The Toyota Premio (Japanese: トヨタ・プレミオ, Toyota Puremio) and its twin the Toyota Allion (Japanese: トヨタ・アリオン, Toyota Arion) 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.
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