Toyota Launches Auris in Japan; Europe Targeted for Spring 2007

23 October 2006

Auris compact, launched today in Japan.

Toyota launched the Auris—a new strategic compact passenger vehicle for both Japan and Europe and the replacement for the Corolla—in Japan today. The European release is scheduled for the spring of 2007.

The Auris in Japan is offering a choice of 1.5-liter VVT-i and 1.8-liter Dual VVT-i gasoline engines, combined with a Super CVT-i (Super Continuously Variable Transmission-intelligent) transmission. A seven-speed automatic is available on the models with the 1.8-liter engine.

Toyota’s Dual VVT-i (variable valve timing) technology varies the timing on both the inlet and exhaust valves, providing greater engine flexibility, more power and torque and improved fuel efficiency.

All Auris models are certified as having emissions levels 75% lower than the 2005 standards under the Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport’s Approval System for Low-emission Vehicles. The 180G S-package vehicles boast fuel efficiency that is 20% greater than the Japanese 2010 fuel efficiency standards and all 1.5-liter vehicles and 1.8-liter four-wheel-drive vehicles achieve fuel efficiency that exceeds those standards by 10%, thus qualifying for incentives under the Japanese government’s Green Taxation System.

The Auris concept as shown at the Paris auto show.

Preliminary powertrain details for the Auris in Europe, which will be formally revealed at the Bologna Motor Show on 5 December 2006, differ from those of the Japanese models.

Based on a completely new platform, the European-designed C-segment hatchback (both 3- and 5-door models) will offer a choice of five engines: two gasoline (1.4 VVT-i and 1.6 Dual VVT-i) and three diesel (1.4 D-4D, 2.0 D-4D and 2.2 D-4D Clean Power). All engines meet Euro 4 emissions standards.

The new 1.6-liter gasoline engine will feature a dual variable valve timing (VVT-i) system, supporting better fuel efficiency while increasing power. The 2.0-liter D-4D diesel will be available with Toyota’s self-cleaning diesel particulate filter (DPF) while the 2.2 D-4D 180 Clean Power will feature the Toyota D-CAT technology which reduces NO_x and particulate emissions at the same time. (Earlier post.)

A six-speed manual transmission is standard equipment on the 2.0 D-4D and 2.2 D-4D engines. A new MultiMode transmission with paddle shift will be optional on 1.4 D-4D and 1.6 VVT-i engines.