The Japanese make a lot of cars but not all of them are for the international market. Some, like the Toyota Premio and Toyota Allion, are initially intended for the Japanese domestic market. These models have since become available to the rest of the world through secondhand car exporters. These two models are in essence twins because they share many of the same mechanics, especially their engines. Let’s take a closer look at these two and see what makes them practical cars to buy.
The Premio and the Allion are both classified as compact sedans and can trace their roots to the old Corona models. Design-wise, the Premio is designed to take over the Corona’s place, and the Allion replaces the Carina. Both are considered a step up in luxury from the Corolla but not quite surpassing the quality of the Camry. These twin models are slightly longer than the Corolla whose platform is used for the two cars. The overall design leans toward a more conservative feel, with the Allion looking like a sportier, slightly younger version of the Premio—it’s like it is one car that wears the Premio’s outfit on serious, down-to-business work days, and the Allion’s laid-back getup during the weekend.
The two are unmistakably Toyota in terms of build quality, fuel efficiency, and value for money. Continuously Variable Transmission or CVT is offered for both the Toyota Premio and Allion, and buyers can choose from among three engine options: 110hp 1.5-liter VVT-i, 136hp 1.8-liter dual VVT-i, and a powerful 158hp 2.0-liter dual VVT-i with Valvematic. What makes this last option extraordinary is that it is able to continuously adjust the way intake valves lift up to reduce pumping loss, thereby improving intake. The 1.8-liter versions of the Premio and Allion are available with four-wheel drive for better driving efficiency and safety.
Inside, the interior shows a combination of sport and luxury, with the Premio’s wood-grain finish adding to the executive feel. Technological features include a 5.8” multi-information display monitor. Buyers can opt to install analog or optitron meters, navigation systems, and audio systems. The instrumentation panels are easy to see and the cabins are neatly designed, without the frills and other things that would otherwise make the interiors look cluttered.
Because of the twin models’ simple, classic style and ease of handling, they are popular as service vehicles. The Allion can be modified for use as a driving school car, taxi service, and law enforcement vehicle. The Toyota Premio, with its sleek, businesslike elegance, has also found its niche as a reliable and presentable company car.
The Allion, being the sporty one, can be customized with trunk wings, front spoilers, and other parts to enhance the car’s sporty look. In 2010, the Allion went through a restyling which gave it sharper-looking headlights and twin LED taillights. The Premio also underwent a touch-up which improved its front grille and bumper. The headlamp and rear lamp clusters were restyled. Though there is nothing extremely head-turning about the two cars’ appearance, you could feel that the models have a kind of reserved power that only a Toyota can give. There are people who are like that—quiet and humble, but you can certainly feel their inner strength. If you are one of those, then the Toyota Premio and the Allion are good, practical choices for you.
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