Committed to achieving a safe mobility society, Toyota believes it is important to promote an approach which involves people, vehicles, and the traffic environment, as well as the pursuit of "real-world safety" by learning from accidents and incorporating that knowledge into vehicle development.

This year, Toyota is launching 'Toyota Safety Sense', a newly developed set of active safety technologies designed to help prevent or mitigate collisions across a wide range of traffic situations.

All cars equipped with Toyota Safety Sense will feature a Pre-Collision System¹ (PCS) with an urban function and Lane Departure Alert (LDA). For vehicles equipped with millimetre-wave radar, Toyota Safety Sense will be further expanded with Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and PCS with a Pedestrian recognition function. To further enhance safety as well as driver convenience, some models will also feature Automatic High Beam (AHB) and Road Sign Assist (RSA) systems.

Between speeds of approximately 10 km/h to 80 km/h, Pre-Collision System detects objects ahead of the vehicle and reduces the risk of hitting the car in front. When there is a possibility of a collision it prompts the driver to brake with an audible and visual alert. PCS also primes the brake system to deliver extra stopping force when the driver presses the brake pedal. If the driver fails to react in time, the system automatically applies the brakes, reducing speed by approximately 30 km/h² or even bringing the car to a complete stop, in order to prevent the collision or mitigate the force of impact.

Vehicles equipped with a millimetre-wave radar benefit from the addition of Adaptive Cruise Control and a Pre-Collision System with two significant enhancements.

Firstly, for potential collisions with vehicles, PCS operates at an expanded relative speed range of between 10 km/h and the vehicle's top speed, and can reduce speed by approximately 40 km/h³. Secondly, the system is also able to detect potential collisions with pedestrians, in the event of which automated braking operates at relative speeds of between 10 to 80 km/h, and can reduce speed by approximately 30 km/h¹.

Adaptive Cruise Control helps the driver to keep a safe distance from the car in front. It detects preceding vehicles and determines their speed. ACC then adjusts vehicle speed (within a set range) to ensure that there is a safe distance between both cars. By using the forward-facing camera and millimetre-wave radar in combination to monitor vehicles merging into or out of the lane ahead, ACC helps maintain smooth acceleration and deceleration while driving.

The Lane Departure Alert system monitors lane markings and helps prevent accidents and head-on collisions caused by leaving lanes. If the vehicle starts to deviate from the lane without the indicators having been engaged, LDA warns the driver with an audible and visual alert, and can provide steering input depending on the model.

Automatic High Beam helps ensure excellent forward visibility during night-time driving. It detects both the headlights of oncoming vehicles and the tail lights of preceding vehicles, automatically switching between high and low beams to avoid dazzling other drivers. By using high beams more frequently the system enables earlier detection of pedestrians and obstacles.

Road Sign Assist supports drivers by ensuring they always have the best possible information, even if they have, perhaps, overlooked a road sign. It identifies traffic signage such as speed limit, no overtaking, road condition and highway and expressway signs. System status and alert information is displayed to the driver on the instrument colour TFT multi-information screen. In case of speed limits, the system gives a visual and audible alert should the driver drive exceed the posted limit.

Thanks to the reduced risk of being involved in traffic accidents, vehicles equipped with Toyota Safety Sense can benefit from lower insurance costs⁴or a more advantageous insurance reclassification⁴.

The new safety pack will initially be made available on the new Auris and new Avensis ranges, as well as on AYGO and Yaris. Depending on model, Toyota Safety Sense will be offered as standard, or at a competitive price.

"By the end of 2015, up to 70% of European Toyota buyers will be able to spec their car with Toyota Safety Sense", says Didier Leroy, President and CEO of Toyota Motor Europe. "It is only when safety systems are in widespread use that they can have a real impact on the elimination of traffic accidents and fatalities. That's why Toyota has decided to launch the democratisation of advanced safety technologies in its cars"

¹ Technical name: Pre-Crash System

² Results achieved during testing using a vehicle travelling at 30 km/h and a stationary vehicle/pedestrian system operation depends on driving environment (incl. road and weather) and vehicle circumstances.

³ Results achieved during testing using a vehicle travelling at 40 km/h and a stationary vehicle/pedestrian system operation depends on driving environment (incl. road and weather) and vehicle circumstances.

