TMC Launches New 'Auris' Compact Hatchback in Japan
Toyota City, Japan, August 20, 2012—Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) announces the Japan launch today of the completely redesigned "Auris" compact hatchback, a strategic compact model for both Japan and Europe. The vehicle will be sold in Japan through "Netz" dealers.
The completely redesigned Auris integrates the underlying appeal of automobiles—styling and performance—and takes them to a new dimension, based on the vehicle's aim of establishing a new standard for sports hatchbacks. Specific improvements include a 55 mm height reduction for a lower center of gravity, improved driving performance tempered through extensive drive tests in Europe, and the addition of an enhanced "RS" sport grade. These changes advance the unique image established for the first-generation Auris under the "performance you can feel" concept1.
Vehicle Outline
An Inspiring Interior and Exterior Design Typified by the Eye-catching Front View
Exterior
Based on the new Toyota "Smart Dynamism"2 design theme, the front features unique "Keen Look"3 styling emphasizing the bumper openings, which improve aerodynamic flow and cooling performance, for a dynamic and refined appearance.
Sharp character lines and deeply contoured fenders created by the distinctive shape of the side view express the low center of gravity and powerful dynamism of the Auris.
The rear profile expresses the vehicle's stability with wheel arches designed to reduce the gap between the body and tires. The rear view emphasizes the stable form achieved by the wide base and low center of gravity, reinforcing the round shape of the hatchback door and conveying dynamism through consistency across the surfaces.
The vehicle dimensions were modified (length increased 30 mm and height reduced 55 mm) to create a low-centered and sleek design with a roomy interior.
Interior
A cockpit-like driver's area that stresses simple driving operation combines with the spacious interior to create a roomy and sporty space. A panoramic glass roof is also available as an option.
The seats were lowered 40 mm for a lower driving position and the steering wheel angle was modified to enhance the feel of sporty driving.
The use of thin seat backs provides more legroom for the rear seats, and the larger cargo space is at the highest levels in its class (360 liters under the VDA method), providing enhanced comfort and convenience.
Metallic finish around functional components such as the door grips, audio controls, steering wheel and gear stick, the use of a fabric covering on the front pillar garnish and a padded surface around the instrument panel convey refined quality.
The vehicle design was tailored for sporty driving and includes sports-type seats created with particular attention to design and fit and a steering wheel design focused on grip comfort.
The RS grade features seats with exclusive red stitching emotive of the spirited driving performance of the Auris, a new optional panoramic roof window extending back to the rear seats and a retractable jackknife key that can also be used as a fashion accessory.
Color
The new Auris is available in a total of seven exterior colors, including the new sporty Avant-garde Bronze Metallic. Two interior colors, black and "greige", are available.
Responsive Driving Fun
The use of a new package and reinforced door openings increase body rigidity by 10 percent and create a lower center of gravity for high maneuverability and stability.
Power steering on 1.8-liter models features brushless motors and a modified gear ratio, improving steering response for more agile driving.
On 1.8-liter models, double wishbone rear suspension provides high levels of stability and cornering performance, giving the vehicle the ability to carve precise lines when cornering. In addition, outstanding vibration control provides comfortable cruising without unpleasant vibration or noise.
A new Sports Mode is available on 1.8-liter CVT models. Improved engine response, quick acceleration and deceleration, and enhanced response during re-acceleration, increase the fun of driving.
In addition, G AI-Shift uses vehicle G-sensors to detect deceleration and turning force, enabling the AI to automatically downshift when entering a corner and to limit unnecessary up shifting when cornering.
The RS grade sports a six-speed manual transmission with modified gear ratio and improved engine control for highly responsive acceleration. Features such as exclusive 16-inch disc brakes combined with special suspension tuning are designed to enhance the joy of driving.
The greatly improved 1.5-liter 1NZ-FE engine combined with CVT control achieves powerful and smooth acceleration with a quiet ride.
Safety and Environmental Performance at the Top of its Class
Environmental Performance
Front-wheel-drive 1.5-liter models feature a 1NZ-FE engine with a higher compression ratio to raise thermal efficiency and lower friction in various components for higher fuel efficiency. When combined with the high-efficiency Super CVT-i, the result is fuel efficiency—at the top if its class4—of 18.2 km/L in the Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism's (MLIT's) JC08 test cycle.
In addition, the optional Toyota Stop & Start idling-stop function available on 1.5-liter front-wheel drive models increases fuel efficiency even further (19.2 km/L in the JC08 test cycle).
The 2ZR-FAE engine used on 1.8-liter models features improved Valvematic (a continuously variable valve-life and valve-timing mechanism) and Dual Variable Valve Timing-intelligent (Dual VVT-i) technologies, adjusted intake and exhaust valve timing, improved compression ratio, and lower friction to achieve high drive performance and fuel efficiency (16.0 km/L in the JC08 test cycle).
Front-wheel-drive 1.5-liter models meet MLIT 2015 fuel efficiency standards5, while the addition of the optional idling-stop function produces fuel efficiency that exceeds the standards by 10 percent. As a result, all models achieve emissions levels 75 percent lower than the 2005 standards under the MLIT's Approval System for Low-Emission Vehicles and are eligible for tax reductions under the Japanese government's tax incentive program for environment-friendly vehicles. All models also qualify for incentives under the Japanese government's Green Taxation System.
Toyota's Eco-VAS (Eco-Vehicle Assessment System)—Toyota's proprietary comprehensive environmental impact assessment system—was implemented to efficiently reduce environmental impact throughout the vehicle's entire lifecycle. Environmental targets were set in the vehicle development stage and a life cycle assessment was carried out, aiming to reduce CO2 emissions and other atmospheric pollutants, not just during the use stage, but also through all stages of the vehicle's life, from manufacture to disposal.
A review of the materials, processing methods and adhesives used for interior parts resulted in a reduction of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and associated odors.
Safety Performance
All Auris models feature an omni-directional compatibility body structure that minimizes body deformation even in collisions with larger vehicles, and new features such as impact-absorbing hoods and bumpers that serve to minimize injuries afflicted on pedestrians in the event of a collision.
Optional SRS side airbags and curtain shield airbags as well as Whiplash Injury Lessening (WIL) concept seats and seat belts with pre-tensioners and force limiters (rear seats) provide high safety performance.
Standard on all models, Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) manages engine output and the brakes to maintain vehicle stability during vehicle skidding, and Traction Control (TRC) provides easy accelerator control to prevent wheel-spin when accelerating and starting from a stop.
Available automatic high beams, with camera sensor to detect bright light during night-driving, automatically switch from high beams to low beams to ensure front visibility.
1The first-generation Auris was developed based on the key words individuality and exceptional performance—both conveyed the moment the vehicle is seen and the moment it is driven
2Stylish integration of dynamic sportiness with logical features such as aerodynamic performance and function
3New Toyota front-end design that three-dimensionally emphasizes the brand emblem while the open bumper combines with the lower grille to create a keen, sharp look
4Compared to vehicles of similar engine displacement
5Specified by the Japanese Law Concerning the Rational Use of Energy
