Car Evolution: New Toyota Auris: In Depth

5: Powertrains (Petrol)

Hi-tech petrol line-up

All-new 1.6 dual VVT-i
More torque with power and low fuel consumption

Alongside its advanced diesel engine range, Toyota continues to develop high technology petrol engines which offer smooth, powerful acceleration and outstanding fuel consumption. As a result new, world-leading dual VVT-i technology is introduced with Auris. Dual VVT-i stands for Toyotaâ€™s unique system of independent cam shaftvariation for both, intake and exhaust, which uses one electro-hydraulic variation system for each of the cam shafts.

The brand new 1.6-litre dual VVT-i petrol engine offers high performance, good fuel consumption and remarkable high levels of comfort through low Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH).

The 1.6 dual VVT-i is a four cylinder, 1598cc engine where both the inlet and exhaust valve timings are being varied under control of the engine computer. This allows the inlet and exhaust valve advance and retard valve timing to be set to optimum under a wide range of driving conditions. Crucial timing characteristics and valve overlap, a key factor in torque and power development, can be accurately controlled.

In practice, the ability to continually vary valve timing with dual VVT-i means increased torque at low and medium engine speeds with increased power output at higher engine speeds. It also results in lower fuel consumption and fewer harmful emissions.

The 1.6-litre VVT-i petrol engine develops 91 kW (124 hp DIN) at 6,000 rpm and maximum torque output is 157 Nm at 5,200 rpm. But, thanks to the dual VVT-i system, torque output is higher than 140 Nm from 2,000 rpm to 6,000 rpm, resulting in excellent pulling power across the useable engine range and smooth, safe driving on the open road.

Fuel consumption is outstanding for an engine with this performance, measuring 7.1 l/100km when equipped with manual transmission on the European combined cycle. Top speed of Auris 1.6 VVT-i is 190 km/h and acceleration to 100 km/h (with five speed manual transmission) take just 10.4 seconds.

Other high technology features of the 1.6-litre dual VVT-i engine which help reduce friction losses and improve fuel consumption include:

- Use of a roller rocker arm for reduced friction
- Use of a long life ignition plug
- Redesigned combustion chamber and crankshaftoffset
- Long port intake manifold
- Adoption of low friction pistons

The engine itself is also weight optimised and highly compact but with a highly rigid design to reduce engine noise and vibration.

The Auris will also come with a 1.4-litre VVT-i petrol, providing excellent low fuel consumption at the same time as high torque and output for smooth citydriving.

The addition of a manifold catalytic converter and developmentsof the engine management ensure this engine complies â€“like all the others of the Auris line-up - with Euro IV emissions standards. Power output is 71 kW (97 hp DIN) at 6,000 rpm and maximum torque is 130 Nm at 4,400 rpm.

European combined fuel consumption is 6.9 l/100km and maximum speed is 170 km/h. Acceleration to 100 km/h takes 13.0 seconds.

Choice of transmissions

Matched to suit engine characteristics
New compact six-speed manual
Latest generation MultiMode

Auris is available with three separate transmissions, each carefully matched to the output characteristics of particular engines to achieve optimum driving pleasure and excellent fuel consumption.

On manual transmissions, the short gear shiftlever falls easily to hand from the bridged centre console and the shiftmechanism has been optimised to give excellent feel and smooth gear changes.

The five speed manual transmission was fine-tuned to match the smaller engine range and is available on both petrol engines and the 1 .4-litre D-4D. A double cone synchronizer and a shiftgate were adopted on the five speed transmission to improve the shiftfeeling.

A newly-developed six speed manual transmission of compact design and high rigidity is available with the D-4D125 and D-4D180 Clean Power diesel engines. These gearboxes allow Auris to fully develop its engaging driving characteristics for both, the petrol and the diesel version, while providing excellent fuel economy.

