2012 Paris Motor Show Toyota Press Kit
1. New Auris (link to images)
2. New Auris Touring Sports (link to images)
3. New Verso (link to images)
4. 2013 Yaris Trend (link to images)
1. THE NEW TOYOTA AURIS
• Confident design adopts the new face of Toyota
• Interior features smart packaging and high quality materials
• Focus on weight management, chassis design and aerodynamics for a car that delivers better dynamic performance, fuel consumption and emissions
• Every model in the range achieves lower fuel consumption and CO2 emissions than before
• Improvements in equipment specification at every level
Rejuvenating the family car market
New Auris is Toyota’s first step in its new product offensive in the European compact/family car market (C-segment), a model that has stronger styling, better dynamic performance, higher equipment levels and lower running costs than its predecessor.
Its design and engineering reflect Toyota’s determination to produce cars that are more appealing to own and engaging to drive, while building on its long-established reputation for quality, durability and reliability.
Improved aerodynamics, comprehensive weight saving and engine revisions all contribute to reducing fuel consumption and CO2 emissions across the range, helping bring down running costs.
Toyota is the world’s leading producer of family vehicles, having sold more than 39 million in 140 countries since the launch of the first Corolla in 1966.
New Auris has been designed for Europe, where it will command the highest sales. It will be built by Toyota Motor Manufacturing UK at the Burnaston factory in Derbyshire, alongside Avensis, reinforcing the company’s commitment to its European operations.
TMUK celebrates its 20th anniversary this year, having produced more than 3.25 million vehicles since it began operating in 1992. Auris production is currently in the region of 418,000 units.
Improved packaging
Auris’s overall length has been increased by 30mm to 4,275, while the wheelbase remains the same at 2,600mm. Although both front and rear overhangs have been increased by 15mm, it remains one of the most compact cars in its class.
Significantly, the frontal surface area has been reduced by four per cent compared to the current model and, without impacting on passenger space, the overall height has been lowered by 55mm (45mm in the cabin and 10mm in the ride height), making new Auris one of the lowest cars in its segment. Together these changes yield considerable aerodynamic benefits, contributing to better fuel efficiency and driving dynamics.
Extensive use of high tensile steel in the bodyshell has helped cut the car’s overall weight by up to 40kg, and the reduction in vehicle height has lowered its centre of gravity. The driver’s seat height has been reduced by 40mm and the tilt angle of the steering wheel has been lowered by two degrees to create a more connected driving position with a low hip point.
A new front seat design has allowed for an increase of 20mm in knee room for rear seat passengers. Easier access and loading have been achieved by widening the openings for both the rear doors and tailgate and adding an extra 50mm to the loadspace length. The boot is more flexible in design, too, with a dual-level deckboard and 60:40 split-folding rear seats on all versions, including Auris Hybrid. Luggage capacity (with the rear seats in place) has increased to 360 litres on all models.
Exterior design
Auris’s all-new exterior design maximises the benefits of the car’s lower height and centre of gravity.
Overall the styling is sleeker and more confident, most notably in the design of the front end where it adopts the new face of Toyota with a stronger grille design and keen-edged headlamps and LED daytime running lights. The result is a much more powerful road presence than the current model.
The details include a large, trapezoidal lower grille set within the front bumper, and smaller upper grille which runs the full width between the headlights. The low, sweeping bonnet line is dominated by a new, larger Toyota badge, set lower than before.
The upper grille features a central chrome-plated horizontal bar, which extends into the headlamps to accentuate the width of the vehicle, going on to form an “eyebrow”. The headlamp packaging incorporates LED daytime running lights (standard on all grades) which give new Auris its individual lighting signature.
The larger lower grille is flanked by integrated fog light housings with chrome surrounds. It has a piano black finish with a floating, lower chrome accent on the lip spoiler – another detail that emphasises the car’s width and planted stance.
The side profile view is distinguished by the steeply raked windscreen, which flows seamlessly into the new, lower, drag-reducing, stepped roofline. In a further styling shift, the side glazing has been extended into three panels above a more pronounced rising belt line crease.
The door mirrors have been moved to within the glazed area and the B-pillar has a gloss black finish, which, together with chrome detailing on the beltline, accentuates new Auris’s lower, sportier silhouette.
The ride height has been lowered by 10mm, reducing the gap between the wheel arches and the tyres and aligning the tyres more closely with the bodywork to further emphasise the car’s sleeker and more streamlined appearance. New 15 and 16-inch wheelcaps and 16 and 17-inch alloy wheel designs have been introduced.
