Toyota Announces Auris Hybrid for European Market, Sales to Start in Mid-2010

Toyota has confirmed plans to launch a full-hybrid version of its Golf-sized Auris hatchback for the European market in mid-2010. According to the Japanese firm, the Auris Hybrid will be built at its UK-based facility in Burnaston, Derbyshire. The company did not release any technical information but chances are that the Auris will make use of a similar, if not the same, hybrid drivetrain system to the new Prius that combines a 1.8-liter gasoline engine with two electric motors.

"With today's announcement, Toyota has taken a significant step forward in ensuring that full hybrids become more accessible to a wider range of customers," said Tadashi Arashima, CEO and President of Toyota Europe. "Such efforts are crucial if we are to see more low-carbon vehicles on European roads," he added.

In other words, it's safe to assume that the Auris Hybrid will be priced much lower than the Prius, giving Honda's newly introduced Insight Hybrid a run for its money.

The Auris is Toyota's proposal in the all-important for the European market C-segment rivaling the likes of the Volkswagen Golf, Renault Megane, Ford Focus and Opel Astra. It was launched into the European market in the Spring of 2007 replacing the three- and five-door hatchback variants of the Corolla. Since then, it has sold over 370,000 units across the continent.

The Auris is offered with various powertrains in Europe including the newly introduced 101HP 1.33-liter gasoline engine that returns 5.8lt/100km or 40.6mpg US in the European cycle and a range-topping 2.2-liter turbo diesel with 175HP for the sporty Auris SR180 (pictured here) that returns an average of 6.0lt/100km or 39.2mpg.

READ MORE - Toyota Announces Auris Hybrid for European Market, Sales to Start in Mid-2010

Toyota Previews Auris Hybrid with Pre-Production Concept

Toyota Previews Auris Hybrid with Pre-Production Concept

Toyota today dropped an official photograph of the Auris HSD Full Hybrid Concept, which will be displayed for the very first time at the 2009 Frankfurt motor show. In essence, it's a pre-production model lightly guised as a concept that previews Toyota's first European-built full hybrid that will be produced in the UK with sales scheduled to start in mid-2010.

The Japanese automaker said that the Auris Hybrid represents a milestone in the firm's strategy as it will be the first mainstream Toyota (obviously, the company doesn't count the Prius as a mainstream model...) to benefit from the company's full hybrid technology and the first step in the deployment of Hybrid Synergy Drive (HSD) across the company's model range.

This means that like the Prius, the Auris Hybrid will most likely be able to run on its electric motor(s), the internal combustion engine or a combination of the two. There's been no hint from Toyota on the type of engine that will be used on the Auris Hybrid.

We've only got a single photo of the car to go by, but it is evident that the hybrid version of the Auris will feature a number of specific exterior styling cues to differentiate it from the standard model.

These include the reshaped headlights with blue rings, a unique grille with a highlighted Toyota logo and the redesigned front bumper. We also see that the Auris Hybrid's rooftop features what appears to be a solar panel.

Full details and a comprehensive image gallery will follow closer to the Frankfurt Show opening.

READ MORE - Toyota Previews Auris Hybrid with Pre-Production Concept

Toyota Previews Auris Hybrid with Pre-Production Concept

Toyota today dropped an official photograph of the Auris HSD Full Hybrid Concept, which will be displayed for the very first time at the 2009 Frankfurt motor show. In essence, it's a pre-production model lightly guised as a concept that previews Toyota's first European-built full hybrid that will be produced in the UK with sales scheduled to start in mid-2010.

The Japanese automaker said that the Auris Hybrid represents a milestone in the firm's strategy as it will be the first mainstream Toyota (obviously, the company doesn't count the Prius as a mainstream model...) to benefit from the company's full hybrid technology and the first step in the deployment of Hybrid Synergy Drive (HSD) across the company's model range.

This means that like the Prius, the Auris Hybrid will most likely be able to run on its electric motor(s), the internal combustion engine or a combination of the two. There's been no hint from Toyota on the type of engine that will be used on the Auris Hybrid.

We've only got a single photo of the car to go by, but it is evident that the hybrid version of the Auris will feature a number of specific exterior styling cues to differentiate it from the standard model.

These include the reshaped headlights with blue rings, a unique grille with a highlighted Toyota logo and the redesigned front bumper. We also see that the Auris Hybrid's rooftop features what appears to be a solar panel.

Full details and a comprehensive image gallery will follow closer to the Frankfurt Show opening.