The latest generation MultiMode transmission with steering wheel mounted paddle shifts is available on the D-4D90 and 1.6 Dual VVT-i engines. The system offers two driving modes: an automatic for easy driving, especially in town and a manual gear shiftfor more sporty driving conditions.

In manual mode the gear shifts are made either by sequential shiftof the floor mounted lever or by the paddle shifts on the steering wheel. The paddle shifts can also be used to override the automatic gear selection for temporary driving in manual mode.

Fuel economy with the MultiMode transmission is excellent thanks to the optimised control system and highly efficient direct gearing, without resorting to a torque adapter.

All manual transmissions will be equipped with the Gear ShiftIndicator. This feature indicates to the driver when to shiftgear up or down for optimal environmental performance. The system takes into account the driving conditions, including the level that the accelerator pedal is pressed and the vehicle speed. The Gear ShiftIndicator may result in 5% fuel consumption reduction compared to normal gear shifting, though the potential for improvement is, of course, dependent on the driverâ€™s personal driving habits.

Through this remarkable choice of advanced technology engines and gearboxes, Auris genuinely offers engaging driving experience.

Superior quality experience

Superior quality interior and space
Versatile Easy-Flat rear seating
High levels of specification

Auris is a car that will appeal to the heart as well as the mind. The superior quality of the ownership experience will create an emotional bond with owners as they enjoy owning and driving a car that delivers above their expectations for space, comfort and engaging driving pleasure.

This sense of space and quality starts when one opens the doors. While the bridged centre console is the most striking feature of the design, there is subtle use of shape and light to create an impression of space beyond what is actually there. At the same time, attention to build quality and detail ensures the touch and feel of every surface and every control is superior.

Chief engineer Yoshihiko Kanamori says: â€œWe have created an interior that conveys a sporty driving image and a fine sense of quality that is immediately noticeable at the very moment the driver gets on board. This is further enhanced by the tactile experience of the driver and passengersâ€“and the high level of equipment that Auris will carry.â€�'

Auris is spacious. The â€˜inside-outâ€™design strategy ensures maximum interior space is available to driver and passengers. But the designers have also made sure that maximum use is made of this interior space without compromising on superior quality.

The instrument panel profile with its gently curved surface allows good storage capacitybut drops away to create leg room around the driver and front seat passenger. This is further emphasised by the clear space beneath the bridged centre console.

The door trims are hollowed out from the passenger leg area to the elbows and the shape of the seat frame has been designed to project a sporty but slim and comfortable image. The seats have a firm shoulder area, long cushion length and good side cushions for maximum comfortand support.

On the three-door Auris the front seat has a â€˜full memoryâ€™walk-in mechanism that memorises the adjustment positions for both the seat slide and recline position. This ensures the seat returns to the chosen position after it has been moved forward to allow passengers to enter the rear of the car.

Unique to Toyota is the Easy-Flat seat folding system that ensures Auris offers families and other ownersmaximum versatilityto create a large, almost flat luggage area. Adopted from the highly successful Corolla Verso, Easy-Flat is a one-touch operation that folds both rear seats down into the floor to achieve an instantly enlarged loading area.

Not only that, the rear seats can also fold individually on a 60/40 split basis and have a two position reclining mechanism. Rear seat passenger comfort is further enhanced by re-engineering the exhaust route and other under body items to create a completely flat rear floor and footwell. A rear seat armrest with integrated cup holders is available.

Of course, luggage space with the Easy-Flat seating is both versatile and massive. Items up-to 1,715 mm in length can be stowed with the seats flat while the maximum luggage width is 1,185mm. With the low cargo floor and wide body, the trunk capacity is 354 litres.

Storage space is provided throughout the passenger compartment and there is an undertray available for the front passenger seat. Extra storage comes from one additional upper glove box and the spaces under the bridged console. Door pockets are roomy and practical with bottle holders available for the rear doors.

In total, there are 10 separate storage areas around the passenger cabin, offering a storage volume of 32 litres.