The new Toyota Auris has been revealed at the Geneva motor show – and will be available with a choice of petrol hybrid engines, but no diesel options.
Speaking at the reveal of the latest version of the small car, Toyota’s European boss, Johan Van Zyl, said that the decision to axe a diesel version was due to customer demand, noting that 41% of Toyota’s European sales in 2017 were hybrid models.
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As expected, the new Auris will be offered with three powertrain choices. The only conventional option is a 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol motor with 114 bhp. Two hybrid systems will be offered: the 1.8-litre, 121bhp motor currently used in the C-HR and Prius, and a new 2.0-litre version with 178bhp.
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Van Zyl said: “In Europe, Auris is the model which moved [hybrid] technology from niche to mainstream. It’s been a breakthrough car for Toyota, because most have been bought by people new to the model or the technology.”
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Speaking about the decision to remove diesel engines from its passenger cars in Europe, Van Zyl added: “Customer demand is a clear sign that our petrol-electric hybrids are a strong and popular alternative.”
The new Auris is built on the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform. Van Zyl said: “TNGA gives the car rigidity and a low centre of gravity. These are the qualities you need for outstanding comfort, handling and driving pleasure.”
The Auris is 4370mm long, 1790mm wide and 1435mm high, with a wheelbase of 2640mm. That makes it 40mm longer and 30mm wider than the old model, although it is 25mm lower.
The redesigned front end features a grille that Toyota says is shaped like a catamaran hull, and also sports new LED headlights and daytime running lights. At the back, the rear windscreen is increased in rake, and a roof spoiler is standard on all trim levels.
The Auris will be built at Toyota’s Burnaston factory in Derbyshire. Last year, the firm invested £240 million to prepare the plant for the transition to the TNGA platform.
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Toyota Auris
So it IS still going to be called the Auris. I wonder where the rumour about changing its name back to Corolloa in Europe came from?
I think the rumour was that there might be a saloon version that might take the Corolla name, though compact saloons based on hatches are terrible sellers over here generally. The current Auris is already sold in the US as the Corolla iM, so it'll probably be branded Corolla over there.
Externally and engine wise. If you don't want an expensive Hybrid you've a choice of either the 1.2 or, or nothing. Looks like Toyota haven't learned
I don't think it looks dull. I don't think it is the last word is style, but certainly not dull. I think it the most interesting looking Auris there has been. I think they are right to not be selling a diesel version, as it really is a USP for them
It wouldn’t be an Autocar story without an opinion stated as fact from XXXX would it?
Toyota haven’t learned what? The Auris ended 2017 in 3rd place for Retail sales in its class, ahead of Astra and Leon. Most of those sales were Hybrid.
My guess is the new version will continue that trend. Toyota are a very clever company, far cleverer than any of us here in the comments section.
It wouldn’t be an Autocar story without an opinion stated as fact from XXXX would it?
Toyota haven’t learned what? The Auris ended 2017 in 3rd place for Retail sales in its class, ahead of Astra and Leon. Most of those sales were Hybrid.
My guess is the new version will continue that trend. Toyota are a very clever company, far cleverer than any of us here in the comments section.
Emm ahead of the Leon, what does that actually mean, The Auris was Dull and sales in Europe were a failure no matter how you wish to dress it and insult others. "Toyota are a very clever company" their sales have faultered and they're make hydrogen cars rather the Electric ones, none to clever IMHO.
Nissan recently stopped production of the Pulsar {remember that ?} after a relatively short run. This segment has moved on a lot and the Auris has not been a great contender in the UK. I am sure it will sell but not in huge volumes
I tried the current Auris Hybrid and it needed more power. Hope the 2.0 isn't too expensive because it'll be on my shopping list. Styling wise the front looks great, though the rear end is a little bulky, especially the bumper. Hopefully if there's an estate it'll resolve that issue.
A couple of years ago I test drove a Lexus CT which had the same engine as the current Auris. Like Will86 I found it underpowered, it seemed to lack low down grunt. Nowhere near as nice to drive as the IS300H. So the new 2 litre engine is to be welcomed.
Source : autocar