READ MORE - Toyota Previews Auris Hybrid with Pre-Production Concept

Toyota Announces Auris Hybrid for European Market, Sales to Start in Mid-2010

Toyota has confirmed plans to launch a full-hybrid version of its Golf-sized Auris hatchback for the European market in mid-2010. According to the Japanese firm, the Auris Hybrid will be built at its UK-based facility in Burnaston, Derbyshire. The company did not release any technical information but chances are that the Auris will make use of a similar, if not the same, hybrid drivetrain system to the new Prius that combines a 1.8-liter gasoline engine with two electric motors.

"With today's announcement, Toyota has taken a significant step forward in ensuring that full hybrids become more accessible to a wider range of customers," said Tadashi Arashima, CEO and President of Toyota Europe. "Such efforts are crucial if we are to see more low-carbon vehicles on European roads," he added.

In other words, it's safe to assume that the Auris Hybrid will be priced much lower than the Prius, giving Honda's newly introduced Insight Hybrid a run for its money.

The Auris is Toyota's proposal in the all-important for the European market C-segment rivaling the likes of the Volkswagen Golf, Renault Megane, Ford Focus and Opel Astra. It was launched into the European market in the Spring of 2007 replacing the three- and five-door hatchback variants of the Corolla. Since then, it has sold over 370,000 units across the continent.

The Auris is offered with various powertrains in Europe including the newly introduced 101HP 1.33-liter gasoline engine that returns 5.8lt/100km or 40.6mpg US in the European cycle and a range-topping 2.2-liter turbo diesel with 175HP for the sporty Auris SR180 (pictured here) that returns an average of 6.0lt/100km or 39.2mpg.

READ MORE - Toyota Announces Auris Hybrid for European Market, Sales to Start in Mid-2010

Toyota Builds One Millionth Vehicle in Turkey

Toyota announced today that cumulative production at its manufacturing plant in Turkey reached one-million vehicles. The milestone that coincides with the start of production of Toyota's third generation Verso MPV, at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Turkey (TMMT), comes 15 years after the plant produced its first car in 1994. The plant today employs some 3,000 workers and includes the production of the Auris, as well as Verso, in its production portfolio.

The Japanese firm's Turkish plant will support a full-year European sales target of 55,000 units of the new Verso that will go on sale this April.

Speaking ahead of the celebrative event, Hiroyuki Ochiai, Executive Vice-President of TME said: "Toyota's operations in Europe have benefited from an extremely rewarding partnership with Turkey. Thanks to the commitment of a highly-skilled local workforce, Toyota is now one of Turkey's biggest automotive exporters. This is a great achievement, and particularly significant in light of current, tough market conditions."

READ MORE - Toyota Builds One Millionth Vehicle in Turkey

Toyota Auris: New 1.33-Liter Dual VVT-i Petrol Engine with Start&Stop Tech

Toyota is enhancing its Auris line-up with the introduction of a new 1.33-liter Dual VVT-i 4-cylinder gasoline engine that delivers lower emissions, better fuel economy and improved power and torque figures compared to the 1.4-liter unit it replaces in Europe. The new Auris 1.33 Dual VVT-i will also be the Japanese automaker's first model in Europe to benefit from a Stop & Start system. Notably, the new 4-cylinder unit is 54mm shorter and 127mm narrower than the previous 1.4-litre VVT-i and weights 13kg or 28pounds less. The result is a four-cylinder engine that is roughly the same size as Toyota's three-cylinder 1.0-litre VVT.

The 1.33-liter Dual VVT-i delivers an output of 101HP and 132 Nm of torque compared to the outgoing 1.4 VVT-i's 97HP and 130 Nm. The engine is also matched to a newly developed six-speed manual transmission that replaces Toyota's five-speed gearbox. Albeit more powerful, Toyota claims that the 1.33-liter engine delivers 17% lower CO2 emissions (135g/km) and a 19% improvement in fuel consumption (48.7mpg UK / 40.5 mpg US / 5.8 lt-100km combined cycle) compared to previous 1.4-liter VVT-i unit.

Currently, the new powerplant is being built in Japan but from October 2009, the 1.33-litre Dual VVT-i engine will be produced at Toyota Motor Manufacturing UK's (TMUK) factory at Deeside in North Wales.

On-the-road prices for the new Toyota Auris 1.33 Dual VVT-i with Stop&Start start in the U.K. at £12,705 for the entry-level T2 three-door while according to Toyota, accross the range, prices are just £200 more than for the equivalent, previous 1.4 VVT-i models.

