Brussels, Belgium,
03
January
2007
|
15:26
Europe/Amsterdam

2007 Auris. The new Toyota.

Abridged version

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

The Toyota Auris is the all-new hatchback from Toyota that sets new standards in the European C-segment market. With its distinctive styling, superior quality and excellent driving performance, Auris offers customers a car they will find engaging and emotionally satisfying – as well as practical and easy to own.

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 was created in Europe at Toyota’s ED2 design centre in southern France. Its dynamic form reflects European taste, style and sophistication and it breaks the mould of current family, C-segment hatchback design. It has an original and distinctive shape that is ‘short and tall’. Short because it maintains an overall length typical to the segment; tall to maximise interior space and passenger comfort.

Auris also expresses sportiness. 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 Toyota Easy-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-4D 180 Clean Power. This model offers stunning performance and summarises the Auris driving experience.

The 2.2-litre D-4D has already made its mark 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 has excellent 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-4D and 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-4D develops 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-4D 90 ideal for city driving and its outstanding 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 3,600 rpm. 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 as the 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 as a silent and relaxed environment.

The strong body structure, developed under the principles of MICS (Minimum Intrusion Cabin System) contributes to 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.

 

Auris: a new name for a new era

  • New model joins Toyota’s core model range
  • Noble qualities of gold
  • Inside-out design approach
  • Distinctive, dynamic shape

In the highly competitive European car market, where customers are increasingly demanding superior quality and excellent driving pleasure, the C-segment is the second most important segment in Europe with 16,5% of the market in 2006.

C-segment customers come in all shapes and sizes – making it hard to define a demographic profile. The core customers are making rational choices about their new car but are not always emotionally satisfied by their decision.

And an increasingly large proportion of new customers are driving a shift in C-segment values. They may be recent entrants to the sector who have downsized from larger family cars where they will have enjoyed driving pleasure; or customers who are stepping up from compact B-segment where they appreciate clever packing and space.

“Appealing to the C-segment buyer is a complex task,” explains Mr Andrea Formica, Toyota Europe Senior Vice President Sales, Marketing and After-Sales. “Many customers in this group are self confident, well educated and young. They are seeking more than just rationalism and economy; they are also demanding products that are expressive and sophisticated. With its dynamic design and striking features Auris, the new Toyota, answers the needs of these C-segment customers while delivering the core Toyota values of superior quality and innovation.”

It is clear Auris, based on a newly developed platform, offers the opportunity for a step change in Toyota brand growth in Europe. Building on the success of other models, such as Yaris and Avensis, it will help Toyota Europe achieve its recently announced target of 1.2 million sales a year in the region by 2008.

Toyota is expecting to sell more than 150,000 units in the launch year of 2007, with a plan to achieve more than 200,000 sales annually on a full year basis. Auris will be built alongside Avensis at TMUK in Great Britain and alongside Corolla Verso at TMMT in Turkey.

Mr Andrea Formica, Toyota Europe Senior Vice President Sales, Marketing and After-Sales said: “Most European car brands are linked to their C-segment model in terms of image and total volume contribution. While we have achieved considerable success with Yaris and Avensis, we will make a step change with Auris.

“Although the C-segment is slowly diminishing, the top five players are contributing to almost 70% of sales. Toyota is aiming at disturbing the present equilibrium with the launch of Auris.“

“Indeed, Toyota expects to attract a broader range of customers than the classic demographic segmentation. The Auris target customer will be looking for a C-segment hatchback car that is both rationally and emotionally satisfying with no compromise. These customers are demanding pleasure and the need to fit in, with a versatile car that adopts itself well to multiple audiences and encompasses the needs of younger, older and family customers.”

The Auris will be on sale across Europe from February to April depending on each market.

Designed in Europe, and developed with European customers in mind, Auris is the way forward for Toyota.

New model, new name

  • Noble qualities of gold - Aurum
  • Reflects core values
  • Wide customer appeal

Toyota created a new name for its new C-segment hatchback – one that would be easy to pronounce in all European languages and at the same time bring to life the product concept.

The answer was Auris. It has resonance with other successful Toyota models, Yaris and Avensis, and will help change potential customers’ perceptions of Toyota in the C-segment.

Auris portrays the character within the car. Based on the Latin word ‘aurum’, for gold, Auris creates a sense of precious and noble qualities that have a high value. The two first letter of the new name “AU” are also the chemical symbol of gold.

“Creating a new name for the new car was a key priority for us,” explains Andrea Formica. “In order to achieve our step change in volume growth in Europe, we needed to change people’s perceptions of our C-segment hatchback. We believe we have succeeded, the main spontaneous reactions from people were the words: futuristic, high class and attractive. These words perfectly match our brand DNA.”

 

New design concept

  • ‘Inside out’ approach for maximum comfort
  • Striking bridged centre console
  • Superior quality interior trim

Auris is distinctive and breaks the mould of current C-segment design. Created in Europe at Toyota’s ED2 design centre for the European market, Auris adopts a new ‘inside-out’ approach. This maximises interior space and comfort while, at the same time, promising an engaging driving experience.