At the rear new Auris has a wider opening tailgate, with an interplay of convex and concave surfaces, a wrap-around combination lamp design and a new bumper profile, strengthening the car’s broad stance.
In Europe, 10 exterior colours will be available, with four new shades: Avant-Garde Bronze, Dark Steel and Blue. Pearl White will be exclusive the new Auris Hybrid.
Class-leading aerodynamics
The all-new exterior design gives Auris excellent aerodynamics, contributing to better handling stability and lower fuel consumption.
The car’s lower height and smaller frontal area significantly reduce wind resistance. The flowing lines from the lower bonnet line, over the steeply raked windscreen and the stepped roof profile further reduce drag. The rear spoiler is now fully integrated in the rear roofline, connecting seamlessly with the rear pillars to minimise turbulence in the airflow away from the back of the vehicle.
As well as reducing ride height by 10mm, Toyota has paid attention to ensuring the smoothest possible airflow beneath the car. Elements fitted to the underfloor include a front spoiler, front and rear spats and a series of undercovers, all of which help maximise aerodynamic efficiency. The attention to detail extends to a series of vertical wings fitted to the centre and rear floor undercovers to further smooth the airflow.
Higher quality, more unified interior design
New Auris’s interior is more spacious and comfortable for everyone on board. There has also been an emphasis on raising the sensory quality of the cabin and creating a greater sense of visual unity through consistency of lighting, colours, finishes, and even the font used for the graphics.
The cleaner design introduces stronger shapes, improved functionality and high quality materials. By accentuating the horizontal, the new dashboard emphasises the width and spaciousness of the cabin, with driver-focused arrangement of the instruments and switchgear.
The more driver-oriented nature of the design is further expressed in the strong curve of the hood over the instrument binnacle, which flows down the side of the centre console to help create a cockpit feel.
The co-ordinated look is reflected in a marching satin silver finish used for the meter surrounds, centre stack, transmission tunnel trim, air conditioning and audio controls and the interior door handles.
The air vents, audio panel, transmission tunnel, steering wheel and gear lever all have a silver coloured trim, while on higher grade models the dashboard itself is leather trimmed.
Consideration has been given to the tactile quality of every area which the car’s occupants will come into contact with. Soft touch materials feature on the instrument panel’s upper surface and the door trim shoulder areas, and the A-pillars are fabric trimmed. The gear knob has a new design and the steering wheel is wrapped in Nappa leather with single baseball stitching. The assist grips and door grips have a soft texture grain and the door armrests are padded.
The new front seats have longer fore and aft travel and an increase in height adjustment range. A new front sports seat design has also been introduced, with extra lateral support.
Entry level and mid-range models feature seats with a new fabric covering; sports grade models add contrasting red panels, and on higher grade models a combination of black velour with leather bolsters is used. An Ice Grey leather option will be exclusive to Auris Hybrid.
Driving dynamics
Fundamental steps have been taken to make new Auris more comfortable and more engaging to drive, including building extra rigidity into the bodyshell and improvements to the suspension, steering, driving position and NVH performance
New bracing and reinforcements to the car’s underbody, front and rear structures and suspension have made the body more rigid. At the same time, extensive use of high tensile steel in the bodyshell has helped reduce overall vehicle weight by up to 40kg. This combines with the lower overall vehicle height and ground clearance and the lower position of the front seats to bring down the car’s centre of gravity, improving stability at speed and cornering agility.
The reduction in the centre gravity allows for the spring rates and anti-roll bar diameter to be reduced, while numerous components in the front MacPherson strut suspension have been revised and shock absorbers retuned with the aim of delivering class-leading ride comfort, with improved body control and steering response.
The 1.33 petrol and 1.4 D-4D diesel models use a torsion beam rear suspension, while the 1.6-litre petrol and 1.8 Hybrid models use a double wishbone arrangement.
Improvements have been made to the electric power steering: a more rigid steering column attachment ensures a linear steering feel; a new control unit suppresses changes in steering force to further improve the linear performance; and a high gear ratio gives greater responsiveness. The result is steering that is more direct with better feedback and quicker turning, making new Auris more agile.
Extensive improvements to NVH measures mean that the new model is not only more comfortable, but also noticeably quieter. Extensive soundproofing in the engine bay, front wheel arches and dashboard has reduced engine and road noise intrusion in the cabin.
Petrol and diesel powertrains
Average CO2 emissions for the Auris range have fallen steadily in recent years. When the first generation model was launched in 2007, the model’s European average was 152g/km. This fell to 142g/km in 2009, and then to 125g/km two years later following the launch of Auris Hybrid.
