The Toyota Premio and its twin the Toyota Allion are sedans sold in Japan since 2001 by Toyota. The sedans are designated as a compact car by Japanese dimension regulations and the exterior dimensions do not change with periodic updates. The Premio is the successor of the Corona which first appeared in 1957. The Corona EXiV, a four-door hardtop coupe that appeared in 1989, was replaced by the Progrès, which was also briefly available with the Premio until 2007. The Allion is exclusive to Japanese Toyota dealerships Toyota Store as a smaller companion to the Crown, while the Premio is exclusive to Toyopet Store locations, as a smaller companion to the Mark X. The Allion replaced the Carina, a model that first appeared in 1970. The Carina ED, a four-door hardtop sedan that appeared in 1985, was replaced by the Brevis, which was briefly available with the Allion until 2007. Unlike Toyota's other vehicles, the Premio and Allion are not exported, and are exclusively sold in Japan only. Both cars are related to the Avensis, which is an imported five-door liftback from Europe, available at all Japanese dealership locations. The Camry, which is the largest car exclusive to Toyota Corolla Store locations, is slightly larger, and based on appearance packages, offers the same luxury or performance features found in the Premio or Allion. The name "Premio" is a play on words for "premium", while "Allion" is created based on the phrase "all-in-one". Mechanically, they are identical to the Avensis which is exported new internationally as well as sold in Japan. The Premio/Allion are only offered as 4-door sedans, while the Avensis is available only as a five-door liftback. The first generation Premio is an upscale, luxurious sedan in comparison to the Allion, which has a more youthful, sporting nature. Wood trim and chrome accents gives the Premio an elegant look while the Allion considered to be a sporty or executive type car. Appearance modification options made for the first generation Allion are not made or marketed for the Premio. The second generation cars share the interior appearances and optional equipment, with exterior visual differences. Three options packages are offered with the three different engines offered, coupled with the choice of front- or four-wheel drive, thereby giving Japanese buyers options as to which annual road tax obligation they are willing to pay.
The first generation Premio and Allion were launched on 25 December 2001. The Premio sedan has a more elegant approach in comparison to the Allion, which has an emphasis towards younger buyers. The Premio and Allion share the same engines and interior. The Allion can be customized with front spoilers and rear mounted trunk wings, as well as ground effect body parts to enhance the vehicles appearance specially designed and sold by Toyota. The Allion also features rear tilting seats. The Allion continues the Toyota tradition by being made for taxi usage, driving school and law enforcement versions. On 20 December 2004, the Premio received a modest restyle with the introduction of LED taillights. The Allion also received an update at the same time. Both cars were offered with three engine sizes; 1.5-, 1.8- and 2.0-liter. The 2.0-liter model received a CVT; the smaller engines were each fitted with four-speed automatic transmission.
The second generation Premio and Allion were introduced on 4 June 2007, with Toyota continuing to offer appearance modifications at local dealerships. These cars continued to fill the gap between Corolla and Camry. G-BOOK is on the list of optional features. The Premio gained the inclusion of a LED in the rear light cluster. Other changes included the smart entry and start system, a rear-view monitor in color, and a hard disknavigation system compatible with the G-Book mX telematics service. Four-wheel drive was offered on vehicles equipped with the 1.8-liter 2ZR-FE engine. A 2.0-liter valvematic 3ZR-FAE engine was made available in January 2008, cutting the emission by 75 percent from the level required by the 2005 Japanese emission standards, and also achieving 20 percent better fuel economy than required by the 2010 fuel consumption standards. The transmission was a Super CVT-i. Fuel consumption figures for the 1.5-liter models were improved to, and the 1.8-liter models were improved to, both types now fitted with CVT transmission. From 2 October 2009, fuel consumption for the 1.5-liter models was further improved to by improvements to the engine, transmission and alternator control.
First facelift (2010)
The Premio and Allion were revised on 20 April 2010 with more aggressive and sharper looking headlights and twin LED taillights while the interior remaining somewhat same. The 1.8-liter engine was changed from the 2ZR-FE to the Valvematic2ZR-FAE, improving fuel consumption to. In June 2010, fuel consumption for the 1.5-liter models was improved to by improvements to engine and transmission control.
Second facelift (2016)
Toyota revised the Premio and Allion again on 13 June 2016 with a facelift. At the same time, "bi-beam" LED headlights and the collision avoidance system called "Toyota Safety Sense C" were introduced, adopting a styling influence from the larger, more prestigious S210 series Crown.