Auris 1.33 Dual VVT-i vs Auris 1.4 VVT-i

	1.33 Dual VVT-i	1.4 VVT-i
Max. power (bhp/DIN hp)	100/101	96/97
Max. torque (Nm)	132	130
Fuel consumption – combined cycle (mpg)	48.7	40.9
CO2 emissions (g/km)	135	163

Auris 1.33 Dual VVT-i Stop&Start prices

MODEL	OTR PRICE
T2 1.33 Dual VVT-i Stop&Start 3-door	£12,705
T2 1.33 Dual VVT-i Stop&Start 5-door	£13,205
TR 1.33 Dual VVT-i Stop&Start 3-door	£13,395
TR 1.33 Dual VVT-i Stop&Start 5-door	£13,895
T3 1.33 Dual VVT-i Stop&Start 3-door	£13,705
T3 1.33 Dual VVT-i Stop&Start 5-door	£14,205

TOYOTA AURIS 1.33 DUAL VVT-i STOP&START TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

ENGINE
Engine code		1NR-FE
Engine type		4 cylinders in-line
Valvetrain		DOHC 16-valve Dual VVT-i
Capacity (cc)		1,329
Bore x stroke (mm)		72.5 x 80.5
Compression ratio		11.5:1
Max. power (bhp/DIN hp @ rpm)		100/101 @ 6,000
Max. torque (Nm @ rpm)		132 @ 3,800
TRANSMISSION
Type		6-speed manual
Gear ratios	1st	3.538
	2nd	1.913
	3rd	1.310
	4th	0.971
	5th	0.818
	6th	0.700
	Reverse	3.333
	Final drive	4.562
PERFORMANCE
Max. speed (mph)		109
0-62mph acceleration (sec)		13.1
FUEL CONSUMPTION & EMISSIONS
Urban (mpg)		39.8
Extra-urban (mpg)		56.5
Combined (mpg)		48.7
CO2 emissions (g/km)		135
VED Band		C

READ MORE - Toyota Auris: New 1.33-Liter Dual VVT-i Petrol Engine with Start&Stop Tech

Toyota Auris TR Available with 90Hp 1.4 D-4D Diesel Engine

Toyota is broadening its UK market Auris TR range with the introduction of the 90 Hp 1.4-liter D-4D diesel engine. Up until now, the Auris in TR spec was offered with the 1.4 VVT-i and 1.6 VVT-i petrol units and the 2.0 D-4D 130 diesel. Official combined cycle fuel consumption for the Auris TR 1.4 D-4D is 56.5mpg (47mpg US or 5.0lt/100 km) while the nought to 62mph (100 km/h) sprint is reached in 12.0 seconds with the manual gearbox and 14.7 with semi-auto MultiMode transmission. -Continued

Available in both 3door and 5door variants, the Auris TR’s prices range from £14,145 to £15,195. Standard equipment includes 16-inch five-spoke alloy wheels, front fog lamps, automatic air conditioning, blue Tatami interior trim, chrome detailing on the rear bodywork, front fog lamps and heated electrically adjustable door mirrors.

READ MORE - Toyota Auris TR Available with 90Hp 1.4 D-4D Diesel Engine

Toyota Auris TR

Besides Toyota Auris SR, Toyota has launched another Auris which is Toyota Auris TR.

There are few variety choices for the engine. Consumers may choose either 1.4 and 1.6 VVT-i petrol or 2.0 D-4D 130 diesel engines with an optional MultiMode transmission available for the 1.6 version.

Built on a new platform, Auris is available in 3 doors and 5 doors body styles and with a choice of two petrol and three diesel engines, three transmissions and four model grades: T2, T3, T Spirit and the flagship T180. Sales start on 1 February, with T180 and three-door models joining the line-up from 1 April.

READ MORE - Toyota Auris TR

Toyota Auris SR

Recently Toyota has launched Toyota Auris SR180 which this Auris SR is powered by either a 1.6L Dual VVT-i petrol engine or a 2.0L D-4D 130 diesel engine.

Consumers can either choose 3-doors or 5-doors for their Toyota Auris. This Toyota Auris is come with 17-inches alloy wheels, rear spoiler, dark-tinted wind screen, 9 airbags, 6 speakers surround sound system and leather-trimmed steering wheel with audio control.

