2016 Toyota Aurion Sportivo
By Lorenzo Bianchi January 5, 2016
The Aurion Sportivo gains significant standard equipment without altering its mechanical formula.
Visual updates sharpen stance while preserving conservative proportions.
Positioned as a high-value V6 alternative as large sedans begin to retreat from the market.
Exterior detail sharpens an established shape
The 2016 Toyota Aurion Sportivo does not attempt reinvention. Instead, it refines an already familiar silhouette with small but deliberate changes that subtly alter the car’s presence. Newly designed black 18-inch alloy wheels immediately lower the visual centre of gravity, giving the sedan a firmer, more purposeful stance when viewed side-on. The addition of the exclusive Cherry exterior colour further differentiates the Sportivo from lower grades, adding contrast to an otherwise conservative body form.
The Aurion’s proportions remain classically Australian-market oriented. A long bonnet, broad shoulders, and restrained surfacing signal stability rather than aggression. These are surfaces designed to age quietly, not chase trends.
Cabin upgrades focus on comfort and technology
Inside, the 2016 Aurion Sportivo receives its most meaningful updates. Sports leather-accented seats become standard, joined by a power-adjustable driver’s seat with memory function. The layout remains clean and functional, but added features shift the cabin experience closer to premium territory.
Technology integration is now more central. A seven-inch touchscreen anchors the dashboard, paired with satellite navigation offering real-time traffic updates. A 10-speaker JBL audio system and digital DAB+ radio broaden its appeal for long-distance driving, while Toyota Link connectivity expands access to vehicle and traffic information where supported. A rear power sunshade adds a layer of comfort typically absent in this price bracket.
Familiar V6 performance remains the anchor
Mechanically, the Aurion Sportivo stays true to its original brief. Power comes from a 3.5-litre quad-cam V6 producing 200kW, certified to Euro 5 emissions standards and capable of running on regular unleaded fuel. The delivery is smooth and linear, favouring refinement over outright aggression.
This is not a performance recalibration, nor does it attempt to be one. Instead, the Aurion continues to offer effortless acceleration and relaxed highway manners, characteristics that once defined the large sedan segment. Standard safety equipment remains comprehensive, with seven airbags, stability and traction control, reversing camera, and front and rear parking sensors fitted across the range.
Positioning in a changing market
By 2016, the large V6 sedan was already under pressure from SUVs and downsized turbocharged rivals. The Aurion Sportivo responds not with downsizing or electrification, but with value. The additional equipment introduced outweighs the modest price increase, reinforcing its appeal to buyers prioritising space, comfort, and naturally aspirated power.
Within Toyota’s lineup, the Aurion Sportivo sits as a quietly confident outlier. It does not chase sport sedan theatrics, nor does it apologise for its size. Instead, it doubles down on refinement and equipment at a time when such offerings were becoming increasingly rare.