual transmission, the five-speed
gearbox is available in five-door Dynamic
model variants, which are available with either
a 57kW 1.4-litre petrol engine or a 66kW 1.3litre turbo-diesel. DuaLogic adds $1500 onto
the 1.4 petrol (to retail from $21,490) and $500
onto the 1.3 JTD (from $23,490).
More buyers. More prospects. More cars sold.