⁴ Market dependant

The Mirai uses the Toyota Fuel Cell System (TFCS), which features both fuel cell technology and hybrid technology, and includes Toyota's new proprietary FC Stack and high-pressure hydrogen tanks. The TFCS is more energy efficient than internal combustion engines and emits no CO₂ or pollutants when driven. Drivers can also expect the same level of convenience as offered by gasoline engine vehicles, with a generous cruising range and a hydrogen refuelling time of about three minutes³.

The Mirai delivers everything expected of a next-generation car: an immediately recognizable design driving exhilaration stemming from superior handling stability achieved by a low centre of gravity and quiet but powerful acceleration provided by the electric motor.

Hydrogen can be generated using a wide range of natural resources and man-made by-products such as sewage sludge. It can also be created from water using natural renewable energy sources like solar and wind power. When compressed, it has a higher energy density than batteries, and is relatively easy to store and transport, therefore it also carries expectations for potential future use in power generation and a wide range of other applications. FCVs are able to generate their own electricity from hydrogen, meaning they can help make a future hydrogen-based society a reality, and are therefore expected to further contribute to accelerating energy diversification.

Sales Outline Europe

Launch: September 2015

Markets: UK, D, DK for 2015, more markets to be added for 2017

Annual volume: 50 — 100 cars/year in 2015 and 2016

Price: 66,000 &euro + VAT (Germany)

Production Plant

Motomachi Plant, Toyota Motor Corporation

TFCS provides superior environmental performance and convenience

The Mirai features the TFCS, a fusion of fuel cell technology with hybrid technology.

The system provides better energy efficiency than internal combustion engines, superior environmental performance with no emissions of CO₂ or pollutants when driving, and the same level of convenience and autonomy as gasoline engine vehicles, and a hydrogen refuelling time of about three minutes³.

The system uses Toyota-developed components including the Toyota FC Stack, FC boost converter, and high-pressure hydrogen tanks.

Toyota FC Stack

The new Toyota FC Stack achieves a maximum output of 114 kW (155 DIN hp). Electricity generation efficiency has been enhanced through the use of 3D fine mesh flow channels⁴ (a world first⁵), which ensure uniform generation of electricity on cell surfaces, providing compact size and a high level of performance, and a world-leading⁵ power output density of 3.1 kW/L (2.2 times higher than that of the previous Toyota FCHV-adv limited-lease model).

The amount of water on fuel cell electrolyte membranes has a substantial influence on electricity generation efficiency. Control of the amount of water is carried out using an internal circulation system for circulating the water created when generating electricity, meaning the Toyota FC Stack is a world-leading⁵ system that, unlike systems used in all other previous Toyota fuel cell vehicles, does not require the use of a humidifier.

FC Boost Converter

A new compact, high-efficiency, high-capacity converter has been developed to boost power generated in the Toyota FC Stack to 650 volts. Increasing the voltage has made it possible to reduce the size of the electric motor and the number of Toyota FC Stack fuel cells, leading to a smaller, higher-performance Toyota Fuel Cell System, thereby reducing system costs.

High-pressure Hydrogen Tanks

Tanks with a three-layer structure made of carbon fiber-reinforced plastic and other materials are used to store hydrogen at a very high pressure of 70 MPa (70 megapascals, or approximately 700 bar). Compared to the high pressure hydrogen tanks used in the Toyota FCHV-adv model, tank storage has been increased by approximately 20 per cent while both weight and size have been reduced to achieve a world-leading⁵ 5.7 wt%⁶.

Key Toyota Fuel Cell System (TFCS) Specifications

Safe and secure vehicle design with comprehensive range of safety features

The Mirai was designed with safety as a top priority, based on the basic approach of ensuring that hydrogen does not leak, and in the unlikely event that any leaks do occur, ensuring immediate detection and stoppage of hydrogen flow and preventing accumulation of hydrogen within the car body.

•  Development of high pressure hydrogen tanks with excellent hydrogen permeation prevention performance, strength, and durability
•  Hydrogen sensors provide warnings and can shut off tank main stop valves
•  Hydrogen tanks and other hydrogen-related parts are located outside the cabin to ensure that if hydrogen leaks, it will dissipate easily

Use of features such as a structure that efficiently disperses and absorbs impact energy across multiple parts ensures a high impact safety performance that protects the Toyota FC Stack and high-pressure hydrogen tanks during frontal, side or rear impacts.