Auris has been designed around the driver and passengers. As a matter of fact, the Auris experience starts from the moment one sits in the driving seat.

The distinctive bridged centre console creates a cockpit feel; yet the spaces beneath the console also add to the sense of roominess.

The cockpit feel is emphasised by the positioning of the handbrake lever which is integrated into the centre console and, like the short gear shift lever, falls easily to hand.

The curves of the bridged centre console flow naturally into the main instrument panel with the design language echoing quotes in the door trims and furniture. Silver trim and soft-touch fabrics add a sense of superior quality. Fresh, crisp surfaces enhance the ownership experience and convey a promise of the driving pleasure to come.

Front and rear seat passengers enjoy excellent head and shoulder room, a natural result of the ‘inside-out’ design concept with the car created around people. The couple distance between front and rear seats has been stretched to 910 mm within a wheelbase of 2,600 mm, keeping the luggage capacity of 354L, resulting in excellent leg room.

To complete the experience, the steering position has been moved backwards to create a more balanced driving environment. The seating hip height is optimised at 590 mm for easier access to the car. The steering column adjusts for both height and reach to ensure the driver is always comfortable.

Interior trim echoes the superior quality with attention to detail in all elements of touch, see and sense. Two interior colours, modern dark grey and cool greige, will be available. Fabrics have a soft touch and all door trims are sculpted to create space. The lightly styled door furniture is integrated with the handle and grip as one unit. Of course, panel fit and finish is precise.

 

Distinctive shape

  • Original design stands out from crowd
  • Bold, dynamic lines
  • Available in three and five door body style

Auris has bold, dynamic lines which the stylists created to ensure it gets noticed, even from a distance. The characteristic proportions, ‘short and tall’, are unlike any other car in the segment which make Auris stands out from the crowd.The clear, three-dimensional form with strong frontal styling and sweeping lines suggest an exciting drive and superior quality.

Yoshihiko Kanamori, Auris Chief Engineer, explains: “Auris has been developed to have distinctive styling that projects a sporty image. We wanted to create a hatchback that offers lightly intelligent package, engaging driving pleasure and the highest possible level of perceived quality. In creating an original overall design, we pursued unique qualities in even the most minor details.”

Auris creates its distinctive form with a broad width (1,760 mm) and a tall height (1,515 mm). Overall length is 4,220 mm, in combination with a wide front and rear track with respectively 1,524 mm and 1,522 mm.

Short overhangs of 890 mm front and 730 mm rear, and a low centre of gravity create a dynamic side silhouette, emphasised through the rising belt-line and strong, forward tilted rear pillar and rear window.

Nine bright exterior colours will complement the distinctive Auris style. The colour of Cedar (green-blue) is entirely new whilst four other colours - dark grey, super red, dark green and dark blue - are new to Toyota’s C-segment product range.

The nose is prominent, centred on the Toyota symbol. The graphics of the radiator grille further enhance the Toyota family identity. The front bumper is sharply angled to wrap around the nose and blends to the prominent wheel arch – almost suggesting a car without corners. This effect is carried further by the headlamp styling which also wraps smoothly into the wing.

Detailing in the headlamp design and the two-step structure of the radiator grille create points of character that enhance a unique and premium image.

The sporty image is emphasised by adopting a low door profile and highlighting the presence of the large standard 16’’ wheel (D-4D 180 17” wheel sizes) with wide track and flared wheel arches. This is particularly true of the three-door body where the sports driving performance is emphasised in the stretched belt-line graphics and dynamic rear pillar shape.

The rear view further enhances this sporty image with a wide appearance and a low centre of gravity. Again, the rear bumper and combination lamps wrap around the sides to reduce any sense of squareness and echo the frontal design.

Detailing on the rear lamp cluster improves aerodynamic performance and contributes to visibility. Lamps are arranged in a vertical cluster which creates a sense of unity between the front and the rear.

Between the rear lamp clusters, the wide trunk opening hints at the modularity that will make owning Toyota Auris both a practical and enjoyable experience.

 

Engaging driving experience

  • All-new platform
  • Developed in Europe for Europe
  • Excellent driver control and handling
  • Excellent low noise levels

When creating Auris, Toyota has designed a C-segment hatchback based on a newly developed platform that not only looks the part, but actually delivers an experience that begins the moment you sit in the driving seat.

Yoshihiko Kanamori, Chief Engineer for Auris, explains: “With a design that raises expectations of great driving performance, we needed to focus on every aspect of quality and comfort. This counts for the high quality that must be felt when sitting in the driver’s seat, to the operational touch and sound of each switch, to the well dampened engine sound that flows inside the car. And, of course, we needed to provide engine performance, handling and stability that surpasses levels of current competition.”

With the highly competitive European C-segment market in mind, every aspect of Auris has been fine tuned to meet the needs and desires of European buyers.