With the introduction of new Auris, the level will fall to 109g/km, a further 13 per cent reduction.
This has been achieved by taking a total vehicle approach to reducing emissions and improving fuel consumption, while at the same time improving the car’s driveability and dynamic performance.
Improvements to the powertrains are central to this, with the new line-up in the UK offering two petrol engines and a diesel unit, all benefiting from Toyota Optimal Drive technologies.
At launch, Toyota expects the European sales mix to be approximately one third each for petrol, diesel and full hybrid. In the UK the balance will shift slightly with the Hybrid claiming around a 40 per cent share, as only one diesel engine will be available. This prediction reflects how full hybrid has become a mainstream proposition that can be accessed by a large customer group.
Toyota Optimal Drive
Toyota Optimal Drive takes in a wide-range of advanced technologies and internal improvement programmes designed to optimise the balance of performance and driving enjoyment with fuel economy and low emissions.
These diverse core technologies focus on three aspects of powertrain development. Firstly, the reduction of powertrain weight by using super-lightweight and highly compact engine components and transmissions.
Secondly, the minimisation of mechanical losses through the adoption of Valvematic – a further development of VVT-i valve timing technology – in the 1.6 petrol engine, and new roller rocker technology and smaller, lighter pistons in both petrol engines. Low viscosity oil and six-speed manual transmissions are used throughout the new Auris engine range.
Thirdly, the maximisation of combustion efficiency, achieved with a high, 11.5:1 compression ratio for the petrol engines, Valvematic, the refinement of intake port and combustion chamber design and piston cooling by oil jet. The Auris diesel engine further benefits from a low compression ratio, optimised combustion chamber dimensions and higher Exhaust Gas Recirculation cooler efficiency.
1.33 Dual VVT-i petrol engine
The 1.33-litre petrol engine is equipped with dual intelligent variable valve timing (VVT-i) and runs with a high 11.5:1 compression ratio, which increases the unit’s thermal efficiency. Maximum power is 98bhp (73kW) and peak torque of 128Nm is generated at 3,800rpm.
Strong performance is matched by fuel consumption of 52.3mpg and CO2 emissions from 125g/km (provisional, pre-homologation figures), an improvement of 3.6mpg and 10g/km on the current model.
The engine’s design benefits from Toyota’s extensive motorsport experience, with its small bore and long stroke it is extremely compact and lightweight, contributing to the vehicles power to weight ratio. It uses a resin-type cylinder head cover and intake manifold, and the intake channel is streamlined for smoother airflow and higher combustion efficiency.
Dual VVT-i helps boost response levels across the entire rev range by varying the air-fuel intake and exhaust valve timing to suit the conditions at any given time. As well as improving torque at low and medium engine speeds, the system also reduces emissions and enhances fuel efficiency.
1.6 Valvematic petrol engine
Valvematic is a further development of Toyota’s intelligent dual variable valve timing system, Dual VVT-i. It takes the technology forward by adding lift and duration control to the inlet valve timing, which improves inlet airflow volume and speed management, and thereby the combustion process, too. This results in more power for less fuel, with reduced CO2 emissions.
Valvematic also reduces friction and pumping losses under light engine loads, which further helps reduce fuel consumption. Its efficiency is improved thanks to a variable length inlet manifold. At low to medium engine speeds this acts as an accelerator, maximising inlet air speed to achieve the best possible combustion efficiency. At higher speeds the manifold is fully open, allowing air to enter the combustion chamber by the shortest route. Maximising the volume of air in the chamber in this way also maximises engine power output.
The 1.6 Valvematic engine is available with either six-speed manual or Multidrive S automatic (CVT) transmission. It produces 130bhp (97kW and maximum torque of 160Nm at 4,400rpm. With manual transmission the combined cycle fuel consumption is 47.9mpg with 138g/km CO2 emissions, an improvement of 5.1mpg and 15g/km over the current Auris 1.6 Valvematic. Figures are even better with the Multidrive S CVT, at 49.6mpg and 134g/km.
1.4 D-4D diesel engine
Toyota’s 1.4 D-4D is matched to a six-speed manual transmission and develops 89bhp (66kW) and 205Nm of torque across a range from 1,800 to 2,800rpm.
The engine benefits from further Toyota Optimal Drive improvements, including the installation of a new two-step hydraulic control valve in the timing chain cover. This reduces friction when hydraulic pressure is low by opening and closing the relief valve, according to driving conditions.