The Toyota FC Stack frame is constructed from a newly-developed thermoplastic carbon fiber-reinforced plastic, which is light, strong, and easily mass-produced. This protects the Toyota FC Stack by absorbing impact shocks from road bumps and other road interference.

Regarding driving safety itself, Mirai comes with a full range of advanced safety equipment appropriate for next-generation vehicles:

•  A Pre-collision System (with millimetre-wave radar) helps prevent collisions or reduce collision damage through alerts and brake control if a high likelihood of collision is detected.
•  A Lane Departure Alert system uses a camera to detect white or yellow lane markings and alerts the driver when the vehicle is about to deviate from its lane.
•  Drive-start Control limits sudden starts or sudden acceleration during gear-shift operation.
•  A Blind Spot Monitor uses radar to detect vehicles in adjacent lanes and helps rear view confirmation when changing lanes.

Mirai's immediately recognizable design

A new technique has been employed in the front face design to emphasize the left and right grilles that draw in air for the oxygen supply and for FC system cooling. The novel front face underscores the vehicle's individuality.

The elegant side profile evokes the flowing shape of a droplet of water to express the vehicle's characteristic of drawing in air and emitting water. The roof-side rails and hood appear to pop out of the body to create the impression of a low-to-the-ground vehicle while communicating a futuristic feeling.

The rear of the vehicle presents a bold profile with a trapezoidal shape extending from the license plate garnish to the bottom of the bumper corners and out toward the wheels, while the top of the bumper emphasizes width and expresses a powerfully stable stance. It also creates an agile and clean impression of air passing through and under the bumper.

The headlights exhibit high-tech and sophisticated luxury through a novel design that presents an ultra-thin profile with an inline arrangement of four LED lights plus visible heat sinks and other optical equipment. The front turn signals and clearance lights are separate from the headlights, contributing to an ultra-thin headlight profile at the same time as merging with the side grilles. This creates an advanced clean design with aerodynamics that improve airflow.

The Mirai comes with 17-inch aluminum wheels that have been made lighter using an engraving process⁷, and six body colors are available.

A futuristic lay-out for the interior

The Mirai's profile connects the front and rear in a seamlessly pleasant expression of space. It creates a sophisticated cabin space with soft padding on door trims and other interior surfaces, and a high-luminance silver finish throughout.

The front seats provide superior body fit and hold through an integrated cover/seat foaming production process⁸. Eight-way adjustable power seats for achieving the optimal seat position and a motorized lumbar support function are installed as standard on the driver's and passenger's seats.

The center meter cluster located in the central top level of the instrument panel includes a speedometer and multi-information display using a 4.2-inch high-definition TFT liquid crystal display with a design that appears to pop out. The driver is able to change the display using steering-wheel-mounted controls.

Seat heater switches and other controls are operated via an electrostatic air conditioning control panel by lightly touching the flat panel display.

Functions that provide a comfortable interior space come as standard, such as a steering wheel heater and seat heaters (two temperature settings on all seats) that provide instant heat while greatly reducing power consumption, fully automatic left and right independent temperature control air conditioning with eco mode switches, and "Nanoe"⁹ air purification technology to fill the cabin with fresh air. Three interior colours are available, including Warm White.

Superior handling stability and outstanding quietness enhances driving pleasure

The high output Toyota FC Stack and optimal battery power control drive the electric motor and ensure powerful responsiveness at all vehicle speeds. This provides an immediate increase in torque at the first press of the accelerator, and powerful and smooth acceleration thereafter.

Handling stability and ride comfort are both improved through the location of major parts such as the Toyota FC Stack and high pressure hydrogen tanks centrally under the floor to achieve a low center of gravity and superior front-and-rear weight distribution, as well as the use of a high-rigidity body, which features enhanced rigidity around the rear suspension.

The full under-floor cover and aerodynamically designed clearance lights reduce wind resistance and contribute to improved fuel efficiency and handling stability. Aero fins employed at the side of the rear combination lamps also improve straight-driving stability.

