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The UK-built Toyota Auris has replaced the long-serving RunX, and despite the odd “enlarged Yaris” criticism, the newcomer is significantly more modern than the model it replaces – and a lot less conservative than the locally-built Corolla.The Auris is longer, wider and higher than the RunX, and has a wider track, but its 2,6-metre wheelbase remains unchanged. It is 4 220 mm long, 1 760 mm wide, and 1 505 mm tall. The kerb weight is 1 275 kg (gross-weight, 1750) for the 1,8-litre models, with the entry-level 1,4-litre models just 30 kg less than that.
“With a design that raises expectations of great driving performance we needed to focus on every aspect of quality and comfort,” Yoshihiko Kanamori, the Chief Engineer Design and Development for the Auris said.
“Just sitting in the vehicle must create a feeling of quality and comfort from seating through to the touch and sound of each switch and control. The transmission of noise and vibration into the car must be muted and performance and handling stability must surpass the levels of competitive vehicles in the same class,” he added.
The interior of the Auris reflects a “sporty” image. Body-hugging front seats, a sporty steering wheel and three-dimensional layered instrument display create the impression of superior quality. Furthermore, the bridged console that allows the gearshift and handbrake lever to be placed in a more natural position.
Although the overall theme is sporty, remaining practical was also a priority. The Auris includes Toyota’s “Easy Flat” seating system for the rear seats. This feature was first featured on the Verso and allows for one-touch folding of the rear seats to instantly reconfigure the boot capacity. The rear seats have a recline feature and have a 60:40 split to fold them down individually or together with “Easy Flat”.
Reducing the transmission of noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) to the interior of the Auris was a key element in design, the manufacturer claims. Furthermore, Toyota SA say the levels of wind noise have been significantly reduced in the Auris – thanks to a smoothed design of the cowl louvre between the bonnet and windshield, double door seals, and flush mounting of the windshield.
The all-new platform provides the mount for the newly front suspension (L-arm MacPherson strut configuration) and compact torsion beam layout, which separates the coil spring and the damper unit and allows a flat, area for the floor of the boot. The torsion beam itself sits behind the fuel tank and ahead of the spare wheel.
Large diameter wheels and tyres (15” to 17”- depending on model) enhance the styling of the Auris, but also allow room for large brake discs – 273 mm diameter ventilated at the front and 270 mm solid at the rear. The braking system includes ABS and EBD, the latter supplemented with a Brake Assist function.
Of course, with such trendy styling, one would expect Toyota to back the Auris up with jazzy, zesty engines. The line-up starts with a 1,4-litre 4ZZ-FE petrol engine delivering 71 kW at 6 000 r/min and maximum torque of 130 N.m. A 1,6-litre 1ZR-FE Dual VVT-i, packs 91 kW at 6 000 r/min and 157 N.m at 5 200 r/min. The last petrol option is the 1,8-litre 2ZR-FE, also armed with Dual VVT-i. Maximum power is 100 kW and the peak torque of 175 N.m comes through from 4 400 r/min.
Toyota has included a diesel model - the 2,0-litre 1AD-FTV engine. It utilizes the latest generation common rail fuel injection together with a variable-nozzle turbo charger, and produces 93 kW at 3 600 r/min and 300 N.m, between 2 000 and 2 800 r/min.
The 1,4 and 1,6-litre come equipped with 5-speed manual ‘boxes, while the 1,8 petrol and 2,0 variants receive 6-speed manual transmissions. Available as an option on one 1,6 litre derivatives, is Toyota’s second generation MultiMode Transmission (M-MT), catering for those who prefer the convenience of an automatic shift.
The Auris has received a 5 star Euro NCAP rating for adult occupant protection. Credit is given to the Auris body structure here. It meets the design criteria of Minimal Intrusion Cabin System (MICS). Reinforcements and structural members are placed strategically around the passenger cell to minimise the risk of injury to vehicle occupants. High tensile steel is also used for maximum strength.
The safety features are rounded out by up to 7 airbags (depending on model), mounts with top tethers - provided for ISOfix child seats on the rear seats, and Toyotas second generation Whiplash Injury Lessening (WIL) seat structure.
Seeing that Toyota has put together a decent package, it’s up to the legions of South African Toyota followers to make this model a bestseller.
Prices (including 5 year/90 000 km ToyotaCare Service Plans):
1,4 RT R156 500
1,4 RS R169 600
1,6 RT R169 900
1,6 RS R181 800
1,6 RS MMT R186 800
1,8 RS R190 500
1,8 RX R208 100
2,0 RS D-4D R213 900
2,0 RX D-4D R229 900
Original article from Car