There is also a new coolant by-pass system that helps reduce heat losses in the engine coolant during start up, helping reduce the time it takes for the engine to warm up.
New generation piezoelectric fuel injectors provide more accurate control of injection fuel volume and timing. The piezo injectors’ quick reaction time makes multi-phase high speed injection possible, which has the effect of both lowering the rate of combustion expansion and effecting a more thorough burn in the combustion chamber, so further reducing particulate, NOx and CO2 emissions.
This combines with higher, 160Mpa common rail injection pressure, to give shorter injector times. The result is a faster engine response with better fuel economy and emissions.
Toyota Stop & Start
Toyota Stop & Start technology is available with the 1.33 Dual VVT-i petrol and 1.4 D-4D diesel engines. It automatically switches the engine off when the vehicle is stopped, and provides an immediate restart with virtually no engine sound or vibration.
Stop & Start delivers significant reductions in CO2 emissions when driving around town and, depending on driving conditions, can reduce fuel consumption by up to three per cent.
The system automatically stops the engine when the gear shift lever is moved to neutral and the clutch is released. Automatic restart is within less than half a second when the clutch pedal is depressed.
It will continue to operate when the air conditioning is running, but the engine will not be stopped if the temperature inside the cabin has not yet reached the desired level; when that temperature is reached, the air conditioning will switch to Eco-run loading to allow the automatic engine stop function to operate. The engine will restart if battery level is low, or if the vehicle begins to move.
Vehicles fitted with Stop & Start also have an Eco indicator on the dashboard which lights up during each automatic engine stop, and an Eco counter which shows the amount of time the engine has been switched off in the course of each journey. There is also a counter which shows the vehicle’s accumulated idling stop time.
Multidrive S transmission
Multidrive S, available with the 1.6 Valvematic engine in new Auris, is a continuously variable transmission (CVT) which offers the choice of a fully automatic, seamless shift mode or stepped seven-speed Sport mode.
In automatic mode performance is optimised for quietness and fuel economy with the transmission precisely matched to the engine all times through monitoring of accelerator pedal angle, vehicle speed and braking force.
In Sport mode the system favours response and direct engine control. The stepped seven-speed CVT performs close ratio upshifts and has direct downshift feel. Sport mode also provides precise cornering control. When it detects deceleration, the system downshifts and applies engine braking to assist the braking force; mid-corner, it will suspend shifting when it detects lateral g-force. On exiting a corner, predictive downshift logic controls the system to ensure the right gear ratio is selected for the level of acceleration required.
Auris Hybrid
Since its launch in 2010, Toyota has sold around 60,000 of the British-built Auris Hybrid, making it Europe’s second most popular hybrid vehicle, after Prius.
Further improvements have been made to its Hybrid Synergy Drive powertrain. The control logic of the planetary gear transmission has been modified to give a smoother and natural feel to vehicle acceleration, with a closer relationship between vehicle speed and engine revs.
The system’s 1.8-litre VVT-i petrol engine and 60kW electric motor together generate a maximum power output of 134bhp (100kW), giving Auris Hybrid 0-62mph acceleration in 10.9 seconds and a 112mpg top speed.
The new Auris Hybrid’s improved aerodynamics and lighter weight have reduced CO2 to less than 89g/km (with 15-inch wheels). It also produces significantly lower NOx and particulates than comparable diesel models.
When operating its switchable all-electric EV mode, Auris Hybrid generates zero CO2, NOx and particulates for distances up to 1.2 miles at speeds up to about 31mph, according to the level of battery charge and driving conditions.
The powertrain is engineered so that the petrol engine is used as little as possible in city driving. Toyota data shows that the cumulative result is a high proportion of zero-emissions EV driving.
The battery pack has been reorganised in the new Auris Hybrid so that it sits beneath the rear seat. This means luggage space is now the same as in other models in the Auris range.
Auris Hybrid’s low CO2 emissions attract significant tax benefits in the UK and exemption from the London congestion charge, adding to its low running costs.
Design
Auris Hybrid shares the same exterior styling changes and extensive interior improvements as its new petrol and diesel-powered sister models. On the outside there are additional, hybrid-exclusive details, while inside there are a number of hybrid-specific instruments and switchgear and a dedicated upholstery design.
The lower grille and lower part of the rear bumper are finished in a graphite gloss paint, and the Toyota emblems on the bonnet and tailgate are finished in hybrid blue. Hybrid logos are featured on the front wings and there is a hybrid mark on the tailgate. Other features exclusive to the Hybrid also include LED rear light clusters and new 15 and 17-inch Turbine alloy wheels.