As chief engineer Kanamori explains: “Developments since the production of the base platform have been carried out by carefully refining the model through locally tailored, European tests. The development team has paid attention to every detail from the driving position to the chassis tuning to ensure the ultimate driving performance.”

 

Driving cockpit

  • Designed around the driver
  • All-new front and rear suspension
  • Precise power steering

The focus of the new Auris interior is to create a sporty and superior quality image.

Front seats are body hugging with a firm shoulder area, long seat cushion and firm side supports. The sports-style, three-spoke steering wheel is robust with a thick gripping surface and semi-elliptical centre padding, designed to echo the shape of the Toyota logo. Main meters are Optitron-design with three-dimensional layered display.

With the bridged centre console, the direct gear shift lever is moved closer to the natural position and the parking brake lever is immediately to hand. The overall effect is to create a driving cockpit with all major controls at your fingertips.

The wide choice of advanced and refined high performance engines are matched with carefully selected transmissions and an all-new, rigid platform featuring fully redesigned suspension, brakes and steering. The combined effect: stable high speed driving performance, engaging and responsive steering, excellent handling and superb ride comfort.

The newly developed front suspension utilises a variation of the high effective MacPherson strut, known as an L-arm MacPherson strut. This compact and highly rigid design brings the strut in-board from the wheel hub which allows wider track, excellent noise and vibration suppression, and superior stability.

The suspension geometry has been optimised with careful attention to the positioning of the lower L-arm, the camber angle, caster angle and king-pin inclination. All of this results in excellent straight line stability with good, precise steering response.

The lightweight anti-roll bar has highly precise ball-joint mountings to the strut casing and bushes embedded in the suspension member to ensure consistent rigidity and a highly efficient layout.

Auris is available with two different, highly efficient rear suspension designs to suit the performance characteristics of specific models.

At the top of the range, with the powerful D-4D 180 Clean Power Diesel Engine, Auris is equipped with an all-new double wishbone rear suspension for maximum high performance stability while retaining a compact design. The double wishbone design allows engineers to isolate specific force inputs and optimise the suspension bushes and mounts accordingly.

This axle design can handle the high specific forces and torques inside the suspension system which a strong powertrain like the D-4D 180 creates in sporty driving situations – especially during throttle lift-off situations. The use of the double wishbone layout successfully eliminates all destabilising forces.

Highly rigid, lightweight high-tension steel is used to form the trailing arm, upper arm and one lower arm. Toe adjustment of the second lower arm is used for accurate stabilisation effects of the suspension geometry. At the same time all bushings are optimised for both compliance and rigidity.

Separate layout coil springs and dampers create a compact design which accommodates the low, flat body floor and spacious cargo area, improving the damper efficiency at the same time.

All other models in the Auris range benefit from a highly effective and super-compact torsion beam rear suspension which creates a spacious cargo area and provides both superior handling stability and ride comfort.

The suspension layout, with optimised settings throughout, separates the coil spring and damper while allowing a wider space for the cargo area. The torsion beam itself sits behind the fuel tank and ahead of the spare wheel carrier, contributing to the flat underfloor.

The torsion beam suspension and newly-designed slanted trailing bushes allow precise control and toe changes in response to inclining lateral forces during cornering. Excellent stability is achieved in straight line driving while toe-in during cornering ensures stable handling and a secure feel.

Of course, stable suspension is critical – but drivers engage with the car through the throttle and steering response. Auris adopts a newly developed Electric Power Steering (EPS) with a quick ratio of 14.44 and excellent speed-sensitive feel. At just 2.9 turns, lock to lock, there is precise and instant driver control.

The EPS contributes to fuel economy by consuming power only when steering force assistance is needed and does not require hydraulic fluid. The compact, high output motor and torque sensor are built into the steering column, providing direct and highly efficient steering assistance for enhanced feel.

 

Engaging driving experience

  • Excellent aerodynamic shape
  • Low noise and vibration levels

Almost contradicting its engaging driving performance, Auris is quiet and comfortable – indeed it is one of the quietest cars in its segment. This has been achieved through a carefully balanced package of superior design, excellent aerodynamics and rigid body structure.

For instance, the exterior lines of Auris are not just striking to look at. They also clearly demonstrate the superb build quality of the car and they also provide a great aerodynamic shape that cuts fuel consumption, reducing noise and improving stability at the same time.

Fluently formed shapes, with minimal differences in surface levels and tight shut lines, ensure smooth air flow across the major surfaces. Even the aerodynamics under the body have been optimised with a flat engine undercover and suspension parts shaped to achieve optimum aerodynamic effect. These efforts are complemented by a redesigned fuel tank, exhaust pipe and rear floor shape.

The rear bumper ground clearance is raised to increase air flow and the rear styling minimises wind swirl from the roof.

The front bumper acts as an aerodynamic ‘splitter’ device, smoothing out the airflow around and below the body sides while its broad width (plus front and rear wheel spats) helps shield the wheels during high speed driving. This helps achieve superior straight line stability and excellent steering response.

