The Toyota Aurion has always been Australia's polite answer to a rowdy question. While Holden and Ford fought over the tradie market, the Aurion quietly went about its business.
For 2012, Toyota tidied up the exterior, improved the cabin materials and added more standard features across the range. The 3.5-litre V6 produces 200kW and sends it all through the front wheels. Not the most dynamic arrangement, but it's smooth and responsive enough for everyday use.
The interior is a noticeable step up from the outgoing model. Leather, dual-zone climate control and a touch-screen infotainment system are all present on the upper grades. Rear legroom is generous and the ride is properly comfortable.
It won't excite you in a corner. The steering is light and the front end pushes wide if you ask too much of it. But that's not what Aurion buyers are after.
They want a reliable, refined, reasonably-priced alternative to the homegrown V6 sedans. On that measure, the 2012 Aurion delivers without fuss.
