Hybrid system. With the launch of the Auris Hybrid in 2010, Toyota became the first and only manufacturer to offer a choice of three powertrains in the C-segment in Europe. The Hybrid model currently accounts for more than 50% of all Auris sales in Western Europe, a mix expected to grow further over the next few years. Since the hybrid powertrain was made available in the Auris range, more than 200,000 units have been sold, and today, the Auris is the best-selling hybrid in Europe.

Further lowering Total Cost of Ownership, the new Auris Hybrid now combines an average fuel consumption of just 3.5 l/100 km (67 mpg US) with CO₂ emissions figures as low as 79 g/km in the European homologation combined cycle.

Capable of operating both independently and in combination, the HSD system’s 1.8 liter VVT-i gasoline engine and electric motor generate a maximum power output of 136 DIN hp (101 kW), equipping the Auris Hybrid with a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of 10.9 seconds and a maximum speed of 180 km/h (112 mpg). The hybrid system can operate under electric motor power alone from start up to 70 km/h (43.5 mph); maximum all-electric range is 2 km at speeds of up to 50 km/h (31 mph).

The hybrid is our unique proposition, the thing that gets us noticed. But for those who are attracted to Toyota and the Auris and wish to opt for a more traditional powertrain, we now have the new 1.2 liter turbo and 1.6 liter diesel options. If you start splitting the engines and their demand very mathematically, by horsepower or capacity, we have not been in these horsepower bands within this segment before. With these two new engines, our offer is much more spot on for where the majority of demand is, and we will improve our model segment coverage by some 40%.

—Jan Lysen, Manager, Toyota Europe Marketing Management

Debut of 1.2T, with Otto-Atkinson. The 1.2T, an all-new direct injection turbo-charged gasoline engine, makes its global debut in the New Auris. In April of last year, Toyota announced its plans to introduce a series of newly-developed, highly fuel efficient engines, applying several combustion and loss-reduction technologies that until then had been reserved for hybrid engines.

The new 4-cylinder 1.2T engine is the second engine from this family to come to Europe under the Toyota brand, after the 3-cylinder 1.0 engine that went on sale in AYGO and Yaris last year. Like the 1.0, the 1.2T uses advanced technologies that allow the engine to change from the Otto cycle to the Atkinson cycle under low loads; has vertical vortex high tumble air flow intake ports; an exhaust manifold integrated in the cylinder-head; and advanced heat management.

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 high performance and efficiency. For a displacement of 1197cc, the engine delivers 116 DIN hp (85 kW) and a constant torque of 185 N·m (136 lb-ft) between 1500 and 4000 rpm. Mated to a 6-speed manual transmission, this equips the new Auris 1.2 with a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of 10.1 seconds, and a top speed of 200 km/h (124 mph). 5^th gear acceleration from 80 to 120 km/h takes 13.7 seconds. The car achieves 4.7 l/100 km (50 mpg US) on the European combined cycle, and delivers 109 g/km of CO₂.

One key to achieving better 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 technologies that improve control over the combustion process. That way, the risk of knocking could be avoided.

• 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.

A low-inertia turbocharger, the VVT-iW valve system and the D-4T direct injection system work hand in hand to ensure strong 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 suited for 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.

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.

New 1.6D-4D diesel. Making its first appearance in the Auris range, an all-new, 1,598 cc turbodiesel replaces the outgoing 2.0 liter unit, matching customer powertrain demands at the heart of the segment.

The new engine develops 112 DIN hp (84 kW) and maximum torque of 270 N·m (199 lb-ft) between 1,750 and 2,250 rpm. This equips the Auris 1.6D-4D with 0-100 km/h acceleration in 10.5 seconds, 80-120 km/h (in 5^th gear) in 10.9 seconds, and a top speed of 190 km/h (118 mph).

Conversely, CO₂ emissions are markedly lower than those of the outgoing 2.0 liter unit, falling to just 104 g/km, and average fuel consumption is now only 4.1 l/100 km (57 mpg US. Auris 1.6D-4D cost of ownership is further reduced by a new service scheme featuring a 20,000 km service interval.

Uprated 1.4D-4D. The 1,364 cc turbodiesel has been upgraded to be Euro 6 compliant, but the changes go significantly further than that. The unit features numerous enhancements to both improve performance and lower emissions. A new, smaller turbocharger reduces friction in the turbine shaft by 20%, and improves efficiency by generating a higher boost pressure at low engine speeds.

A new solenoid fuel injection system features a larger supply pump and higher common-rail injection pressures of 180 Mpa, making it compatible with the Euro 6 engine’s ECU and software. A NO_x Storage Reduction (NSR) catalyst has been adopted within the exhaust system to meet the Euro 6 requirement for a 55% reduction in NO_x.

A new piston design with an open chamber combustion bowl improves fuel economy by 3.4%. The new pistons feature a Diamond-like Carbon (DLC) coating which reduces friction to lower fuel consumption.