This attention to detail extends to the flush surface mounting of the acoustic windscreen glass, reshaping of the louver at the back edge of the bonnet and even the airflow over the windscreen wipers.

Underneath the body, mostly hidden away in the platform design and superior build quality, further measures reduce all possible transfer of noise and vibration. Careful placing of cross-members and selected reinforcing points ensure a rigid floor panel and suppress movement in the body framework. A cross member in the dash panel reduces shake and vibrations and ensures a high level of quietness.

Sound absorbing metal coating and the use of dampening material has been carefully positioned through the dash and floor to maximum effect while foam sound insulation is placed in the body frame. A cell-type sound absorbing material is used for the engine undercover and a bonnet insulator is available to create an air layer between the bonnet panels.

Further sound insulation is placed throughout the interior with roof silencers between the roof reinforcements, sound insulating carpets and felt in each trim panel. Finally, road noise is further suppressed by installing sound absorbing material around the front and rear wheel arches.

Chief engineer Kanamori says: “It was our aim to create superior quality feeling by focusing on reducing Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH) which plays an important role in this. From the beginning, we made sure we had a great design based on a rigid vehicle structure to reduce noise in the cabin.”

 

Powertrains: 5 engines, 3 transmissions

  • Wide choice of engines and transmissions
  • Low noise, low fuel consumption
  • Power matched for engaging driving pleasure
  • Gear Shift Indicator technology for better fuel economy

Auris will appeal to a broad range of customers attracted by its style, spacious design and superior quality. Above all, they will be expecting excellent driving performance.

Yoshihiko Kanamori, Auris chief engineer, notes: “Driving performance that does not match the exterior and interior image is a betrayal to the customer who has high expectations from the visual appeal. I am confident all models of Auris will provide engaging driving pleasure.”

A wide choice of engines helped the engineers overcome the challenge of offering engaging driving pleasure while still meeting the vital customer needs of low running costs and low fuel consumption. These engines, which offer innovative and technically advanced solutions to customer demand, fully complement the new platform on which Auris has been developed.

The line-up includes an all-new 1.6-litre petrol and the latest developments of the Clean Power D-4D diesel range. There is also a choice of three transmissions, matched to suit the driving characteristics of particular power units.

 

Full diesel engine line-up

  • High performance D-4D 180 Clean Power heads line-up
  • New D-4D 125 to become core of range

With 52% of C-segment sales now being taken by diesel power, Auris has a full line-up to cover all sectors of the market and customer needs. At the heart of these D-4D engines are the same common objectives: performance, fuel economy, reduced emissions and quietness.

These objectives are achieved by combining the latest advances in Toyota diesel engine technology including third generation common-rail injection, all-aluminium construction and low compression ratios.

Flagship of the range is the 2.2-litre D-4D 180 Clean Power Diesel, an innovative engine that has already made its mark in the Toyota Avensis, Corolla Verso and new RAV4. Equipped with Toyota D-CAT technology, it’s advanced exhaust gas cleaning system reduces harmful emissions and particulates to make it one of the cleanest diesel engines on the market today.

Most crucially, and unlike many other particular filters found on the market, Toyota D-CAT is maintenance-free and doesn’t require any component replacement over the lifetime of the vehicle.

The D-4D 180 Clean Power puts Auris among the most powerful diesel cars in the C-segment and allows it to fully express its sporting characteristics. It develops 130 kW (177 hp DIN) at 3,600 rpm and a massive 400 Nm of torque across a wide range from 2,000 to 2,600 rpm – ensuring Auris has excellent pulling power under all driving conditions.

Indeed, this Auris D-4D 180 offers sports car performance and top level driving pleasure. A maximum speed of 210 km/h and 0 to 100 km/h acceleration in just 8.1 seconds sounds really exciting. And, on the open road, in-gear acceleration from 80 to 120 km/h takes just 8.4 seconds.

The light weight and smooth running, with minimal vibration and harshness, of the D-4D 180 makes it an ideal power unit for the high performance Auris. At 15.8:1, the D-4D 180 boasts the world’s lowest compression ratio among production diesel engines offering a new landmark of diesel refinement.

The D-4D 180 Clean Power engine features piezo-electric injector technology which allows faster and more accurate fuel injection during the combustion cycle. Running up to pressures of 1,800 bar, the Toyota piezo-electric common-rail system can deliver up to five fuel injection strokes per injection cycle resulting in greater efficiency and reduced engine noise due to lower combustion impact.

The engine has also been equipped with ceramic glow plugs. Their ability to withstand much higher temperatures allows the Toyota ceramic glow plug to reach the ideal temperature quicker than conventional metallic units. This leads - alongside better plug durability - to quicker cold starts at low temperature and reduces harmful emissions after start-up significantly.

At the core of the Auris diesel range will be the 2.0-litre D-4D. This new engine is an important development in the evolution of the new generation of Toyota diesel engines and shares much of the advanced technology of the 2.2-litre D-4D units from which it has been derived.

