Auto Car Magazine: New Toyota Auris: In Depth

Thursday, December 27, 2007

New Toyota Auris: In Depth

1: Overview I

Practical and easy to own

All-new family hatchback launched
Distinctive design
Engaging driving pleasure
Five star Euro NCAP rating
Superior ownership experience

Auris is based on a newly developed platform and is available in three-door and five-door body styles with a wide range of engines and transmissions, including a brand-new, advanced 1.6-litre Dual VVT-i petrol engine as well as optional MultiMode transmission. The four grade model line-up, on sale from February to April depending on market, is headed by a flagship sports hatchback, the D-4D 180 Clean Power.

Auris demonstrates a new design approach: working from the inside out to maximise interior space and passenger comfort; creating a bold, innovative interior with a bridged centre console that clearly expresses its sporty character of the car. The car has been designed around the driver to deliver engaging driving pleasure.

But, as chief engineer Yoshihiko Kanamori explains: "Words cannot convey the concept of engaging driving experience. The best way to understand the concept of engaging driving experience is to actually get on board and test drive."

A distinctive design

Created in Europe, for Europe
Distinctive hatchback, short and tall

Auris wascreated in Europe at Toyota's ED2 design centre in southern France. Its dynamic form reflectsEuropean taste, style and sophistication and it breaks the mould of current family, C-segment hatchback design. It hasan original and distinctive shape that is 'short and tall'. Shortbecause it maintains an overall length typical to the segment; tall to maximise interior space and passenger comfort.

Auris also expressessportiness. This effect is achieved by the wide tread -and emphasised by bringing the base of the A-pillar forward. Indeed, the forward balance of the cabin architecture creates a sense of dynamism and agility,the designers call this "perfect imbalance".

The "inside-out"approach with the car created around driver and passengers creates maximum interior space. The styling with unique design elements, such as the bridged centre console, creates a bold and distinctive environment.

At the same time Auris is practical -with excellent cargo space and Toyota's unique 'Easy-Flat' seating (adopted from the current Corolla Verso) which allows one-touch folding of the rear seats to create an instantly enlarged loading area.

Front and rear seat passengers enjoy excellent head clearance and shoulder room, thanks to the tall design. The couple distance between front and rear seats has been stretched to

910 mm resulting in excellent legroom while the steering position has been moved backwards to create a more balanced driving environment.

Ample legroom is available for rear passengers because the rear floor has been reshaped to create a low, flat design. The reclining rear seats, which can also split 60:40, fold down using the ToyotaEasy-Flat system.

Engaging driving pleasure

Flagship D-4D 180 Clean Power heads line-up
Full range of high-tech diesel and petrol engines
Choice of transmissions to match customer needs

The flagship of the range is the D-4D180 Clean Power. This model offersstunning performance and summarises the Auris driving experience.

The 2.2-litre D-4Dhas already made itsmark in Toyota Avensis and RAV4 models. Here, in Auris, it develops 130 kW (177 hp DIN) at 3,600 rpm and a massive 400 Nm of torque across 2,000 to 2,600 rpm -ensuring Auris hasexcellent pulling power under all driving conditions.

At the heart of the Auris range will be two other advanced diesel engines, the outstanding entry level 1.4-litre D-4Dand the smooth 2.0-litre D-4D. Diesel engines are expected to account for almost 50% of the sales, in line with the segment diesel mix.

The 1.4 D-4Ddevelops 66 kW (90 hp DIN) at 3,800 rpm and 190 Nm of torque from 1,800 rpm to 3,000 rpm. This wide torque range makes the D-4D90 ideal for city driving and itsoutstanding economy ensures it is a popular choice.

The 2.0 D-4D has been developed from the lightweight 2.2-litre range and develops 93 kW (126 hp DIN) at 3,600rpm. Maximum torque is 300 Nm across 1,800 to 2,400 rpm when equipped with Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) (Catalyst option (CCo): 300 Nm within the 2,000-2,800 range). In real world driving the D-4D 125 is powerful and smooth, offering an excellent balance of lively performance and low fuel consumption.

A brand new, high performance Toyota petrol engine is introduced with the Auris: the 1.6-litre Dual VVT-i. The dual VVT-i technology results in significantly increased torque at low and medium engine speeds with increased power output at higher speeds.

At the same time, it enhances fuel consumption and reduces emissions. Maximum power output is 91 kW (124 hp DIN) at 6,000 rpm while the dual VVT-i technology ensures a remarkably constant torque output for a petrol engine, peaking at 157 Nm at 5,200 rpm.

The new engine is complemented by a 1.4-litre VVT-i petrol with 71 kW (97 hp DIN) at 6,000 rpm, output and 130 Nm of torque at 4,400 rpm. This engine offers excellent fuel economy and quiet, smooth city driving.

All engines in Auris comply with Euro IV emissions standards.

Superior quality experience

Superior quality interior
Quietest family hatchback available
Excellent safety specification
Low cost of ownership

Auris is a car that will appeal to the heart as well asthe mind of its owners. Attention to build quality and detail ensures the touch and feel of every surface and every control is superior.

Auris is one of the quietest cars in the C-segment hatchback segment. Powertrain and road noise are reduced significantly with under body strengthening. Excellent aerodynamics mean less wind noise thus enhancing the cabin asa silent and relaxed environment.

The strong body structure, developed under the principles of MICS (Minimum Intrusion Cabin System) contributesto excellent passive safety too. Crash Energy Management distributes any impact energy away from the passenger cell.

Auris will be available with up-to nine airbags including a driver's knee airbag. Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) with Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA) is standard. Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and Traction Control (TRC) are either standard or optional depending on the market.

Auris achieved five star rating in Euro-NCAP tests with particular attention paid to reduce injuries to pedestrians through a redesign of the front structure.

And Auris will score highly on cost of ownership too. Insurance ratings will be top class, fuel consumption excellent and maintenance schedules highly competitive. Auris will be built in Europe, emphasising Toyota's commitment to its European production base with the very highest quality standard under the global label 'Made by Toyota'. The new hatchback will be built alongside Avensis at TMUK in Great Britain and alongside Corolla Verso at TMMT in Turkey.