Outstanding quietness is achieved by electric motor drive at all speeds and reduced wind noise, plus full sealing of all body parts, and the use of sound-absorbing and sound-blocking materials optimally arranged around the cabin, including the use of noise-reducing glass for the windshield and all door windows.

The "Bs" (brake support) mode makes efficient use of regenerative braking and improves braking performance when the driver wishes to greatly reduce vehicle speed such as when negotiating long downhill sections of road.

Notes

¹Sales will begin in areas where hydrogen stations are in place and in surrounding areas.

²Japanese for future

³As measured by Toyota when refuelling at a hydrogen station supplying hydrogen at a pressure of 70 MPa under the SAEe J2601 Standard conditions (ambient temperature: 20°C, hydrogen tank pressure when fuelled: 10 MPa). Time will vary depending on hydrogen fuelling pressure and ambient temperature.

⁴Channels arranged in a fine three-dimensional lattice structure. Enhances the dispersion of air (oxygen) thereby enabling uniform generation of electricity on cell surfaces.

⁵As of November 2014, according to TMC research.

⁶Hydrogen storage mass per tank weight

⁷Manufacturing process used to reduce the weight of aluminium wheels. Metal is shaved from the intersecting line between the disk and rim to reduce the weight of each aluminium wheel by approximately 500 grams.

⁸In the previous process, seat pads were moulded separately and then covered. In the foaming process, the seat covers are placed into moulds and urethane material is directly inserted into them.

⁹A trademark of Panasonic Electric Works Co. Ltd.

Toyota Opens Its Fuel Cell Vehicle Patents for Free Use

As part of efforts to popularize fuel cell vehicles (FCVs), Toyota Motor Corporation will allow royalty-free use of approximately 5,680 of the FCV-related patent licenses, including pending applications, it holds globally on an unconsolidated basis.

Toyota believes it is important to give priority to spurring more widespread use of FCVs at the initial introduction stage, and therefore believes concerted initiatives with energy companies that are looking to expand hydrogen station infrastructure, and automobile manufacturers that are looking to move forward with FCV development and market introduction, will be vital.

Toyota will allow royalty-free use of its FCV patent licenses by those manufacturing and selling FCVs through the initial market introduction period, which is anticipated to continue until about 2020. This initiative will include patents that are critical to the development and production of FCVs, such as those relating to fuel cell stacks (approx. 1,970 patent licenses), high-pressure hydrogen tanks (approx. 290 patent licenses), and fuel cell system control technology (approx. 3,350 patent licenses).

To facilitate more rapid expansion of hydrogen station networks, Toyota will also provide royalty-free use of approximately 70 hydrogen-station-related patent licenses indefinitely for those installing and operating hydrogen stations.

Toyota plans to make the royalty-free patent licenses available for use to companies and organizations that conclude contracts with Toyota based on negotiations with the company concerning specific usage plans, in line with standard patent license usage procedures.

Toyota has always had an open policy regarding use of its intellectual property, allowing licensing of patents by third parties that pay appropriate usage fees. By allowing royalty-free use of FCV-related patent licenses, Toyota is going one step further as it aims to promote the widespread use of FCVs and actively contribute to the realization of a hydrogen-based society.

To this, the 1.2T adds a direct injection system, as well as a water-cooled turbo and heat-exchanger. Furthermore, the VVT-i (Variable Valve Timing — intelligent) system known from the 1.0, is upgraded to a VVT-iW (Variable Valve Timing - intelligent Wide) system, which allows even more flexibility in the valve-timing.

The combination of these technologies results in outstanding performance and efficiency. For a displacement of 1197cc, the engine delivers 116 DIN hp (85kW) and a constant torque of 185Nm between 1500 and 4000 rpm. It will push the New Auris, the first model to which it is applied, from 0 to 100 km/h in 10.1 seconds. 5^th gear acceleration from 80 to 120km/h takes just 13.7 seconds, and the top speed is set at 200 km/h. All of this is achieved despite a strong focus on fuel consumption and CO₂ — the car achieves 4.7l/100 km* on the combined cycle, and delivers just 109g/km* of CO₂.

Better performance for lower consumption

The key to achieving outstanding fuel consumption without compromising performance, is to apply a higher compression. But generally, as the compression increases, so does the risk of uncontrolled combustion, also known as knocking.

