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Toyota refreshed Auris is set to arrive in South Africa this month (June 2015) with exterior and interior design changes as well as improved suspension and steering.
A face-lifted hybrid variant will arrive in September.
Toyota's updated Auris, revealed at the 2015 Geneva auto show in March, also receives longer overhangs to compliment its new design.
DESIGN TWEAKS
The Auris gains design tweaks to its front and rear, a new shark-fin antenna and turbine-inspired alloy rims. The front benefits from a pair of chromed “wings” and more prominent Toyota badge. The lower grille, set beneath new bumper, now runs the width of the front.
The rear has been redesigned with the addition of new diode light clusters, a wider and deeper bumper and a chromed trim line. The Auris is available in two new metallic colours – yellow/green and royal blue.
IMAGE GALLERY: 2015 Toyota Auris
The dashboard has been redesigned with soft-touch trim and a new central, tablet-inspired touchscreen. Toyota said: “The driver’s instrument binnacle has a more sport design with tubed tachometer and speedometer dials on either side of a new 10cm colour TFT multi-information screen.
“Many details such as the air vents, door releases and gear lever surround, have been reworked to give a crisper, high-quality appearance. The shape and finish of chromed trim has been harmonised and a new set of upholstery designs, including leather for the XR, complete the more premium quality cabin environment.”
IMPROVED SUSPENSION AND STEERING
The revised units benefit from enhancements to its suspension and steering.
Toyota said: “Components in the MacPherson strut front suspension have been revised, including the design of the coil springs, shock absorbers, upper insulators, bound stoppers and stabiliser bushes. In combination, the changes to the suspension improve initial roll damping, minimise friction and amplify straight-line ride comfort.
“In addition, the power steering system’s mapping has been tuned to further build steering weight as vehicle speed rises, giving better feedback between 60 and 80km/h.”
The hatchback has improved soundproofing and, Toyota says, an “outer tunnel silencer has been added to minimise transmission noise”. Additional sealing in the cabin minimises engine, road and wind noise.
SAME PETROLS, NEW HYBRID
The 1.3 and 1.6 litre petrol units, mated to a six-speed manual, are carried over from the outgoing model. The 1.6 can be mated to a CVT transmission.
The 1.3 is capable of 73kW/128Nm, propelling the hatchback to 100km/h in 12.6 seconds and on to a top speed of 175km/h. Fuel consumption is rated at a claimed 5.8 litre/100km. The 1.6 litre is capable of 97kW/160Nm, reaches 0-100km/ in ten seconds and a top speed of 200km/h. Fuel consumption is 6.2 litres/100km and 6.0 litres/100km for the CVT.
Toyota SA confirms its new 1.8 hybrid will sport a make over, the details of which will be published closer to its local launch in September 2015.
FOUR TRIM LEVELS
The Auris’ four trim levels remain – X, Xi, Xs and Xr.
The entry-level X and Xi are available for either 1.3 or 1.6 litre units. Toyota reports that Bluetooth connectivity has been added. Standard kit includes follow-me-home headlights, shark fin antenna, leather-trim gear lever and steering wheel, power steering, aircon and RDS (Radio Data system) audio with four speakers.
In terms of safety it’s equipped with dual front and side air bags, remote central locking, anti-lock brake system with brake assist, electronic brake-force distribution and seatbelt warning for all occupants.
The X version is fitted with 15” steel rims while the Xi has 16” alloys.
The Xs grade, only available for the 1.6-litre engine, gains a new display for the audio system. The Xs builds on the X and Xi variants with fog lights, black grille, chromed rear bumper, reversing camera, six-speaker audio system, Sport fabric upholstery.
The top-of-the-range Xr specification is available for both 1.6 manual and CVT as well as the updated Hybrid. The Xr adds auto headlights, colour multi-information display, cruise control, smart entry, push start, auto aircon, curtain airbags, driver’s kneebag, leather upholstery, heatable front seats and lumbar support for the driver.
PRICES
Auris X - R223 700
Auris Xi - R249 100
Auris Xs - R259 800
Auris Xr - R287 700
Auris Xr CVT - R301 700
The new Auris will be sold with a five-year or 90 000km service plan, three-year or 100 000km warranty and roadside assistance.