Like the D-4D 180, the two litre version delivers excellent power and fuel economy to satisfy customer demand for refined driving performance. Maximum power is 93 kW (126 hp DIN) at 3,600rpm and maximum torque is 300 Nm across 1,800 to 2,400 rpm when equipped with DPF (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.

The Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) -version of the new D-4D 125 engine is offered for all European countries where incentives are in place for low particulate emissions. Other countries may wish to adopt the D-4D 125 with an oxidation catalytic converter (CCo).

Typical performance figures for the Auris D-4D 125 reveal a top speed of 195 km/h and 0 to 100 km/h acceleration in 10.3 seconds. Yet this sparkling performance is achieved with excellent fuel consumption, recording 5.7 l/100km on the combined European cycle when equipped with DPF (CCo: 5.4 l/100km).

The D-4D 125 is also an important development in the Toyota Clean Power strategy to reduce harmful emissions. For selected European markets, Auris D-4D 125 will be available with a diesel particulate filter (DPF) which not only purifies hydrocarbons (HC) and carbon monoxide (CO) like conventional catalysts but also enable simultaneous reduction of particulate matter. The Toyota-DPF system is ‘self-cleaning’ and requires no long term maintenance.

As with the D-4D 180, one of the key features of the engine is the low compression ratio of 16.8:1. The D-4D 125 uses the latest generation, high pressure common rail diesel system which operates at 1,700 bar.

In addition injectors with small diameter injection nozzles are used. The combination of higher injection pressure and smaller droplets improve the mix of air and fuel, allowing for reduced smoke and better combustion.

Engine performance is further boosted with a high performance variable nozzle turbocharger (VN Turbo) and an increased efficiency intercooler.

The 1.4-litre diesel completes the Auris diesel engine line-up, creating a version that is ideal for city driving, yet economical on the open road. The engine has an excellent flat torque curve with a maximum 190 Nm from 1,800 rpm to 3,000 rpm and develops maximum power of 66 kW (90 hp DIN) at 3,800 rpm. This engine is remarkably economical with fuel consumption of 5.0 l/100km. This engine also offers – as a first in industry – a catalytic converter inside the EGR recirculation cooling system for optimised emission control.

Performance for the Auris D-4D 90 is a top speed of 175 km/h and acceleration (with five speed manual gearbox) to 100 km/h in 12.0 seconds.

 

Hi-tech petrol line-up

  • All-new 1.6 dual VVT-i
  • More torque with power and low fuel consumption

Alongside its advanced diesel engine range, Toyota continues to develop high technology petrol engines which offer smooth, powerful acceleration and outstanding fuel consumption. As a result new, world-leading dual VVT-i technology is introduced with Auris. Dual VVT-i stands for Toyota’s unique system of independent cam shaft variation for both, intake and exhaust, which uses one electro-hydraulic variation system for each of the cam shafts.

The brand new 1.6-litre dual VVT-i petrol engine offers high performance, good fuel consumption and remarkable high levels of comfort through low Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH).

The 1.6 dual VVT-i is a four cylinder, 1598cc engine where both the inlet and exhaust valve timings are being varied under control of the engine computer. This allows the inlet and exhaust valve advance and retard valve timing to be set to optimum under a wide range of driving conditions. Crucial timing characteristics and valve overlap, a key factor in torque and power development, can be accurately controlled.

In practice, the ability to continually vary valve timing with dual VVT-i means increased torque at low and medium engine speeds with increased power output at higher engine speeds. It also results in lower fuel consumption and fewer harmful emissions.

The 1.6-litre VVT-i petrol engine develops 91 kW (124 hp DIN) at 6,000 rpm and maximum torque output is 157 Nm at 5,200 rpm. But, thanks to the dual VVT-i system, torque output is higher than 140 Nm from 2,000 rpm to 6,000 rpm, resulting in excellent pulling power across the useable engine range and smooth, safe driving on the open road.

Fuel consumption is outstanding for an engine with this performance, measuring 7.1 l/100km when equipped with manual transmission on the European combined cycle. Top speed of Auris 1.6 VVT-i is 190 km/h and acceleration to 100 km/h (with five speed manual transmission) take just 10.4 seconds.

Other high technology features of the 1.6-litre dual VVT-i engine which help reduce friction losses and improve fuel consumption include:

- Use of a roller rocker arm for reduced friction

- Use of a long life ignition plug

- Redesigned combustion chamber and crankshaft offset

- Long port intake manifold

- Adoption of low friction pistons

The engine itself is also weight optimised and highly compact but with a highly rigid design to reduce engine noise and vibration.

The Auris will also come with a 1.4-litre VVT-i petrol, providing excellent low fuel consumption at the same time as high torque and output for smooth city driving.

