Toyota Premio and Allion - Second Generation (2017 minor change)

The second-generation Toyota Premio and Allion saloons has been around for about nine years when they appeared in 2007, even though they're just luxurious or sporty alternatives to the commoners' choice, the Toyota Corolla. It's 2016 and these cars have been around like an eternity. We were expecting newer versions of these saloons but what did Toyota do with these ageing saloons? Yep, a second minor change. How organic...

2017 Toyota Premio

2017 Toyota Allion

The recent minor change for these saloons sees a much enlarged front grille that took some cues from the Toyota Crown saloons and although awkward to look at, there is little change on the rear view as well.

2017 Toyota Premio interior

2017 Toyota Allion interior

There are small changes on the interior such as a new instrumental panel, 4.2-inch TFT LCD, and the addition of brown interior color. That's it, nothing else you can ask about what's new.

2017 Toyota Allion

2017 Toyota Premio

You still have a choice between a 2.0L 3ZR-FAE a 1.8L 2ZR-FAE engine, or a 1.5L 1NZ-FE engine with Stop & Start system that shuts off the engine when stopped at the red light and then restarts when set off, each mated with a Super CVT-i gearbox. The 1.5L model is the fuel-efficient in the range, with fuel consumption of around 19.2km/L based on JC08 mode standards.

Speaking of changes, the Premio and Allion now comes with Toyota Safety Sense C, comprising of Pre-Collision System, Lane Departure Alert, and the Automatic High Beam function, for added safety of course.

The 2017MY Premio starts from 1,908,655 to 2,686,255 Japanese Yen while the 2017MY Allion starts from 1,897,855 to 2,650,909 Japanese Yen. The Allion is offered in Toyota dealerships across Japan while the Premio is offered only in Toyopet dealerships across Japan, there I said it.

Photo: Toyota Motor Corporation

BARRAGE OF SPECIALS!

2012 Toyota Harrier 240G L Package ALCANTARA Selection

2012 Toyota Premio 1.5F L Package Prime Green Selection

2012 Toyota Allion A18 G Package Limited Power-Seat Edition

2012 Mazda Roadster BLACK TUNED

There's been a barrage of special edition models hit the Japanese streets and these were the 2012 Toyota Harrier 240G L Package ALCANTARA Selection, 2012 Toyota Premio Prime Green Selection, 2012 Toyota Allion Limited Power-Seat Edition, and the 2012 Mazda Roadster BLACK TUNED.

First off, the special Toyota Harrier 240G ALCANTARA Selection offers Alacantara leather seats for the best comfort on the dated crossover that was been here since 2003 but remains in production even if there was a new Lexus RX in Japan. That's not all, the ALCANTARA Selection offers a three-spoke steering wheel wood grain, leather shift lever, power back door, 8-way multi-adjustable driver's seat, 17-inch alloy wheels which are chrome coated, and Adaptive Front Lighting System.

Scoop: http://autoc-one.jp/news/866712/

Second, the Premio Prime Green Selection offers a special "green tint" on the Premio's headlights. Meanwhile, the Limited Power Seat edition on the Toyota Allion offers an 8-way multi-adjustable driver's seat with special fabric seat coverings.

Scoop: http://autoc-one.jp/news/866689/

Finally, the Mazda Roadster BLACK TUNED offers a Brilliant Black retractable hard top, 17-inch aluminum wheels painted in Gunmetal, black leather seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel, and choice of three colors; Spirited Green Metallic, Crystal White Pearl Mica, and Velocity Red Mica.

Scoop: http://autoc-one.jp/news/866673/

Toyota Premio & Allion (Second-Generation - Phase II)

In December 2001, Toyota Motor Corporation replaced the aging Corona and Carina to make way to its twin sedans, available only in Japan, the Premio and Allion. In June 2007, both the Premio and the Allion made their way to its second-generation. Now this year, the twin sedans undergo a minor change to praise buyers with its new style, new interior, and new features. But before talking about this facelift, let me tell you how the Premio and Allion differ from each other.

2011 Toyota Premio

The Premio is the successor of the legendary Corona sedan, which boasts excellent comfort and luxury for the executives, making it a perfect JDM executive medium sedan targeted for adults. On its second phase of this generation, the Premio is most likely similar to the Crown Majesta.

2011 Toyota Allion

The Allion on the other hand is the antithesis of the luxurious Premio sedan. It is the replacement of the Carina sedan, and it boasts a sporty exterior and excellent performance, giving the Allion an all-in-one sports sedan for the ordinary drivers. For its Phase II, the Allion's front was inspired from the latest-generation Mark X.

2011 Toyota Premio interior

2011 Toyota Allion interior

Both the Allion and the Premio share the same interior features, such as wood paneling, reclining rear seat, a choice of optitron or analog meters, multi-information display, climate control, optional navigation system, and optional audio system with the 5.8" monitor equipped.

On the performance side, both the Allion and the Premio are equipped with the set of engines available; an entry-level 1.5L NZ-engine, the new 1.8-litre Valvematic engine, or the new high-end 2.0L ZR Valvematic engine. The new Valvematic engines equipped on these cars gives the Premio and the Allion outstanding performance (144PS on 1.8L and 158PS on 2.0L), cleaner emissions, and class top-level fuel economy. (18.6km/L on 1.8L and 15.6km/L on 2.0L) Both of them have a set of innovative features such as Super CVT-i, optional 4WD system), cruise control, and the optional Navi-AI-Shift. With the Navigation System equipped, the Navi-AI-Shift allows the Premio and the Allion to detect a recommended gear and it automatically shifts on that gear on such road conditions.

My thoughts about the Premio and the Allion:
Despite both of these twin sedans are available only in Japan, it is nice to say that both the Premio and the Allion captures the eyes of ordinary drivers on their everyday basis. For those who are looking for luxury, the Premio is their best bet. For sportiness, the Allion is perfect for those who want it. With the new Valvematic engine armed, both the Allion and the Premio are welcomed by Japan's eco-car tax break laws.

Photo: Toyota