Item: 2006 Toyota XV40 Aurion
Rating: 3.5

Refined and powerful 3.5-litre 2GR-FE V6 engine
Six-speed automatic transmission provides near seamless gearshifts
Quiet, well-insulated cabin
Long-travel suspension provides a generally comfortable ride…

… though slightly lacking in low-speed compliance
Nose-heavy dynamics
For Aurion AT-X, front seats lack lateral support
Rear seats don’t fold
Pre-2009 2GR-FE V6 engine susceptible to oil leaks from a hose on the rear cylinder bank

Review: Toyota XV40.I Aurion (2006-09)

Overview

Released in October 2006, the Toyota XV40 Series I (XV40.I) Aurion was a large, front-wheel drive sedan. Manufactured in Altona, Victoria, the Toyota XV40 Aurion was powered by a 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine that was mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. The XV40.I Aurion range initially consisted of five variants: AT-X, Prodigy, Sportivo SX6, Sportivo ZR6 and Presara, though limited-run Touring variants were released in 2007, 2008 and 2009.

2GR-FE engine

The 3.5-litre 2GR-FE V6 engine had an aluminium block and cylinder head, double overhead camshafts per cylinder bank (chain-driven), roller rockers, four valves per cylinder, variable inlet and exhaust valve timing (Toyota’s ‘dual VVT-i’), an Acoustic Control Induction System (ACIS) which increased the length of the induction tract for low-rev torque and shortened the tract for top-end power and a compression ratio of 10.8:1.

Over the combined ADR 81/01 test cycle, fuel consumption for the XV40 Aurion was 9.9 litres per 100 km (using 95 RON premium unleaded petrol).

Body and dimensions

The Aurion was based on the XV40 Camry platform, but was differentiated from the Camry by its V6 engine, six-speed automatic transmission and styling. As such, the Aurion was 10 mm longer than the Camry (at 4825 mm) and 10 mm lower (1470 mm), though width (1820 mm) and wheelbase length (2775 mm) were unchanged.

Suspension

The Toyota Aurion had coil-over suspension with MacPherson struts front and rear, with L-shaped lower arms at the front and dual transverse links at the rear.

Toyota XV40.I Aurion specifications
Variants	Years	Engine	Trans.	Peak power	Peak torque
AT-X, Prodigy, Sportivo SX6, Sportivo ZR6, Presara	2006-09	3.5-litre petrol V6 (2GR-FE)	6sp auto (U660E)	200 kW at 6200 rpm	336 Nm at 4700 rpm
Touring	2007-09	3.5-litre petrol V6 (2GR-FE)	6sp auto (U660E)	200 kW at 6200 rpm	336 Nm at 4700 rpm

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the Toyota XV40.I Aurion included dual front airbags, front side airbags, full-length curtain airbags (i.e. for front and rear occupants), ABS, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, electronic stability control, traction control, active front seat head restraints and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters.

Brakes

The Toyota XV40 Aurion had 296 mm by 28 mm ventilated front disc brakes and 286 mm by 10 mm solid rear discs.

ANCAP crash testing

In ANCAP crash testing , a 2007 Toyota XV40.I Aurion AT-X received a four star adult occupant protection rating with a score of 30.03 out of 37. In the offset crash test, protection from serious leg injury was marginal for the driver. In the side impact test, there was a slight risk of serious chest injury for the driver. A pole test, which could provided an additional two points, was not conducted.

A 2009 Toyota XV40.II Aurion subsequently received a five star adult occupant protection rating – with a score of 33.03 – following the introduction of a front passenger seatbelt reminder (one point) and the completion of the pole test (two points).

Features: Aurion AT-X, Prodigy, Presara

Standard features for the Toyota Aurion AT-X included 16-inch steel wheels, a six speaker sound system with an MP3-compatible CD player, air conditioning, an eight-way power adjustable driver’s seat (including lumbar adjustment), cruise control with speed alert, automatic headlights, steering wheel audio controls, remote central locking, power windows and mirrors, a tilt and reach adjustable steering wheel, courtesy lamps, rear ski port, an alarm and immobiliser.

The Aurion Prodigy was further equipped with 16-inch alloy wheels, six-stack CD player, dual zone climate control air conditioning, leather seats and door trim, a six-way power adjustable front passenger seat, front and rear parking sensors, front fog lamps, a multi-function trip computer, woodgrain interior trim and a leather-wrapped four-spoke steering wheel and gearshift lever.

The range-topping Aurion Presara was distinguished by its 17-inch alloy wheels, satellite navigation system, reversing camera, driver’s seat and mirror memory settings, Bluetooth connectivity, steering wheel climate and Bluetooth controls, high intensity discharge (HID) headlights, rain-sensing wipers, keyless entry and start, a kerbside-tilting mirror when reversing, moonroof and powered rear blind.

Features: Aurion Sportivo SX6 and Sportivo ZR6

Compared to the AT-X, the Aurion Sportivo SX6 added 17-inch alloy wheels with sports suspension settings and a six-stack CD player. The Sportivo variants were also fitted with additional rear bracing, undercarriage aerodynamic enhancements and a sports body kit, including front and rear spoilers, side skirts and rear apron.

The Aurion Sportivo ZR6 was further equipped with dual zone climate control air conditioning, black leather seats, a six-way power adjustable front passenger seat, front and rear parking sensors and keyless entry and start.

Aurion Touring

In October 2007, April 2008, October 2008 and April 2009, limited-run Touring variants were released. Relative to the AT-X, the Aurion Touring added 16-inch alloy wheels, a six-stack CD player, dual zone climate control air conditioning, front and rear parking sensors, front fog lamps, a four-spoke leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearshift, trip computer and rear spoiler. The 2009 Touring variants were also distinguished by their 17-inch alloy wheels and Sportivo grille, head and tail-lights and sports pedals.

Review: Toyota XV40.II Aurion (2009-11)