The 1.2T's high compression ratio of 10:1 was made possible thanks to the adoption of a series of key technologies that improve control over the combustion process. That way, the risk of knocking could be avoided.

First of all, the intake ports have been designed to generate a more intense flow and a 'vertical vortex', and also the shape of the piston has been optimized to improve in-cylinder turbulence. As a result, fuel and intake air mix faster, and a more homogeneous mixture is formed. This leads to a higher combustion speed — which helps prevent knocking.

Advanced heat-management is in itself a great way to improve fuel economy, but it is also another way of reducing the risk of knocking. The engine was designed in such a way, that the temperature of each individual part can be optimized. For example, the bottom of the pistons is cooled by oil-jets and the cooling of the cylinder head is separated from that of the engine block. This allows to reduce the temperature in the combustion chamber, whilst keeping the block itself hot enough to reduce friction.

Direct injection contributes as well, as it helps to dissipate the heat in the combustion chamber. And the charge air passes through the intercooler, which uses an independent low temperature cooling circuit.

Low-end torque and quick response 

A low-inertia turbocharger, the VVT-iW valve system and the D-4T direct injection system work hand in hand to ensure excellent torque delivery from the lowest engine speeds. Together with the limited volume intake system, this ensures an immediate response to the accelerator pedal.

The injection system has been newly developed for the 1.2T engine. Compact in design, it is perfect for utilisation in a small displacement engine. It allows multiple injections per cycle, and the optimized width and reduced length of the fuel spray ensure the quality of the combustion, regardless of the engine regime and load.

From Otto to Atkinson 

The VVT-i (Variable Valve Timing - intelligent) system operates on both the intake and the exhaust side, and allows maximizing torque at all engine speeds. In addition, the new VVT-iW (Variable Valve Timing - intelligent Wide) allows for the intake valve closing to be delayed, which means that the engine can operate in both the Otto and the Atkinson cycle. The latter is used in extremely low load conditions, when the intake valve remains open for a fraction of time, after the compression stroke has set in, allowing part of the gas charge to be pushed back into the intake. As a result, the effective compression stroke is shortened. Pumping losses are reduced, since the pressure on the piston is lower, and also the throttle valve can be opened wider.

Quick and smooth Stop & Start 

A new start control was developed to ensure a quick and smooth engine restart. When the system shuts down the engine, it controls the stop position to leave the piston half way in the compression stroke. Then, upon restart, it applies stratified injection in the first compressed cylinder to counter vibrations. And by retarding the ignition, torque increase is kept in check, preventing the engine from revving excessively, hence ensuring a confident and tranquil take-off.

*Subject to final homologation

Quality, Durability and Reliability has always been one of the Avensis' strongest suits. The current model is consistently highly rated in the D-segment for QDR, and in 2014 received the highest score in Germany's J.D.Power Vehicle Ownership Satisfaction Survey.

Though the Avensis has traditionally appealed to both private buyers and the fleet market, it is the latter which represents easily the largest sales base.

Responding, then, to both private buyers' demands for greater prestige, luxury and elegance and user-choosers' desires for increased sportiness, dynamism and chic, the new, 2015 Avensis has been designed to offer all its customers significant improvements in five key areas:

Styling —a new, more prestigious and dynamic exterior design with LED lamp technology.

Sensory Quality and Comfort- an all-new, more elegant and refined interior design prioritising significantly improved sensory quality, comfort, trim, finishes and colour schemes, and NVH.

Safety - a comprehensive upgrading of safety systems designed to achieve a 5-Star Euro NCAP rating. A focus on active safety technology introduces the new Toyota Safety Sense system, fitted as standard across the model range.

Equipment and Value for Money - a new, more clearly differentiated grade structure with class-leading standard equipment levels and advanced technology such as the Toyota Touch 2 system and an 8" multimedia screen.

Driving Pleasure and Running Costs - two new diesel engines, lower CO₂ emissions across the entire range, larger service intervals and lower service costs, and chassis enhancements for improved ride and handling.

Toyota anticipates that these comprehensive enhancements will not only promote greater loyalty within the model's existing customer base, but also appeal to new customers who are attracted by the generous offer that the new Avensis represents.

