Toyota Auris (2013 – 2019) Review

September 2012

Auris unveiled

Powertrain options: 1.33 Dual VVT-i and 1.6 Valvematic petrol; 1.4 D-4D diesel, plus Auris Hybrid with Hybrid Synergy Drive. Petrol and diesel models all use a six-speed manual transmission, with Toyota’s Multidrive S CVT offered as an option on the 1.6 Valvematic. Auris Hybrid uses an E-CVT automatic.

Dimensions 2015 model Auris: 4,330mm long x 1,760mm wide x 1,475mm high (including antenna)

New Toyota grade structure, rising from entry-level Active trim, through Icon and Sport to top-of-the range Excel. 1.33 Dual VVT-i engine available in Active and Icon grades; 1.6 Valvematic in Icon, Sport and Excel; and the 1.4 D-4D in all trims. Auris Hybrid offered in Icon and Excel versions.

All new Auris equipped as standard with seven airbags, a new follow-me-home lighting system, Hill-start Assist Control, Vehicle Stability Control and LED daytime running lights.

Active grade includes: -

• Automatic air conditioning
• Four-speaker audio system with USB and Aux connection and MP3 file player (from disc)
• Electrically adjustable, heated, body-coloured door mirrors
• Electric front windows

Key features of the Icon grade include: -

• 16-inch alloy wheels (15-inch for Auris Hybrid)
• Six-speaker audio system
• DAB tuner
• Toyota Touch multimedia control screen
• Bluetooth
• Rear-view camera
• Electric front and rear windows
• Leather steering wheel and gear knob trim
• Front fog lamps
• Push-button start (Auris Hybrid)

Sport grade adds sportier elements inside and out to the Icon specification, including: -

• 17-inch alloy wheels (16-inch for 1.4 D-4D model)
• Sports front seats
• Sports grille
• Rear diffuser and exhaust trim
• Rear privacy glass

At the top of the range, Excel grade provides: -

• 17-inch alloy wheels (16-inch for 1.4 D-4D model)
• Black velour seat upholstery, with leather bolsters
• Dual-zone climate control
• Smart Entry and Start
• Park assist system, with front and rear parking sensors
• Cruise control (not available on 1.4 D-4D model)
• Rain-sensing wipers
• Dusk-sensing headlights
• Auto-dimming rear-view mirror
• Electric folding door mirrors
• Heated front seats
• Driver’s seat lumbar support
• Rear privacy glass

A Skyview panoramic roof, measuring 2,340 by 1,280mm, available for Excel models, brings significantly more light into the cabin and increases the sense of spaciousness. Leather upholstery can also be specified for Auris Excel.

A Comfort Pack is available for Sport grade, which bundles rain-sensing wipers, dusk-sensing headlights, Smart Entry and Start and a folding function for the door mirrors.

November 2012

Toyota reveals Auris details

The new Auris is 30mm longer than the outgoing model, but with its overall height brought down by 55mm it remains one of the most compact models in its class. Nonetheless the all-new interior presents the kind of clever use of space that’s common to all new Toyotas.

New front seats that have a greater adjustment range, and a wider angle of steering wheel adjustment make it easier for drivers of all heights to find a comfortable position. There’s more space in the boot – 360 litres with the rear seats in place. That goes for the new Auris Hybrid too, thanks to clever repositioning of the battery unit under the rear bench. And to make loading easier, the tailgate opening is 90mm wider and there is a new dual-level adjustable deckboard.

The Auris Active 1.4 D-4D returns combined cycle fuel consumption of 74.3mpg and generates 99g/km – an improvement of 15.4mpg and 29g/km compared to the current Auris diesel (which does not use Stop & Start technology). This brings the diesel Auris below the UK’s 100g/km benchmark for zero annual road tax (VED) and exclusion from the London Congestion Charge, with further beneficial tax ratings for company car users and operators.

The 1.33 Dual VVT-i petrol engine returns combined cycle fuel consumption of 52.3mpg with 125g/km CO2emissions, a substantial improvement on the 42.8mpg and 135g/km performance of the current model.

There are improvements from the 1.6 Valvematic, too:with manual transmission and 16-inch wheels the unit returns combined cycle fuel consumption of 47.9mpg and generates 138g/km CO2emissions, compared to 48.7mpg and 153g/km for the current model.

The 1.33 Dual VVT-I petrol and 1.4 D-4D diesel engines come as standard with Toyota’s Stop & Start system, which helps cut fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, particularly in around-town driving.

This automatically shuts down the engine when the car comes to a halt and the driver moves the gear shift to neutral. Restart is within half a second when the clutch pedal is pressed. Toyota’s technology even allows the system to operate when the air conditioning is running, although it will not intervene if it detects that the cabin is yet to reach the selected temperature.

