Brussels, Belgium,
30
June
2010
|
16:43
Europe/Amsterdam

Auris 2010 petrol, diesel, full hybrid: dynamic design, higher material quality and enhanced ergonomics

— New exterior styling reinforcing a broad, stable stance for a dynamic yet secure driving experience

— Improved interior material quality, ergonomics, visual appeal and instrument clarity

— Introducing the S-Pack -a dynamic version aimed at younger customers

Maintaining its design focus on maximum interior space, flexibility and practicality, the Auris 2010 features numerous exterior design changes which establish a stronger Toyota family brand image and reinforce the Toyota's comfortable, secure driving experience.

On board, careful regard to customer feedback has inspired new, higher quality, soft touch materials, enhanced ergonomics, increased visual appeal, a new centre console, a new, more comfortable steering wheel with additional switchgear, improved instrument clarity and a revised handbrake design.

 

Exterior design

The Auris 2010 has increased in overall length by 25 mm to 4245 mm. While the long 2600 mm wheelbase remains unchanged, redesigned bumpers have increased the front and rear overhangs by 15 mm to 905 mm and by 10 mm to 740 mm respectively.

Featuring a new bonnet, radiator grille, headlamps, bumper and spoiler, the entire front of the 2010 Auris has been redesigned to create a more youthful, engaging image while reinforcing the model's broad, muscular proportions.

The centre section of the bonnet has been changed from the concave profile of the current model to a wider, convex curve. Strengthened crease lines flowing back from the prominent Toyota logo reinforce the brand image. And a new, body coloured, horizontal bar-type radiator grille -reminiscent of Verso and Avensis- emphasises the car's wide track and stable stance.

Revised, more aggressively styled headlamp clusters incorporate prominent low beam projector lamps. The lower bumper and front spoiler have been re-styled to incorporate a wider grille and integral fog lamps positioned at the bumper extremities to further reinforce the Auris 2010's stable, ground-hugging stance.

In profile, the Auris 2010 benefits from a range of new 16" and 17" aluminium alloy wheels, and turn signals have been integrated into the aerodynamic door mirrors.

The rear design has been strengthened to provide a stronger, more confident road presence. The bumper corners have been extended outwards and create a new 'catamaran' bumper profile which reinforces the Auris 2010's wide, secure stance. An extended, chrome-trimmed license plate garnish adds further horizontal emphasis whilst harmonising the overall design. And new tail lamp clusters combine powerful, horizontal layers with a sporting two ring lamp design.

The Auris 2010 is available in a range of nine body colours of which four -Ultra Silver, Island Blue, Dark Purple and Barcelona Red- are new to the model.

 

Interior design

Higher quality, soft touch materials now cover the top of the driver's instrument binnacle and the upper glove box. The height of the centre console storage box has been raised by about 50 mm, and it now functions as an armrest.

A new, leather-clad steering wheel features a flat-bottomed section for enhanced comfort and convenience. It incorporates audio and Bluetooth phone control switches, as well as an on-board computer display button previously located behind the steering wheel. The switches themselves have been redesigned and their location optimised for improved functionality and better grip.

The illumination of the Optitron meter dials in the driver's instrument binnacle has been changed to white for improved clarity and visibility. Auris 2010 models equipped with the 2.2 D-4D 180 Toyota D-CAT engine feature sporting, red meter dials with complimentary orange upholstery stitching.

The unique, bridged centre console which brings the gear lever, handbrake and instrumentation within the closest possible reach of the driver is trimmed in a new, bright metallic finish matched by the door handles.

The colour tone of the audio unit and heater control panel has been darkened to metallic black, enhancing switch layout visibility. The air-conditioning control panel LCD lenses have been revised for greater clarity. In addition, the shift bezel for MultiMode transmission versions is now finished in a high-gloss black acrylic.

In response to customer feedback, the handbrake design has been revised with a new lever release button, a tactile, ergonomic grip and lower seating in the release position.

The seat upholstery has been upgraded across the range, with five new finishes available for the main inserts two woven, two Tatami knitted and one Alcantara.

 

Dynamic S-Pack version

A new, sporting, S-Pack version adds a more youthful, dynamic appeal to the heart of the Auris 2010 model range. Unique exterior design features include range-topping, 17" alloy wheels, a dynamic spoiler with integral, high-mounted stop light and darkened halogen headlamp clusters.

On board, the S-Pack upgrade interior features sporting orange analogue meters, matching orange upholstery stitching, a rear seat centre armrest with cupholder, and rear privacy glass.