STYLING

Both the sedan and Touring Sports versions of the new Avensis have been designed to give them a more distinctive and dynamic appearance.

Extending overall vehicle length by 40mm, the front is a bold, prestigious interpretation of Toyota's Under Priority and Keen Look design language.

The Toyota logo is more prominently set within a smaller, more aggressively styled upper grille. The grille features a chrome trim bar which anchors new LED headlamp clusters. The headlamps incorporate LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL), giving the new Avensis a unique frontal signature.

Encompassing a gloss black-painted bumper centre, the lower grille has been significantly enlarged. Pushing the foglamp housings to the very extremities of the front bumper, this makes the vehicle visually broader.

To the side, a new rocker garnish places a more horizontal emphasis on the vehicle profile to visually lower its centre of gravity. This more elegant profile is further enhanced by a choice of new 17" and 18" alloy wheel designs.

The rear of the vehicle has also been designed to add further emphasis to its broad road stance. The rear lamp clusters incorporate LED light guide technology, giving the new Avensis a high-tech light signature.

SENSORY QUALITY AND COMFORT

One of the aims of the new Avensis, was to guarantee comfort and convenience across the range. The elegant and refined interior is an important contributor towards this goal. Sensory quality and NVH levels are lifted to the next level, and the cabin is further enhanced by new trim, finishes and colour schemes.

The instrument panel is divided into two volumes. The sleek, full-width upper element showcases an instrument binnacle incorporating tubed tachometer and speedometer dials either side of a large 4.2" colour TFT multi-information screen (as of Mid grade).

The lower volume houses a centre console that is separated from the transmission tunnel and dominated by an 8" full colour touch screen interface. A carefully designed steering wheel and gear lever complete the cockpit.

The feel and operation of all switchgear has been improved, and sensory quality is further heightened by the careful harmonisation of text and symbols, and more consistent back-lit illumination.

Satin chrome highlighting to the instrument binnacle, steering wheel and centre console switchgear, air vents, and gear lever have a crisper, higher quality appearance.

Fully described in the 'Equipment and Value for Money' chapter, a new range of more appealing interior finishes includes fabric and Alcantara seat upholstery, and a new, Dual Ambient colour scheme which gives customers a choice of Terracotta or Light Grey interior finishes.

The new Avensis' more elegant and luxurious, premium quality cabin is further improved by a new front seat design, ideally suited to long distance driving.

The size of the upper backrest has been increased and the backrest bolsters redesigned, combining additional shoulder support with improved lateral holding performance. The seat suspension mat has been redesigned to improve pressure distribution and reduce long-haul fatigue. The cushion angle has been increased to offer better thigh support, and the cushion side bolsters reshaped to improve lateral hold.

NVH

Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH) has been significantly reduced, ensuring that the increase in the new Avensis' interior quality and comfort is matched by a perceptible decrease in cabin noise.

New and thicker materials provide additional sound absorption and insulation, and seal quantity, thickness and width have been increased throughout the bodyshell.

The hood insulator thickness and density, and engine under-cover insulator thickness and size have been increased, and an underbody damping sheet is added for diesel variants. A polyurethane foam overmoulding has been incorporated within the fender protector.

Air-conditioning noise has been reduced through heater air duct seal lip integration. Versions equipped with a Skyview panoramic sunroof feature a roof-lining damping sheet, and a dynamic damper within the rear door has been added to Touring Sports variants.

EQUIPMENT AND VALUE FOR MONEY

Designed not only to appeal to private buyers but also fulfil every requirement of exacting fleet customers, the new Avensis features a clearly differentiated grade structure.

New Entry, Mid, Mid+ and High grades combine higher standard equipment levels with improved refinement and sensory quality, and advanced technology such as the Toyota Touch 2 range of multimedia systems.

In addition to class-leading standard equipment levels, all Mid grades further offer the segment-unique appeal of Alcantara upholstery fitted as standard, and a new, Dual Ambient colour scheme which gives customers a choice of Terracotta or Light Grey interior finishes.

Further bolstered by the availability of several equipment-enhancing option packs and a new Toyota Safety Sense system fitted as standard across the range, the new Avensis offers key equipment for fleet customers, outstanding value for money and no compromise on safety at every level of the new grade structure.