The 1.6-litre Valvematic petrol engine is available in new Auris for the first time with Toyota’s Multidrive S transmission. This constantly variable transmission (CVT) can be driven as a full automatic with seamless gearshifts, or the driver can switch to Sport mode for stepped, seven-speed sequential shifts, using the gear lever or paddles on the steering wheel.

Auris’s petrol and diesel engines save on fuel by using a new Charging Control System, which governs the amount of power the alternator takes from the engine. When the car is slowing down, power generation voltage is increased to maximise battery charging; at other times the load on the engine is reduced.

A new Intelligent Park Assist system is available, fitted as standard to Excel models and an affordable option for Icon and Sport versions. The system, which comes with front and rear parking sensors is simple to use, and has been made more versatile, being designed to cope with “non-standard” parking spaces, including those on bends.

It will take account of objects on the other side of the road that might affect a parking manoeuvre, such as other parked cars or obstacles in narrow streets. It also minimises the degree to which the car steers out to the opposite side of the road in order to enter a space.

Auris introduces a new Toyota grade structure in the UK. This starts with the entry-level Active trim, and progresses through Icon and Sport to the top-of-the range Excel.

The 1.33 Dual VVT-i engine is available in Active and Icon grades; the 1.6 Valvematic in Icon, Sport and Excel; and the 1.4 D-4D in all trims. Auris Hybrid is offered in Icon and Excel versions.

The new, British-built Auris will go on sale at the end of this year, priced from £14,495.

Auris’s new styling extends to new-design 15, 16 and 17-inch alloy wheels. There’s a wider choice of exterior colours as well, with the introduction of the new Zenith Blue and Avantgarde Bronze metallic shades.

There will be a further development of the Auris range in 2013 with the introduction of Auris Touring Sports, the first estate car to be based on Toyota’s compact hatchback. Toyota previewed the new model at the Paris motor show and it will be built alongside the hatchback at its UK car plant in Burnaston.

May 2013

CO2 emissions of Icon model reduced to 84g/km from June 2013 production. Emissions of Excel models remain 91g/km.

May 2014

Toyota Auris range revamped

The new Icon Plus grade builds on the established Auris Icon specification with the addition of new-design 16-inch alloy wheels, rear privacy glass and a folding function for the electrically adjustable door mirrors. Icon Plus models are also offered in a new Tungsten Blue metallic paint finish. Inside there are heated sports front seats with electric lumbar support control. Cruise control is provided on the petrol and hybrid models and all versions benefit from the improved Toyota Touch 2 with Go multimedia and navigation package.

Both the hatchback and Touring Sports hybrids also available in the new Icon Plus grade, in addition to the Icon and Excel trims.

Auris is the latest Toyota model to benefit from the second generation of Toyota’s touchscreen-controlled multimedia system, Toyota Touch 2. The core package comes as standard on Icon grade, while the more sophisticated Toyota Touch 2 with Go, including navigation and more advanced connectivity features, is provided on Icon Plus and Excel models.

Optional panoramic roof available for Icon Plus and Excel, and leather upholstery for all versions bar the entry level Active model. A full leather interior can be specified (Icon, Icon Plus, Excel), including seat upholstery, centre armrest and door panels, offered in black with either white or blue contrast stitching.

A Parking Pack (Icon, Icon Plus) provides colour-matched front and rear parking sensors, which can be switched off when desired. The Protection Pack (Icon, Icon Plus, Excel), carried forward from the current model, adds front and rear mud flaps, scuff plate, a boot liner and a bumper protection plate.

A new Chrome Pack (Icon, Icon Plus, Excel) adds chrome side sills and boot trim. For extra style impact, there are four custom alloy wheel designs to choose from.

March 2015

Toyota Auris revised for 2015

Toyota’s all-new, direct-injection four cylinder 1.2 litre turbocharged petrol engine is part of a programme of 14 new engine introductions Toyota is making globally between April 2014 and the end of 2015.

All Auris engines built from March 2015 are EU6 compliant.

The four-cylinder unit, like the 1.0-litre engine that powers the Aygo, is able to switch between different operating cycles to achieve optimum efficiency or performance, according to driving conditions.

The 1.2T, an all-new, direct injection turbocharged petrol engine, makes its global debut in the new Toyota Auris. It belongs to the range of 14 new engines that Toyota is launching globally between April 2014 and the end of 2015.

Like the 1.0-litre, the 1.2T uses advanced technologies that allow it to change from the Otto to the Atkinson cycle when running under low loads, vertical vortex high tumble air flow intake ports, an exhaust manifold integrated in the cylinder head and advanced heat management measures.

The 1.2T adds to this a direct injection system and a water-cooled turbo and heat exchanger. Furthermore, the VVT-i intelligent variable valve timing system featured on the 1.0-litre is upgraded to a VVT-iW (Variable Valve Timing – intelligent Wide) system, which allows even more valve timing flexibility.

