Toyota Australia's new 200kW Aurion has outclassed archrivals from Holden and Ford to be named Australia's best large car in the first of the major Australian Car of the Year awards for 2006.

Toyota was the only vehicle manufacturer to win three of the 12 categories at the inaugural Drive Car of the Year awards.

It was a big win for the Aurion as the Holden Commodore and Ford Falcon have previously dominated the large car segment, with the result a possible warning for both Holden and Ford.

The brand was also victorious with Yaris (best light car) and RAV4 (best 4WD under $40,000).

Seven of the nine judges placed Aurion AT-X ahead of the Holden Commodore Berlina in the final large-car vote after ruling out the Ford Falcon XT and Mitsubishi 380 SX.

"It's not often Ford and Holden are outclassed in the segment they dominate, but Toyota Aurion large car sets new benchmarks in performance, refinement, value and safety," the judges said.

"Oddly enough, despite being the most affordable model in the range, Toyota's Aurion had more standard features and safety equipment than its rivals.

"The Aurion has more power than any other car in this group and yet is the most fuel-efficient."

Toyota Australia's senior executive director sales and marketing, David Buttner, said Aurion's win was a credit to the designers, engineers and more than 3000 Australians who build the vehicle at the company's Altona manufacturing plant in Melbourne.

"This award confirms Toyota is producing the best Australian-made car," Mr Buttner said.

"We aimed to beat our rivals on power, fuel economy, safety, refinement, value, features and prices.

"The experts have now confirmed we've succeeded."

The three-door Yaris YR won in the light-car category for its class-leading price, above-average quality and competitive space, flexibility, and safety.

Judges said the car's tight feel, good ride and all-around competency were seen as persuasive strong points.

"The Yaris is proof that affordable motoring doesn't have to feel cheap," they said.

"The Yaris is fun and funky and brings impressive levels of safety."

Judges said the RAV4 Cruiser won its category because of its supremely well-rounded character.

"It's leading the way when it comes to safety, styling, driveability and practicality," they said.

"If you want a sub-$40,000 four-wheel drive that just does everything you could ask of it while demanding the least sacrifice, the RAV4 is the obvious choice."

The Drive Car of the Year awards were presented by motoring editors and writers from the Sydney Morning Herald, The Age and drive.com.au.

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