Entry grademodels feature a black and grey interior finish. They are equipped, as standard, with manual air-conditioning, cruise control with speed limiter, LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL), a radio/CD player with Bluetooth and USB connectivity, and the Toyota Safety Sense system.

Mid grade showcases the Avensis' new, Dual Ambient interior colour scheme: a choice of Terracotta or Light Grey finishes. It builds on the Entry grade specification with automatic air-conditioning, a 4.2-inch colour TFT multi-information screen, Automatic High Beam (AHB) headlamps, rain and dusk sensors, 17-inch alloy wheels, foglamps, fabric and Alcantara seat upholstery, an enhanced version of the Toyota Safety Sense system, and the Toyota Touch 2 multimedia system incorporating a rear view camera.

Specifically tailored to the requirements of fleet customers, Mid+ grade enhances this core, business-user specification with the addition of LED headlamps and LED DRL lightguides with a unique signature, cornering foglamps, rear privacy glass, leather and Alcantara upholstery and 17-inch, machine-faced alloy wheels.

High grade offers customers the most comprehensive standard equipment. It builds on the Mid+ grade with smart entry, rear privacy glass, full leather upholstery and Toyota Touch 2 with Go Plus, incorporating a full map navigation system.

The High grade specification may be further upgraded with a Premium Pack, which features newly-designed 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlamps incorporating an Adaptive Front Lighting system (AFS), power-operated front seats with a memory function and a Skyview panoramic sunroof.

DRIVING PLEASURE AND RUNNING COSTS

The new Avensis powertrain line-up has been comprehensively revised, building on the durability and reliability for which it is already renowned to offer customers reductions in fuel consumption, emissions and cost of ownership.

In addition, chassis enhancements offer ride comfort and handling improvements across the model range.

Diesel Engines

The five-strong engine range features two diesels, both new: a 112 hp/82 kW 1.6 litre D-4D and -making its first appearance in a Toyota- a 143 hp/ 105 kW 2.0 litre D-4D unit.

The 1.6 D-4D generates CO₂ emissions of just 108 g/km*, 11 g/km less than the 2.0 litre unit it replaces, whilst the 119 g/km* of the new 2.0 litre engine represents a significant, 24 g/km reduction over the emissions of the outgoing 2.2 litre unit.

Diesel running costs have also been lowered by an increase in service intervals for both units to 20,000 km, and by a reduction in 90,000 km/3 year service costs of approx 20% for both units.

New 1.6 D-4D

Reflecting the current downsizing of powerplants to achieve better fuel economy, lower emissions and improved driving dynamics, a new 1.6 D-4D engine replaces the existing 2.0 D-4D.

Mated to a 6-speed gearbox and 20 kg lighter than its 2.0 litre predecessor, this Euro 6 compliant engine develops 112 DIN hp/82 kW at 4,000rpm and 270 Nm of torque from 1,750 to 2,250 rpm. It accelerates the Avensis from 0-100 km/h in 11.4 seconds, and on to a top speed of 180 km/h.

The engine delivers an 8% improvement in fuel efficiency over the outgoing 2.0 D-4D unit, equating to fuel consumption of 4.1 l/100 km* in the combined homologation cycle. Simultaneously, CO₂ emissions have reduced from 119 to only 108 g/km*.

The engine has been tuned to deliver a fast throttle response throughout the rev range. It generates good initial response at low rpm, and then, as turbo boost develops, provides a linear torque build-up. The availability of torque has also been stretched, so the engine will rev freely beyond 3,000 rpm without running out of breath.

New 2.0 D-4D

The new, Euro 6 compliant 2.0 litre D-4D engine shares the low fuel consumption and emissions efficiency of its 1.6 litre sister unit, but has been tuned to offer drivers a stronger focus on performance.

Developing a maximum 143 DIN hp/105 kW at 4000 rpm and a generous 320 Nm of torque from 1,750 to 2,500 rpm, the new 2.0 litre engine's linear torque build-up and willingness to rev gives the new Avensis particularly strong in-gear responsiveness and acceleration. It will accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 9.5 secondsand has a top speed of 200 km/h.