The addition of a manifold catalytic converter and developments of the engine management ensure this engine complies – like all the others of the Auris line-up - with Euro IV emissions standards. Power output is 71 kW (97 hp DIN) at 6,000 rpm and maximum torque is 130 Nm at 4,400 rpm.

European combined fuel consumption is 6.9 l/100km and maximum speed is 170 km/h. Acceleration to 100 km/h takes 13.0 seconds.

 

Choice of transmissions

  • Matched to suit engine characteristics
  • New compact six-speed manual
  • Latest generation MultiMode

Auris is available with three separate transmissions, each carefully matched to the output characteristics of particular engines to achieve optimum driving pleasure and excellent fuel consumption.

On manual transmissions, the short gear shift lever falls easily to hand from the bridged centre console and the shift mechanism has been optimised to give excellent feel and smooth gear changes.

The five speed manual transmission was fine-tuned to match the smaller engine range and is available on both petrol engines and the 1.4-litre D-4D. A double cone synchronizer and a shift gate were adopted on the five speed transmission to improve the shift feeling.

A newly-developed six speed manual transmission of compact design and high rigidity is available with the D-4D 125 and D-4D 180 Clean Power diesel engines. These gearboxes allow Auris to fully develop its engaging driving characteristics for both, the petrol and the diesel version, while providing excellent fuel economy.

The latest generation MultiMode transmission with steering wheel mounted paddle shifts is available on the D-4D 90 and 1.6 Dual VVT-i engines. The system offers two driving modes: an automatic for easy driving, especially in town and a manual gear shift for more sporty driving conditions.

In manual mode the gear shifts are made either by sequential shift of the floor mounted lever or by the paddle shifts on the steering wheel. Thepaddle shifts can also be used to override the automatic gear selection for temporary driving in manual mode.

Fuel economy with the MultiMode transmission is excellent thanks to the optimised control system and highly efficient direct gearing, without resorting to a torque adapter.

All manual transmissions will be equipped with the Gear Shift Indicator. This feature indicates to the driver when to shift gear up or down for optimal environmental performance. The system takes into account the driving conditions, including the level that the accelerator pedal is pressed and the vehicle speed. The Gear Shift Indicator may result in 5% fuel consumption reduction compared to normal gear shifting, though the potential for improvement is, of course, dependent on the driver’s personal driving habits.

Through this remarkable choice of advanced technology engines and gearboxes, Auris genuinely offers engaging driving experience.

 

Superior quality experience

  • Superior quality interior and space
  • Versatile Easy-Flat rear seating
  • High levels of specification

Auris is a car that will appeal to the heart as well as the mind. The superior quality of the ownership experience will create an emotional bond with owners as they enjoy owning and driving a car that delivers above their expectations for space, comfort and engaging driving pleasure.

This sense of space and quality starts when one opens the doors. While the bridged centre console is the most striking feature of the design, there is subtle use of shape and light to create an impression of space beyond what is actually there. At the same time, attention to build quality and detail ensures the touch and feel of every surface and every control is superior.

Chief engineer Yoshihiko Kanamori says: “We have created an interior that conveys a sporty driving image and a fine sense of quality that is immediately noticeable at the very moment the driver gets on board. This is further enhanced by the tactile experience of the driver and passengers – and the high level of equipment that Auris will carry.”

Auris is spacious. The ‘inside-out’ design strategy ensures maximum interior space is available to driver and passengers. But the designers have also made sure that maximum use is made of this interior space without compromising on superior quality.

The instrument panel profile with its gently curved surface allows good storage capacity but drops away to create leg room around the driver and front seat passenger. This is further emphasised by the clear space beneath the bridged centre console.

The door trims are hollowed out from the passenger leg area to the elbows and the shape of the seat frame has been designed to project a sporty but slim and comfortable image. The seats have a firm shoulder area, long cushion length and good side cushions for maximum comfort and support.

On the three-door Auris the front seat has a ‘full memory’ walk-in mechanism that memorises the adjustment positions for both the seat slide and recline position. This ensures the seat returns to the chosen position after it has been moved forward to allow passengers to enter the rear of the car.

Unique to Toyota is the Easy-Flat seat folding system that ensures Auris offers families and other owners maximum versatility to create a large, almost flat luggage area. Adopted from the highly successful Corolla Verso, Easy-Flat is a one-touch operation that folds both rear seats down into the floor to achieve an instantly enlarged loading area.

Not only that, the rear seats can also fold individually on a 60/40 split basis and have a two position reclining mechanism. Rear seat passenger comfort is further enhanced by re-engineering the exhaust route and other under body items to create a completely flat rear floor and footwell. A rear seat armrest with integrated cup holders is available.

Of course, luggage space with the Easy-Flat seating is both versatile and massive. Items up-to 1,715 mm in length can be stowed with the seats flat while the maximum luggage width is 1,185mm. With the low cargo floor and wide body, the trunk capacity is 354 litres.

Storage space is provided throughout the passenger compartment and there is an undertray available for the front passenger seat. Extra storage comes from one additional upper glove box and the spaces under the bridged console. Door pockets are roomy and practical with bottle holders available for the rear doors.