A hybrid meter and specific Eco Drive Support monitor feature on the dashboard. The gear lever is finished in hybrid blue and there is hybrid-specific ornamentation on the instrument panel. According to grade, the instrument panel has a hybrid blue brushed aluminium finish. Ice blue leather or black leather inserts will be available on higher grades.
TOYOTA AURIS PRELIMINARY TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Data is provisional, prior to homologation
| 1.33 DUAL VVT-i | |||||
| Engine Code |
1NR-FE | ||||
| Type |
Four cylinders in-line | ||||
| Valve mechanism |
DOHC 16-valve with Dual VVT-i | ||||
| Displacement (cc) |
1,329 | ||||
| Bore x stroke (mm) |
72.5 x 80.5 | ||||
| Compression ratio |
11.5:1 | ||||
| Max power (bhp/kW @ rpm) |
98/73 @ 6,000 | ||||
| Max torque (Nm @ rpm) |
128 @ 3,800 | ||||
| 1.6 VALVEMATIC | |||||
| Engine Code |
1ZR-FAE | ||||
| Type |
Four cylinders in-line | ||||
| Valve mechanism |
DOHC 16-valve Valvematic | ||||
| Displacement (cc) |
1,598 | ||||
| Bore x stroke (mm) |
80.5 x 78.5 | ||||
| Compression ratio |
10.7:1 | ||||
| Max power (bhp/kW @ rpm) |
130/97 @ 6,400 | ||||
| Max torque (Nm @ rpm) |
160 @ 4,400 | ||||
| 1.4 D-4D | |||||
| Engine Code |
1ND-TV | ||||
| Type |
Four cylinders in-line | ||||
| Valve mechanism |
SOHC 8-valve | ||||
| Displacement (cc) |
1,364 | ||||
| Bore x stroke (mm) |
73.0 x 81.5 | ||||
| Compression ratio |
16.5:1 | ||||
| Max power (bhp/kW @ rpm) |
89/66 @ 3,800 | ||||
| Max torque (Nm @ rpm) |
205 @ 1,800 – 2,800 | ||||
| 1.8 VVT-i HYBRID | |||||
| Engine Code |
2ZR-FXE | ||||
| Type |
Four cylinders in-line | ||||
| Valve mechanism |
DOHC 16-valve with VVT-i | ||||
| Displacement (cc) |
1,798 | ||||
| Bore x stroke (mm) |
80.5 x 88.3 | ||||
| Compression ratio |
13.0:1 | ||||
| Max power (bhp/kW @ rpm) |
134/73 @ 5,200 | ||||
| Max torque (Nm @ rpm) |
142 @ 4,000 | ||||
| TRANSMISSONS |
1.33 DUAL VVT-i |
1.6 VALVEMATIC |
1.4 D-4D |
1.8 HYBRID | |
| Type |
6-speed manual |
6-speed manual Multidrive S (CVT) |
6-speed manual |
E-CVT | |
| Gear ratios | 1st |
3.538 |
3.538 |
3.538 |
– |
| 2nd |
1.913 |
1.913 |
1.913 |
– | |
| 3rd |
1.392 |
1.310 |
1.310 |
– | |
| 4th |
1.029 |
0.971 |
0.971 |
– | |
| 5th |
0.875 |
0.818 |
0.714 |
– | |
| 6th |
0.743 |
0.700 |
0.619 |
– | |
| Reverse |
3.333 |
3.333 |
3.333 |
2.683 | |
| PERFORMANCE |
1.33 DUAL VVT-i |
1.6 VALVEMATIC |
1.4 D-4D |
1.8 HYBRID | |
| Transmission |
6 M/T S&S |
6M/T |
MDS |
6M/T S&S |
E-CVT |
| Max Speed (mph) |
109 |
124 |
118 |
112 |
112 |
| 0-62mph (sec) |
12.6 |
10.0 |
11.1 |
12.5 |
10.9 |
| FUEL CONSUMPTION |
1.33 DUAL VVT-i |
1.6 VALVEMATIC |
1.4 D-4D |
1.8 HYBRID | |
| Transmission |
6 M/T S&S |
6M/T |
MDS |
6M/T S&S |
E-CVT |
| Combined |
52.3 |
47.9 |
49.6 |
72.4 |
tbc |
| Extra-urban |
60.1 |
58.9 |
58.9 |
78.5 |
tbc |
| Urban |
42.8 |
35.8 |
38.2 |
62.8 |
tbc |
| Tank capacity (l) |
50 | ||||
| EMISSIONS |
1.33 DUAL VVT-i |
1.6 VALVEMATIC |
1.4 D-4D |
1.8 HYBRID | |
| Transmission |
6 M/T S&S |
6M/T |
MDS |
6M/T S&S |
E-CVT |
| Combined |
125 |
138 |
134 |
99 |
<89 |
| Extra-urban |
110 |
113 |
111 |
93 |
tbc |
| Urban |
152 |
181 |
173 |
118 |
tbc |
| BRAKES |
1.33 DUAL VVT-i |
1.6 VALVEMATIC |
1.4 D-4D |
1.8 HYBRID | |
| Front (mm) |
Ventilated discs ø277 x 26 | ||||
| Rear (mm) |
Solid discs ø270 x 10 | ||||
| Additional features |
ABS, EBD, BA, VSC,TRC | ||||
|
ABS= anti-lock braking system EBD = electronic brakeforce distribution BA = brake assist VSC = vehicle stability controlTRC= traction control | |||||