The combination of these technologies results in outstanding performance and efficiency. With a displacement of 1,197cc, the engine delivers 116PS (85kW) and constant torque of 185Nm between 1,500 and 4,000rpm. It will push the new Auris hatchback from rest to 62mph in 10.1 seconds. Acceleration from 50 to 75mph in fifth gear takes 13.7 seconds, and top speed is set at 124mph. All of this is achieved despite a focus on fuel economy and CO 2 emissions: the car achieves 60.1mpg* on the combined cycle and 109g/km* of CO 2 .

* Fuel consumption and CO2 emissions figures are provisional, subject to final homologation.

The driver’s instrument binnacle has a stronger, more sporting design with tubed tachometer and speedometer dials either side of a new 4.2-inch colour TFT multi-information screen.

The centre stack instrumentation is set within a more curvaceous dashboard. It has been integrated into a single, smooth surface, incorporating touch-sensitive switchgear with more consistent back-lighting. The dashboard’s upper surface and fascia are finished in the same soft-touch material, with a consistent grain pattern.

The 1.2T, an all-new direct injection turbocharged engine joins the established 1.33-litre VVT-i and 1.6-litre Valvematic units to give customers an expanded choice of petrol engines. There is also a new BMW N47 1.6-litre D-4D diesel unit (which replaces a current 2.0-litre D-4D in some European markets outside the UK) and the 1.4-litre D-4D has been substantially upgraded.

The 1.8-litre hybrid powertrain completes one of the broadest ranges for any model in this part of the market. Toyota’s full hybrid technology, which in Auris delivers a feel-good driving experience plus class-leading emissions from as low as 79g/km*, accounted for more than half of all European Auris sales in 2014, confirming the fact it has become a mainstream proposition.

The Hybrid Synergy Drive system’s 1.8-litre VVT-i petrol engine and electric motor generate maximum power of 134bhp, giving the Auris Hybrid hatchback 0 – 62mph acceleration in 10.9 seconds and a top speed of 112mph.

May 2016

Toyota Auris gains revised multimedia systemThe Toyota Touch 2 multimedia system has been upgraded to the latest 2016 specification, which was unveiled at this year’s Geneva motor show. The centrally mounted seven-inch touchscreen now offers revised menu pages for accessing the system’s functions and, where the Toyota Touch 2 with Go is installed, for satellite navigation operation. Access to the My Toyota online customer portal has also been improved.

December 2016

Equipment upgrades announced

Auris gains Toyota Safety Sense as a standard package on all versions of the car – both hatchback and Touring Sports wagon – except for the entry-level Active grade, where it can be specified as an option.

its functions can alert the driver to an imminent collision risk and help them take action to avoid or reduce the consequences if an impact does happen. Auris’s features match those of Verso, above, with the addition of Road Sign Assist, which recognises important warning and command signs on motorways and major routes and repeats them in clear graphics in the driver’s colour TFT multi-information display.

Design models are refreshed inside and out with the introduction of new-design 17-inch, 10-spoke alloy wheels and Alcantara cabin trim. Leather seats can now be specified for Excel grade models as a factory-fit option. To round off the 2017 upgrades, there is a new exterior colour choice: Tokyo Red.

December 2017

Upgrades to the Toyota Auris range for 2018

C hoice of two powertrains: 1.8-litre petrol-electric hybrid, currently the choice of almost 75% of UK Auris buyers. S econd option is the direct-injection 1.2T turbocharged petrol engine, available with either six-speed manual or continuously variable transmission.

Active grade has been discontinued, making Icon the entry point to the. For both hatch and wagon this has 16-inch alloy wheels, a reversing camera, front fog lights, power windows, six-speaker audio with DAB, automatic air conditioning and a shark fin antenna, all as standard. The Toyota Safety Sense package provides a Pre-Collision System, Automatic High Beam, Lane Departure Alert and Road Sign Assist.

Icon Tech models add cruise control and Toyota Touch 2 with Go, adding navigation and connectivity functions to the multimedia system.

Design grade has 17-inch 10-spoke alloy wheels, black side sills, Alcantara upholstery, sports front seats and rear privacy glass, together with cruise control. It also increases the convenience factor with the addition of front and rear parking sensors, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, auto-folding door mirrors, dusk-sensing headlights and rain-sensing wipers.

Excel models afre top of the range with a more sophisticated Toyota Touch 2 with Go package, which includes voice command and text-to-speech functions and 3D mapping. Additional features include Intelligent Park Assist, LED headlights, smart entry and push-button start, heated leather seats and dual-zone climate control.

In addition, buyers can choose a Design Bitone version of the hatchback which features a two-colour exterior paint finish, combining a black roof, shark fin antenna and spoiler with bodywork in Tokyo Red, Aspen Grey, Pearl White and Manhattan Grey – the latter a new addition to the general colour range as well. In other respects, the equipment specification matches the Design Grade.