No waiting: revised Aurion here today

Toyota has jus announced an update -- plus some price increases -- for its V6 Aurion range.

Largely focused on cosmetics, the Aurion revamp embraces new front, side and rear aspects, as well as changes to interior detail and equipment -- including the adoption of Bluetooth mobile phone connectivity on all models. Better performance via "improved light distribution" for both halogen and Xenon headlights is also claimed,

Entry-level AT-X, second-string Prodigy and Sportivo SX6 are hit by Manufacturer's List Price increases: $500 for the AT-X and $1000 for Prodigy and Sportivo SX6.

The new look changes the visage of the Aurion to give a "tougher" look via what Toyota calls X-form architecture. This means the lines of the (wider) upper grille section contrast with those of the lower air intake, which now splay outwards at the bottom.

The side views aim for a chunkier look via the deletion of the low-set protector strips, while the rear end now features new taillights with faster-acting LED stoplights in a "parallelogram" shape, rather than a dual, round-lens design.

Equipment upgrades include new ten-spoke alloy wheels for the entry level AT-X, new 17-inch alloys for Sportivo SX6 and ZR6, "linear satin woodgrain" finish in Prodigy and Presara, plus auto-dipping rearview mirror, power rear sunblind and rain-sensing wipers for Prodigy. The Sportivo ZR6 gets heated, auto-tilting external mirrors, while dual-zone climate-control is standard on Sportivo SX6. Prodigy and Sportivo get a new 4.3-inch colour LCD audio display along with reversing camera, six-disc CD changer and iPod audio output, while the top-rung Presara gets an upgraded eight-speaker audio system. Sportivo ZR6 also picks up standard memory settings for the driver's seat and external rearview mirror.

Toyota says "most models" now also have Bluetooth audio.

Options include reversing camera and display audio for AT-X, sunroof for Prodigy and Sportivo, and satellite navigation for Sportivo ZR6. Metallic paint is a $425 option on AT-X, Prodigy and Sportivo SX6.

VFACTS sales figures show Toyota's Aurion is down 36.3 per cent on August year to date sales figures, compared with 19 per cent down for its four-cylinder Camry stablemate, and 23.4 per cent down for the Corolla small car (which was Australia's single biggest-selling vehicle in July). Across the range, Toyota is down 23.4 per cent on year to date sales in 2009.

Key to pictures: Aurion Sportivo SX6 (blue), Aurion Prodigy (brown), Aurion Sportivo ZR6 (silver)

Read the latest Carsales Network news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at www.carsales.mobi