| SUSPENSION | |||||
| Front |
MacPherson strut | ||||
| Rear |
Torsion beam (1.33. 1.4 D-4D Double wishbone (1.6, Hybrid) | ||||
| STEERING | |||||
| Ratio |
14.8:1 | ||||
| Turns lock-to-lock |
2.67 | ||||
| Min turning radius – tyre (m) |
5.2 | ||||
| EXTERIOR DIMENSIONS | |||||
| Overall length (mm) |
4,275 | ||||
| Overall width (mm) |
1,760 | ||||
| Overall height (mm) |
1,460 | ||||
| Wheelbase (mm) |
2,600 | ||||
| Front track (mm) |
1,535 | ||||
| Rear track (mm) |
1,525 | ||||
| Front overhang (mm) |
920 | ||||
| Rear overhang (mm) |
740 | ||||
| Drag coefficient (Cd) |
0.28 | ||||
| INTERIOR DIMENSIONS | |||||
| Interior length (mm) |
1,830 | ||||
| Interior width (mm) |
1,485 | ||||
| Interior height (mm) |
1,180 | ||||
| WEIGHTS (kg) |
1.33 DUAL VVT-i |
1.6 VALVEMATIC |
1.4 D-4D 90 |
1.8 HYBRID | |
| Kerb weight |
1,180 – 1,240 |
1,250 – 1,295 |
1,270 – 1,335 |
1,370 – 1,425 | |
| Gross vehicle weight |
1,815 |
1,805 |
1,815 |
1,815 |
2. THE NEW TOYOTA AURIS TOURING SPORTS
• Wagon body style revealed for new Auris
• First estate model in the family car market with a full hybrid powertrain
• 285mm longer than five-door hatchback, with increased luggage space
The new Toyota Auris Touring Sports makes its world debut at the 2012 Paris motor show, adding an estate body style to the range for the first time.
Estate/wagon versions account for about 25 per cent of the sales mix in the mainstream family car market (C-segment) in Europe. Auris Touring Sports will be the first in the segment to be available with a full hybrid powertrain.
The new model is versatile with a dynamic design that doesn’t compromise its load carrying ability. It also marks the latest stage in Toyota’s diversification of its full hybrid model line-up.
Design
Like the new Auris hatchback, Auris Touring Sports maximises its aerodynamic performance with a design that gives it a low height and low centre of gravity.
It has the same 2,600mm wheelbase as the hatchback but is 285mm longer overall, all of which is accounted for in the extended loadspace.
It also has the same front-end design as the hatch, but in profile the steeply raked windscreen flows into an extended roofline featuring anodised aluminium rails and an integrated rear spoiler. The side glazing extends across three panels, with gloss black B-pillars, and is underscored by a chrome-accented trim above a rising belt line crease.
The bumper and tailgate have a new design, with the sill set 80mm lower than on the hatchback. The height of the licence plate is raised to maintain balanced proportions. The new wraparound rear combination lamps reinforce the shaped of the D-pillars and the rear screen.
3. THE NEW TOYOTA VERSO
• New exterior design with stronger Toyota family identity in the front-end styling
• Revised interior with changes to instruments and controls, new trim details and higher perceived quality
• New Verso joins new Auris and Auris Touring Sports for a renewed Toyota product offensive in the compact/family car market
• Planning, design and engineering led by Toyota Motor Europe, model built exclusively at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Turkey
• UK specifications to be announced later
The new Verso, unveiled at the 2012 Paris motor show, showcases Toyota’s European design and engineering capabilities. It joins the new Auris and Auris Touring Sports as the third element in the company’s renewed product offensive in the compact/family car market – the C-segment.