In total, there are 10 separate storage areas around the passenger cabin, offering a storage volume of 32 litres.

 

High level of equipment

  • Flagship model with unique trim
  • Innovative hi-tech features
  • Smart Entry & easy start available
  • Full map navigation as on option

Auris will be available in four trim levels, depending on market conditions. The flagship D-4D 180 Clean Power model will feature unique exterior and interior trim, such as 17” alloy wheels, dark view headlamps and silver stitched finishing on the steering wheel, gear knob and seat trims.

But, throughout the range, superior quality trim with a choice of either two-tone grey or a warm greige, sets the tone for the interior. Geometric grain breaks up the surfaces and innovative fabric patterns are available – along with full leather interior options for high grade models.

Soft-touch paint extends across the top of the instrument panel and door trims are extended with a newly developed soft material for the top panel to create a nice, tactile feel. Door handles and levers are one unit with an integrated lock mechanism to achieve a simple yet refined design.

Innovative features emphasise the superior quality of Auris. These features will be available in selected markets depending on trim level but all Auris models will feature a high level of standard specification.

Typical is the Smart Entry & Start system which detects the presence of an electronic ‘key’ within a range of about 1m from the car. A touch-sensor on the back of the driver’s door handle allows the door to be opened and the car can be then started using the push button on the instrument panel.

This convenience feature is particularly useful when approaching the car carrying heavy items, such as shopping, and removes the need to search for the key in poor weather.

Of course, Auris is also available with a conventional remote central locking system which features an auto-lock function to prevent accidental unlocking. Whenever the doors are not opened within 30 seconds of remote unlocking and the key is not being inserted in the ignition, the doors relock.

Sporty driving characteristics are emphasised by the hi-tech, two-dial Optitron meter panel with amber colour dial illumination and red pointers. Liquid crystal displays for multi-function information are integrated into the main panel to indicate water temperature, fuel level and, with the multi-mode transmission, gear positions.

The multi-function driver information display gives important information, such as driving range and fuel consumption, and is programmable for units and language (7 different).

Adjustable Speed Limiter is available which allows the driver to set a maximum speed limit, after which further acceleration is suppressed. Operation is indicated within the multi-function display and, for safety reasons, can be over-ridden by a sudden kick-down on the accelerator to allow a temporary increase in speed. The Adjustable Speed Limiter then resets when the speed drops back down below the chosen limit.

The Adjustable Speed Limiter is available in conjunction with the electronic cruise control that holds a preset cruising speed for maximum comfort and improved fuel consumption.

For maximum passenger comfort, the ventilation and air conditioning system is all new with an air diffusion system that maintains a fresh interior environment without blowing air directly into the passengers’ face. The ventilation has also been designed to be effective at low speeds when insufficient cooling and heating is usually felt.

Depending on grades, a dial-type manual or automatic (dual zone) air conditioning is available. The automatic air conditioning features left and right independent temperature controls, thus allowing separate temperature regulation for the driver’s seat and front passenger’s seat for people comfort.

Fully integrated into the bridged centred console (with an irregular shape for anti-theft protection) is the hi-tech audio and optional navigation system. Exact specification will depend on grade and local market conditions.

The audio system is available with either single or six CD player unit and can handle MP3 or WMA format discs. There is a tone control memory that stores the bass and treble settings for each separate mode (AM, FM or CD) and LIVE-ACS (acoustic) is adopted for the speaker settings. This boosts the bass range without distorting the mid-range sounds and, while the speakers are positioned near the footwells, the sound is experienced as if it is flowing from above.

The latest development of Toyota’s full-map touch screen navigation system, with integrated hands-free mobile phone, is available with voice recognition in 3 languages (English, French and German) and screen display and voice guidance in 10 languages, including Portuguese and Norwegian.

The new 32,000 colour display is sharper and clearer than previously available and the map displays in familiar, European road maps standard. A user-friendly ‘hint’ guide helps the driver to understand the function of each switch when the “?” symbol on the screen is touched.

The junction display shows the lanes through major intersections and the driving route can be stored in memory for future reference. Anticipated arrival time is displayed by touching the screen.

On the mid and high grade models the leather trimmed sports steering wheel features audio and phone function switches with the cruise control and speed limiter.

Further comfort and hi-tech features include front and rear electric windows, power mirrors, rain-sensor, automatic activation of headlamps as dusk falls and a self-dimming interior mirror that reacts to light from the rear.

 

Cost of ownership

While style and engaging driving pleasure are major assets of Auris, it is easy to forget that the cost of ownership is a major consideration for all C-segment customers – no question whether they are private drivers or corporate users. Therefore cost optimization, along with reduced environmental impact, has been a key focus of Auris development.

Ownership costs are driven by low fuel consumption and low cost maintenance programmes – both of which Auris will deliver. It is also anticipated Auris will achieve low insurance group ratings in European countries where they are relevant.

