DEC 07/JAN 08 63 STORY TIM POMROY Winning consecutive awards isn't an easy task for any manufacturer, even the likes of Toyota, but for 2007 Toyota's Aurion AT-X reigns supreme. Launched in 2006, and triumphing in the large car class at its first attempt, the Aurion showcases the strength of Toyota's resolve to produce world-class vehicles. Toyota's large car shares much with the four-cylinder Toyota Camr y, but is powered by one of the most sophisticated drive- trains in the business, pulled from Toyota's luxur y division, Lexus. It's a standout with 200 kW of power, comfor tably more than its rivals, but it's not to the detriment of fuel economy, as Aurion delivers comparatively good fuel consumption. Power is delivered through the front wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission that combines crisp, precise shifting with seamlessness to which luxur y vehicles aspire. The car also boasts comprehensive, standard safety features. Electronic stability control, six airbags, anti-lock brakes, brake assist and electronic brakeforce distribution provide the highest levels of active and passive safety for buyers of large cars. While the Aurion may not have the towing capacity of a Commodore or Falcon, for a front-wheel-drive, it gives little away to its competition in terms of chassis dynamics. Aurion is a capable handler in all driving situations, with nicely weighted steering, although not as razor sharp as the Holden Omega. There's minimal body roll, which helps to deliver first rate ride quality. Inside, Toyota's simple yet effective design takes the guesswork out of the operation of major controls, and the interior has a classy look and feel. Priced competitively and backed by Toyota's strong reputation, it's a wor thy second-time winner. Toyota Aurion AT-X 3.5-litre, V6, 6-speed auto, sedan, $34,990 Best Large Car Best People Mover STORY GREG HILL Despite stiff competition, Honda's Odyssey retained its Best People Mover title for the four th year in a row. The recently arrived two-wheel-drive Toyota Kluger and Hyundai Santa Fe wagons, with seven seats as standard, are derivatives of SUVs and provide more choice in this segment. But when it comes to per forming the intended function of a people mover, it is hard to go past the Honda Odyssey. The Odyssey was designed from the ground up as a people mover, and it shows in the comfor t, spacious, seven-seat accommodation and car-like handling. It is not just the amount of space that matters but also the effective way it is employed. Adults are able to sit relatively comfor tably in any of the seven seats, which is not the case with all people movers. Like others in the class, luggage space is tight when all the seats are occupied, but clever folding of the rear and centre seat rows provides plenty of useful load and passenger- carr ying options. Build quality is first class and Odyssey's car-like driving ease is a standout characteristic. Controls fall easily to hand and their operation has a quality feel. Standard equipment includes dual front, side and cur tain airbags, leather trim, heated front seats and a power operation for the third row seat folding. A lap-only seatbelt for the centre mid-row seat and poor positioning of the child seat mounting points are negatives. The four-cylinder, 2.4-litre engine is a willing per former and combines well with the smooth, five-speed sequential shift auto and the vehicle is surefooted, smooth and quiet, even on challenging roads. Honda Odyssey Luxury 2.4-litre, 4-cylinder, 5-speed auto, $45,790 3 Criteria Total score: 710 2nd: Mitsubishi 380 ES 3.8 695 3rd: Holden Commodore Omega 3.6 653 Value for money: Pricing 6 C, Cost of depreciation ($) 5 H, Running & repair costs 7 C, Fuel consumption 6 C, Warranty 4 H, Standard features 7 H Design and function: Safety 9 C, Security 6 H, Environment 8 C, Comfort 7 C, Space 7 C, Practicality 8 C, Ergonomics 8 M, Build and finish quality 8 H On the road: Performance 9 H, Ride 8 M, Handling 8 H, Braking 7 H, Smoothness & quietness 8 M Criteria Total score: 697 2nd: Toyota Kluger KX-R, 2WD, 7 seat, 3.5 693 3rd: Mitsubishi Grandis VRX 2.4 684 Value for money: 6 C, Cost of depreciation ($) 6 M, Running & repair costs 4 H, Fuel consumption 7 H, Warranty 4 M, Standard features 7 H Design and function: Safety 7 C, Security 3 L, Environment 6 C, Comfort 9 C, Space 8 C, Practicality 4 C, Ergonomics 9 C, Build and finish quality 9 M On the road: Performance 7 M, Ride 9 H, Handling 9 M, Braking 8 H, Smoothness & quietness 9 L 2