With more than 300 parts changed, the seven-seat Verso has undergone a comprehensive mid-life upgrade.
It builds on the established versatility, practicality and roominess of the current model, but adds more style and comfort and improved handling. On the outside it displays Toyota’s new design language and a family identity that links it visually to new Auris and Auris Touring Sports. The interior has been improved, the 2.0-litre D-4D diesel engine has been revised for lower CO2 emissions, driving dynamics have been sharpened and NVH levels have been reduced.
New Verso is the first full-scale project that has involved Toyota’s European product planning, design, R&D and purchasing strategy operations from the concept stage onwards, demonstrating Toyota’s commitment to a regional strategy. Vehicle planning, design and engineering were all led in Europe, and new Verso is being built exclusively at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Turkey. European sales are expected to be about 50,000 in 2013, giving the model an approximate five per cent share of its market segment.
Exterior design
New Verso retains its distinctive “dual zone” styling, with a full length character line which, in profile view, divides the bonnet and cabin from the chassis and loadspace. The principal changes are at the front where the Toyota’s new design language has been adopted to project a family look that gives the car a strong visual link to the new Auris and Auris Touring Sports. The aim has been to reduce the perception of the vehicle’s height while emphasising its width and length.
The details include a large, trapezoidal grille set within a redesigned bumper, and a smaller upper grille that spans the full width between new headlights. There is a larger Toyota badge, set lower on the bonnet, and a chrome-finish horizontal bar that extends into the headlamp units to accentuate Verso’s width.
The headlamps units themselves are narrower and incorporate new LED daytime running lights. On some versions, High-Intensity Discharge headlights are fitted.
The larger lower grille has a gloss black finish and twin chrome strips, and is flanked by fog lights with chrome surrounds. There is also a full-width, body coloured lip spoiler, that also serves to emphasise the vehicle’s width.
The profile view changes with new, smaller, folding door mirrors with integrated turn signal lights. New wheels are available: the 17-inch alloys have the same design as before, but with a darker finish; the 16-inch alloys now have a machined face finish.
At the rear there is a new bumper that incorporates an integrated low level diffuser. The colour of the centre and outer lenses in the rear light cluster have been changed and there is new trim for the rear licence plate.
Interior design
Changes to Verso’s interior include extensive new trim details and a new satin black paint finish that is softer to the touch. Soft-touch material has also been introduced for the upper glovebox and, on some versions, Nappa leather is used around the steering wheel, door trims and armrest.
Warm satin chrome trim highlights feature on the driver’s instrument surrounds, the instrument binnacle hood, air vents, instrument panel, gear shift and door grips. The attention to detail in raising the sensory quality of the interior extends to using a new two-layer paint finish for the interior door handles.
Measures have been taken to harmonise the appearance of the instruments and switchgear by using more consistent illumination and font sizes for the graphics. The driver’s meters are now back-lit in white, and all switches have a deep orange illumination.
A dimmer switch has been added to the controls so the brightness of the combination meter and the switchgear lighting can be adjusted simultaneously, giving a consistent lighting level.
New seat fabrics, colours and designs have been introduced and across the range the front seats have improved side bolster support; the bolsters themselves have a harder-wearing finish.
On higher grade versions the bolsters are leather-covered with double stitching to match the armrest and door trims. Another detail touch is the introduction of a jack-knife style key.
Verso remains as roomy as ever and retains its best-in-class 975mm couple distance between the first and second row of seats.
Toyota’s Easy Flat-7 seating system delivers excellent flexibility, with a possible 32 different seating combinations. Individual seats are fitted in the second and third rows and those in the second row have a 195mm sliding adjustment range.
When all the rear seats are folded, new Verso has a flat load floor that is 1,575mm and 1,430 mm wide. With all seats in place the luggage volume is 155 litres; when the third row is folded, the figure rises to 440 litres.
There is a boot management system under the floor where items can be stored out of sight. Its capacity varies according to how many seats are folded down, and whether a full size spare tyre or tyre repair kit is specified. The tonneau cover can also be stored in this space when not in use.
There is plenty more storage around the cabin, include a twin-compartment glovebox, that has a cooled upper section large enough to carry a 1.5-itre bottle, and an 8.2-litre lower section.
There is also a spacious centre console box, door pockets, seatback storage, fold-down tables with integrated cupholders, a drawer beneath the front passenger seat, an overhead consoles and pockets for the driver and front passenger that can be used to hold mobile phones or music players.
