Vehicle: 2011 Toyota Crown Royal Saloon 3.0
Price as tested: CDN$64500 (Estimated)
Performance: When you consider the fact that Crown Royal shares the same underpinnings as Lexus GS300. That means its the same powerplant as GS300. That means its the same DOHC 24-valve V6 3.0 liter engine with dual variable valve timing and intelligence. Although it has 231hp and 250 lb/ft of torque at driver’s disposal, I still looking for more. That’s primarily because it has to motivate 1650kg of Japanese traditional luxury through it paces. Toyota needs to give Crown its sweet 3.5 liter, same engine as GS350, instead of GS300, if they want it to has the real turn of speed. Without the 6-speed automatic, which geared for comfortable highway cruising. The Crown would feel even more sluggish when pushed. Thankfully, the very low 1st and 2nd have made it has proper acceleration down low. On the other hand, 5th and 6th are tall enough for relaxed cruising.
Handling: Ever since Crown’s inception as a traditional luxury car, its goal is to engineered a vehicle that is focus more on ride comfort rather than all-out handling. When it comes to ride comfort, its second-to-none. That level of floatiness and silky smoothness are able to beaten Lexus LS460, which is world-renowed for its silky ride quality. Handling wise, its better than expected. The steering feels vague and dead, even if its precise enough. Regardless of its rear-wheel-drive balance, its not for flat out handling no matter how you asked for it. There are plenty of understeer and body rolls are pronounced. Its ESC tends to intervene quite rapidly when driver tends to push hard. However, all those are understandable as Crown isn’t intended to be a driver’s car.
Brakes: With 4-wheel discs and standard ABS, Crown is able to perform as we expect. Although there are plenty of nose dive, its remain rather commandable even if its very softly sprung. The pedal feels average even if its confidence-inspiring, ABS only acts up accordingly when asked for it.
Interior: At the back of Crown, it has uninstrusive trunk hinges which is a rarity in today’s cost-cutting Toyota. However, the lack of proper fold-down rear seats and high liftover have limited its luggage space.
There are plenty of head and legroom at the back of Crown. In terms of rear legroom, its limo like at best.
The front of the Crown is very nicely done. There are nice wood trim to add warmth, while those leather seats offer superb support. The center information display offers back-up camera which tops out the whole interior package. In terms of materials, Crown scores exceptionally well. As there are plenty of soft-touch plastic on board with tight gaps around the dashboard.
Conclusion: Toyota continues to evolve its legendary Crown through better interior amenities, even more sublime ride comfort with traditional Japanese luxury. Its a pity it doesn’t receive the engine it deserves.
Traditional Japanese competition: Nissan Fuga
Price competitions:
Audi A6
BMW 5-Series
Mercedes E-Class
OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2011 Toyota Crown Royal Saloon
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Performance: 3.5/5
Handling and ride/fun-to-drive: 3/5
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 5/5
Fit-and-finish/build quality: 4.5/5
Cargo/accessibility/layout: 2/5
Value-for-money: 3/5
Overall rating: 3.5/5