Numerous developments such as a new timing chain ensure the engine runs particularly quietly at all speeds, whilst Toyota's Stop and Start technology coupled with a tall 6th gear for motorway cruising enable the new 2.0 D-4D to return an average fuel consumption of just 4.5 l/100 km* and generate CO₂ emissions of only 119 g/km*.

Petrol Engines

Fuel economy and CO₂-enhancing improvements have also been made to the existing 132 hp/97 kW 1.6, 147 hp/108 kW 1.8 and 152 hp/112 kW 2.0 litre petrol engine line-up.

Reductions in fuel consumption have been achieved through higher compression ratios, the optimisation of injection angles and timing, the adoption of Teflon and resin coatings, the use of low friction materials and auto-tensioning of the accessory belt.

A further 4% reduction in fuel consumption has been achieved through extensive revisions to the 1.8 and 2.0 litre petrol engines' CVT transmissions, which feature a newly developed torque converter, continuously variable unit, oil pump, reduction and differential gears, hydraulic control unit, and CVT fluid and fluid warmer.

The CVT control logic has also been revised to reduce engine revving at medium throttle settings, more closely matching engine speed to throttle inputs in the manner of a conventional automatic transmission.

These improvements lower fuel consumption across the petrol engine range. Average fuel consumption for the 1.6, 1.8 and 2.0 litre units falls by 6.5 l/100 km to 6.1 l/100 km*, 6.5 l/100 km to 6.0 l/100 km* and 6.9 l/100 km to 6.1 l/100 km* respectively.

CO₂ emissions have simultaneously been reduced across the petrol engine range. 1.6 litre unit emissions fall by 8 /g/km to 142 g/km*, those of the 1.8 litre engine have been reduced by 14 g/km to 139 g/km*, and those of the 2.0 litre unit by 19 g/km to 142 g/km*.

Improved Driving Dynamics

The new, 2015 Avensis retains the same, proven, front McPherson strut and rear double wishbone suspension layout of its predecessor.However, both front and rear suspension systems feature significant improvements to enhance both ride comfort and handling performance.

The front suspension benefits from a new strut bearing and upper support, a spring rate reduction, a spring side-load compensation increase, damper force tuning and, in the case of diesel engined models, spring set load tuning.

The rear suspension also features a spring rate reduction, damper force reduction and spring set load tuning for diesel variants, whilst a new piston valve design offers a perceptible increase in ride comfort.

Steering feel and responsiveness has been improved by the adoption of a new intermediate shaft, a stabiliser bar diameter change, and an increase in bodyshell rigidity through the use of a high-strength urethane to bond the windscreen.

SAFETY

In anticipation of a 5-star rating from the Euro NCAP crash test programme, the new Avensis takes active safety and driver assistance to new levels with the Toyota Safety Sense system (fully described in the Toyota Safety Sense chapter), fitted as standard across the entire model range.

Processing information provided by a compact, windscreen head-mounted unit housing both a laser and a camera, Toyota Safety Sense offers customers a Pre-collision Safety system incorporating a Forward Collision Warning and Autonomous Emergency Braking, a Lane Departure Alert system, Auto High Beam and Road Sign Assist.

*Subject to final homologation

The new Toyota Auris brings a design that adds stance and prestige, an upgraded cabin, and new comfort and safety equipment.

The Hybrid remains at the heart of the new Toyota Auris, having become the single most important powertrain in the line-up and accounting for half of all Auris sales in 2014. But the new Toyota Auris also heralds the arrival of a new petrol and diesel line-up, focusing on efficiency and performance, and guaranteeing a perfect solution regardless of which engine type the customer prefers.

Following the launch of the AYGO and Yaris last year, the simultaneous reveal of the new Toyota Auris and Avensis completes Toyota's full core model rejuvenation for Europe. Auris and Avensis will be built side by side in Toyota's manufacturing plant in Burnaston, UK.

The Toyota Press Conference at the Geneva Motor Show will take place at 12:15 on March 3rd, in Hall 4.

The new Avensis is styled in Toyota's Design Studio ED² in France, developed in the company's RandD Centre in Belgium, and built in its factory in the UK.

With its innovative comfort and safety equipment, and a new range of engines that promise both performance and efficiency, the Avensis is designed to appeal to fleet and private customers alike.

The Toyota Press Conference at the Geneva Motor Show will take place at 12:15 on March 3^_rd.