A full-length panoramic roof is available, measuring 2,340 by 1,280mm, bringing significantly more light into the cabin and increasing the sense of spaciousness.
Powertrains
Verso’s 2.0-litre D-4D diesel engine has been revised for better torque delivery at low revs and quieter running. At the same the engine’s CO2 emissions have been reduced by 10g/km to fall below 130g/km.
The 2.2-litre D-CAT diesel engine will also be available, with a choice of six-speed manual or automatic transmissions. The former develops 175bhp/131kW with 159g/km CO2 emissions, the latter 148bhp/110kW and 178g/km.
The towing capacity for all diesel-powered Verso has been increased by 200kg to 1,500kg.
The 1.6 and 18-litre Valvematic petrol engines will continue. Both are matched to a six-speed manual gearbox, with the 1.8 optionally available with a revised Multidrive CVT that has been tuned to give more of a stepped gear shift feel, with engine revs building in a way that’s more closely linked to vehicle acceleration.
Driving dynamics
Verso is designed to ride with all the stability and comfort of a conventional passenger car. Its driving dynamics have been further revised to achieve even greater body control and more agile handling.
Adding extra welding points has improved body rigidity, and the suspension (front MacPherson struts, rear torsion beam) has been tuned for a more comfortable ride. The electric power steering has been adjusted, too, for better feel and feedback.
The cabin has been made quieter by adding sound damping to the A-pillars and the introduction of smaller, more aerodynamic door mirrors which cut the amount of wind noise. Engine combustion noise has been reduced, too, and better sound damping has been provided between the engine compartment and cabin.
4. 2013 TOYOTA YARIS TREND
• New 2013 Yaris Trend, targeting younger, design-conscious customers
• Black and white colour theme – with a touch of ochre
• Model-specific exterior styling and interior finishes, textures and colours
Toyota follows up the UK launch of Yaris Trend with the unveiling of the 2013 special edition model that will go on sale next year.
With its exterior styling elements and dedicated interior finishes, textures and colours, it’s aimed at younger customers for who make fashionable design a priority.
As well as having distinctive looks, Yaris Trend retains the fundamental qualities that set it apart from the supermini pack. It may be the most compact car in its class, but clever Toyota packaging means there is class-leading space inside. It also has the tightest turning circle – 4.7 metres – making it a master of manoeuvring in tight city streets and parking spaces.
At the time of its launch in 2011, Yaris also had the distinction of being the first car in its segment to offer customers an advanced, but affordable multimedia system – Toyota Touch and, with satellite navigation, Toyota Touch & Go.
Yaris Trend has been styled to amplify the most dynamic elements of the Yaris range, reinforcing the vehicle’s distinctive character by emphasising the horizontal lines and strengthening the link between the interior and exterior design.
Exterior
Details around the front end that distinguish the 2013 Yaris Trend include chrome elements in the fog light surrounds and headlamps. Versions with white paint have matching white covers in the headlamp units.
The model retains its blacked out B and C-pillars that create a floating roof effect, and there are chrome door sills and door mirror covers.
The two-tone 16-inch alloy wheels have machine-finished surfaces and there is a distinctive Deco line surface detail that runs back across the bodywork from the headlights.
At the rear there is a roof spoiler and hybrid-style LED lamp clusters.
The 2013 Yaris Trend with Deco line will be available in white or silver, colours chosen to maximise its visual impact; versions without the Deco line will be offered in the full range of Yaris exterior finishes.
Interior
The interior styling reflects the design theme outside, with a black and white finish – with a contrasting touch of ochre – to create a clean style with plenty of visual impact.
The geometry of the centre console has been changed, with the soft-touch dashboard and upper door panels finished in white to emphasise the horizontal lines of the design. The dashboard itself matches the exterior bodywork with Deco line surface detailing.
The sensory appeal of the cabin has been raised in details such as the shorter gear shift lever with larger knob, increasing the tactile quality that’s also witnessed in the new centre console treatment. Greater visual appeal is achieved in painted trim elements and the use of ochre-coloured stitching.
On models with Multidrive S transmission, the shift knob has a white insert and ochre stitching.
The black and white design theme is complimented by the seat upholstery. The upper seatback bolsters and headrests are finished in a new, pearl white leather-look material with more ochre stitching and the headrests (front and rear) have the Deco line surface finishing.
The seats’ central fabric inserts have been made softer and there is new grey piping in line with the change from black to grey seatbelts.
The combination meter follows the same colour theme, in black and white with ochre accents.