A new cylinder head cover is now fabricated in plastic for a 40% reduction in weight, and offers improvements to both camshaft lubrication and oil capture performance.

The uprated engine develops 90 DIN hp (66 kW). The breadth of torque generation has been expanded 400 rpm lower down the rev range, with a maximum 205 N·m (151 lb-ft) now available from only 1,400 rpm, up to 2,800 rpm. The Auris 1.4D-4D will accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 12.5 seconds, and has a maximum speed of 180 km/h (112 mph).

Equipped with a manual transmission and Stop & Start technology, the improved 1.4D-4D unit now returns combined cycle fuel consumption of 3.4 l/100 km (69 mpg US) and benefits from a substantial reduction in CO₂ emissions to 89 g/km. (Although the fuel consumption is lower than that of the hybrid, the CO₂ emissions are higher due to the greater carbon intensity of diesel fuel.)

Multidrive S Continuously-Variable Transmission. Available on 1.2 turbo and 1.6 Valvematic gasoline versions of the Auris, Multidrive S is a continuously-variable transmission (CVT) featuring both fully-automatic seamless shift and sequential, stepped 7-speed Sport modes.

In Sport mode, the system is optimized for response and direct engine control, and the transmission step position can be selected by either gear lever or shift paddle. Sport mode also features precise cornering control. On detecting deceleration, the system downshifts and applies engine braking to assist braking force. On exiting a corner, predictive downshift logic controls the system to ensure the optimal gear ratio is selected for the required level of acceleration.

New exterior styling features a redesigned front and rear, giving the Auris a more prestigious and sophisticated road presence. On board, the sensory quality of the cabin has been significantly enhanced through a redesigned dashboard, premium quality surface and trim elements, a 7” touch screen with capacitive switchgear and a new 4.2” color TFT multi-information screen (as from Mid-grade and standard on Hybrid).

The 2015 Auris range further benefits from suspension and steering revisions designed to improve ride comfort, handling and driver involvement. And numerous measures have also been introduced to reduce the transmission of Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH) into the cabin.

The Auris grade structure has been revised to bring Hybrid grades -Entry, Mid, Style and High- into line with the rest of the model range.

Improved driving dynamics and NVH. The new Auris range benefits from suspension and steering revisions designed to improve ride comfort and handling. Numerous measures have also been introduced to reduce the transmission of Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH) into the cabin.

Components of the front MacPherson strut suspension have been revised, including the design of the coil spring and the spring rate itself, the shock absorber, upper insulator, bound stopper and stabilizer bush.

Lateral force-reducing springs achieve a smoother stroke for enhanced ride comfort, while the optimization of shock absorber damping force response promotes further improvements to ride comfort, handling and stability.

The new Auris features either a double wishbone or torsion beam rear suspension system. The double wishbone system equips all 1.2 liter turbo, 1.6 liter gasoline, 1.6 liter diesel and full hybrid models. 1.33 liter gasoline and 1.4 liter diesel engine models feature torsion beam rear suspension. Both systems benefit from enhanced damping force response for improved ride comfort under all driving conditions.

In combination, these front and rear suspension revisions improve initial roll damping, minimize friction and enhance straight-line comfort with a smoother ride over bumps.

In addition, the mapping of the Auris’ Electric Power Steering (EPS) has been tuned to not only improve steering feel from the neutral position, but also to further build steering weight as vehicle speeds rise, giving improved feedback above speeds of 60-80 km/h.

New sound management measures targeting engine and high speed wind noise have resulted in marked NVH improvements, ensuring that the new Auris’ more comfortable ride is complimented by a noticeably quieter cabin.

Soundproofing has been enhanced through the adoption of additional sound absorption materials within the cowl outer silencer, the instrument panel and the transmission tunnel. An outer tunnel silencer has also been added to minimize transmission noise.

Additional sealing in the front fender, dashboard inner silencer and door area further reduces the transmission of engine, road and wind noise into the cabin.

Safety Sense. 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 Auris equipped with Toyota Safety Sense will feature a Pre-Collision System (PCS) and Lane Departure Alert (LDA). To further enhance safety as well as driver convenience, Auris will also feature Automatic High Beam (AHB) and Road Sign Assist (RSA) systems.

Between speeds of approximately 10 km/h to 80 km/h (approximately 6-50 mph), Pre-Collision System detects vehicles in front and reduces the risk of hitting them from the back. 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/h or even bringing the car to a complete stop, in order to prevent the collision or mitigate the force of impact.

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.

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 and no overtaking. System status and alert information is displayed to the driver on the instrument color TFT multi-information screen. In case of speed limits, the system gives a visual and audible alert should the driver exceed the posted limit.

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 the model and on the market, Toyota Safety Sense will be offered as standard, or at a competitive price.