A major factor for competitive insurance rating is low repair costs. Auris has been designed with this in mind; reducing damages to the under frame in minor collisions without affecting overall safety ratings.

Typical features include the bolt-on structure for the front bumper reinforcement and for the radiator support. This support is designed to retract during a collision whilst protecting the cooling units. A crush box absorbs collision energy in the bumper reinforcement to reduce damage to the front body frame while, at the rear, the bumper arm also acts to suppress damage.

Chief engineer, Yoshihiko Kanamori, summarises: “I am confident Auris will fully satisfy European customers who are looking for the highest level of superior ownership experience. It will achieve this not only through engaging driving pleasure but also because of high level of equipment and comfort with low running costs.”

 

Safety and strength

  • Excellent active safety control
  • Up-to nine SRS airbags
  • Five star Euro NCAP rating
  • Strong, impact absorbing body structure

With many C-segment cars going to family motorists, the practical issues of safety, durability and care for the environment are high on the agenda. Auris has been designed from the outset with these cares and concerns in mind.

Auris is not only great to drive. As with all Toyota product, Auris durability, reliability and its core ability to keep occupants safe is paramount.

The all-new platform on which Auris is based is rigid and strong to provide the underlying structure for excellent driving performance and driver control. Active safety through excellent driver control, the ability to avoid the accident in the first place, is a major priority.

 

Active safety controls

  • More effective braking
  • Anti-lock with EBD standard
  • Vehicle Stability and Traction Control

Large diameter wheels and tyres (a choice of 16” or 17”) not only suit the sports styling of Auris but also allow room for the large, effective disc brakes. Ventilated discs are available at the front with high-friction pads for excellent brake feel and minimal fade. The rear brakes are solid discs and the aluminium brake callipers are designed with an integrated parking brake for low maintenance.

Braking control under all road conditions is provided by the standard anti-lock braking system with electronic brake force distribution (EBD) and brake assist. This ensures that maximum brake pressure is applied when the driver steps on the pedal with high speed.

Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and Traction Control (TRC) are available either standard or optional depending on the market to provide safe, controllable handling in extreme conditions. The VSC and the traction control can be switched off as separate functions.

 

Passive safety features

  • Extra attention to pedestrian impact
  • Driver’s knee airbag standard
  • ISOfix child seat mountings

Auris passive safety features have been carefully designed to offer maximum protection in a wide range of collision scenarios simulated in the safety studio and by analysis of available data from real world crash accident research. Auris was awarded a maximum five star rating for adult occupant protection, 4 star for child protection and 3 star for pedestrian protection in Euro-NCAP crash tests .

Particular attention has been paid to the frontal design to reduce the effect of pedestrian impact. Bumper and radiator mountings have shock absorbing qualities. The bonnet structure has been redesigned to absorb impact energy and the bonnet catch moved down and away from the design surface.

A crushable structure is adopted at the rear of the bonnet and the wiper pivot has sufficient space beneath it to drop away should it be struck.

Auris is available with up-to nine airbags including a driver’s knee airbag which is a significant advance for C-segment models. This helps protect the driver’s knee from collision with the steering column and lowers the stressing forces on the upper leg and the hip.

Other airbags available include front SRS airbags, side airbags for driver and front seat passengers and curtain shield airbags that will protect the head and shoulders of front and rear seat occupants from a side impact.

ISOfix child seat restraint mountings are provided in the rear seats with top tethers. Rear seat belts have individual belt guides to ensure accurate fitting.

Front seats feature an active anti-whiplash protection with specially designed head restraints and seat frames. The second generation Whiplash Injury Lessening (WIL) seat frame structure helps minimise harmful movement in the event of a rear impact.

 

Impact absorbing structure

  • Designed for minimal cabin intrusion
  • Collision tested for all directions

The Auris body structure is designed to be impact absorbing and has been developed with effective safety features for collisions from all directions. This includes front and side impacts at 55 km/h and a rear-end collision at 55 km/h.

The strategy with the crash protection is MICS (Minimal Intrusion Cabin System) where reinforcements and structural members are placed to disperse impact energy around the passenger compartment and minimise the risk of injury to the occupants. Specific items include high tension sheet steel in reinforcements, cross members, tunnel bracing, and roof reinforcement.

Door impact beams help reduce intrusion in side impact and disperse energy around the body. In addition, impact absorbing material in the door panels and trim helps to suppress impact.

 

Environment

  • Environmental concerns take priority

Care has been taken throughout the design and build of Auris to use materials and techniques which will reduce the impact of the car on the environment throughout its life-cycle.

Recycling information and labelling is displayed on plastic parts, including the bumpers and instrument panel. The primary areas of the instrument panel are polypropylene which is fully recyclable and inorganic material which is used for the silicone coating on the weather shields.

Non-vinyl chloride materials are used in the roof moulding and side mouldings while further reduction of environmental impact has been achieved through the painting process, which has been optimized in terms of overspray and recirculation of residuals.