READ MORE - Toyota Auris SR

Toyota UK Launches Auris SR Versions

Following the launch of the flagship Auris SR180, Toyota UK is introducing a new sporty trim named SR. Available with the 1.6 Dual VVT-i petrol and 2.0 D-4D 130 diesel engines, the new SR grade benefits from lowered sports suspension and riding on 17-inch alloy wheels, both from Toyota Motorsport. Other unique features provided as standard include a Toyota Motorsport rear spoiler and dark-tinted privacy glass – items shared with the SR180. The SR is on sale now in the UK, in three and five-door body styles priced from £14,495. –More images after the jump

READ MORE - Toyota UK Launches Auris SR Versions

2008 Toyota Auris SR180: New Sporty Flagship Model

Starting from January 2008, Toyota will enhance its European line-up with the addition of the the all-new Auris SR180. Just to set things clear, the SR180 is in no way a successor to the Corolla TS. The SR180 is powered 2.2-litre D-4D diesel engine that generates 175bhp and a maximum 400Nm of torque from 2,000rpm. Power is driven to the front wheels through a six-speed manual transmission. The top-notch Auris sprints from nought to 62mph (100 km/h) in 8.1 seconds, while the D-4D engine’s fuel efficiency returns an official 38.0 mpg (6.2 lt/100 km) in combined cycle driving. -Continued after the jump

The new flagship Auris also features a Toyota Motorsport lowered suspension springs and a new rear spoiler positioned atop the tailgate. Dark-tinted rear privacy glass and five-spoke 17-inch alloys add further to the style factor, while the choice of body colors includes a Pure White.

READ MORE - 2008 Toyota Auris SR180: New Sporty Flagship Model

Toyota Auris 2.2 D-CAT Sport Study With 200 HP

Toyota Europe has revealed a sport study based on the Auris 2.2 D-CAT. The most important change is the addition of a “Sport Button” that raises the 2.2-liter diesel engine’s output from 177 to 200 Hp –we don’t have details on how, but it does. Apart form the engine mods, Toyota has fitted the Auris hatch with a set of sport springs that lower the vehicle’s ride height by 30mm. -Continued after the jump

The sport study is also equipped with a body kit that consists of a front and rear apron and a roof spoiler. The car’s looks are complemented by 18-inch alloy rims wrapped in 225/40 rubber and the tinted rear windows. Inside, the Auris Sports Study gets aluminum pedals, a sports leather steering and sports leather seats along with Carbon-fiber trim.

READ MORE - Toyota Auris 2.2 D-CAT Sport Study With 200 HP

Geneva Preview: Toyota Hybrid X & 3door Auris

As even a two-year-old child would expect, Toyota’s presence at the Geneva Show –or any Show for that matter, could never be complete without a Hybrid concept. According to Toyota, the “Hybrid X” will act as a technology showcase for future hybrid cars. Along with a cryptic image, that’s about all we get from the Japanese carmaker. Apart from that, Toyota will also showcase the 3door version of the Auris, the FT- HS sport hybrid concept and a slightly upgraded versions of the Avensis sedan. -Continued: Click “Read More…” below to check out the official press release

Press Release: Toyota at Geneva Motor Show

• Two new hybrid concepts: Hybrid X and FT-HS
• Auris Show Car
• Avensis upgrade for more refinement

Toyota’s commitment to a comprehensive vision of sustainable mobility will be on display at this year’s Geneva Motor Show with the debut of two hybrid concepts that demonstrate the wide range of personal transport solutions this technology can provide.

Toyota is using the show to restate its commitment to finding and implementing solutions that make cars less of an environmental burden. Toyota’s world-leading Hybrid Synergy Drive technology is at the core of this strategy as it moves along the path towards the ultimate eco-car.

Geneva Motor Show 2007 will mark the world premiere of Hybrid X – a concept car that proposes a new design language for hybrid models while also acting as a technology showcase for future hybrid cars.

In contrast, FT- HS, Future Toyota Hybrid Sports, will present a concept of the sports car of the 21st century - a front-engine, rear-drive sports car with a projected 0-100 km/h acceleration in the four-second range. FT-HS shows the potential of hybrid technology, offering a new powerful driving experience as well as outstanding environmental performance.

The Auris Show Car on display, reveals for the first time in Europe the three-door version of Auris in an exclusive body colour and fitted with special wheel design.

The Toyota Avensis, Toyota’s flagship model in Europe, is upgraded with premium features, including a new touch-screen full map navigation.

Technorati: Toyota+Hybrid+X, Toyota+Auris, Geneva+Motor+Show, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, Carscoop, blogs, 2007, pictures, images

READ MORE - Geneva Preview: Toyota Hybrid X & 3door Auris