Toyota Auris (2013)

The Under Priority design features a large, trapezoidal lower grille set within the front bumper, and a smaller upper grille running full width between the new headlamps.

Beneath a low sweeping bonnet line dominated by a new, larger Toyota badge which is set lower than its predecessor, the upper grille features a central, chrome-plated horizontal trim bar which is visually extended into the headlamp clusters to accentuate the width of the vehicle.

Within the narrower, more purposefully styled headlamp clusters, the horizontal chrome trim bar flows into an 'eyebrow' form which accentuates the exceptionally narrow clearance between the bonnet and the Bi-HID (High Intensity Discharge) or halogen lamp projector unit. This highly innovative headlamp packaging also incorporates LED Daytime Running Lights (DRLs). Fitted as standard on all grades, they give the new Auris a unique visual signature.

Flanked by integral foglamp housings with chrome surround detailing, the large lower grille combines a piano black finish with a floating, lower chrome accent to the lip spoiler, once again accentuating the width of the new Toyota Auris and emphasising its planted, solid stance.

In profile, beneath a steeply raked windscreen flowing seamlessly into and new, lower, drag-reducing stepped roofline, an equally dramatic styling change sees a lengthening of the side glazing into three panels above a stronger, more pronounced rising belt line crease.

The door mirror has been repositioned within the glazed area, blacked-out pillars include a piano black finish to the B pillar, and, allied to a chrome accented beltline trim, a sweeping, more dynamic treatment of the rear pillar further accentuates the new Auris' lower, more elegant and sporting silhouette.

The new Toyota Auris' ride height has been lowered by 10 mm, narrowing the gap between the wheel arches and tyres, and aligning the wheel more closely with the bodywork to further accentuate the new vehicle's sleeker, more streamlined appearance. And a choice of wheels includes a new 15" and 16" wheelcap design and 16" and 17" alloys.

To the rear, a wider opening tailgate features powerful, convex and concave surfacing. It is topped by an integral roof spoiler and flanked by a new, wraparound rear combination lamp design which reinforces the shape of both the rear wing and rear screen, as well as the added strength of the shoulder over the rear wheel arch. The new bumper with reflectors integrated at the extremities reinforces the new Toyota Auris' broad, stable and sporting rear stance.

The new Auris will be available in a choice of ten exterior colours, of which four -Grey, Avant-Garde Bronze, Dark Steel and Blue- are new. Pearl White is exclusive to full hybrid models.

Class-leading Aerodynamics

This all-new exterior design awards the next generation Auris an excellent aerodynamic performance, contributing to both improved handling stability and reduced fuel consumption.

Allied to a lowering of the overall height by 55 mm, the 4% reduction in frontal projected surface area has a significant impact in lowering vehicle wind resistance. Flowing from the seamless sweep of a lower bonnet line and steeply raked windscreen, the new, stepped roof profile further reduces drag, whilst the rear spoiler is now fully integrated within the rear roofline, connecting seamlessly with the rear pillar to minimise turbulence in air flowing astern from the vehicle.

In conjunction with a lowering of ride height by 10 mm, equal attention has been paid to ensuring the smoothest possible airflow beneath the new Auris.The underfloor features a front spoiler, a lower absorber, an engine undercover, front spats, centre floor undercovers, tank side floor undercovers, a rear floor undercover and rear spats to maximise aerodynamic efficiency.

This underfloor aerodynamic performance is further enhanced through the positioning of wing-shaped vertical wings to the centre and rear floor undercovers, further smoothing the air flow under the vehicle to promote greater handling and high-speed stability.

As a result of the comprehensive aerodynamic measures, the new Toyota Auris' coefficient of drag has been reduced from Cd 0.292 to just Cd 0.28.

Higher Quality, More Unified Interior Design

Offering more space and greater comfort for occupants, the design of the new interior places the emphasis on improved sensory quality and -through consistency of lighting, font, colour and finish- a greater sense of unity for a more premium feel.

A new, cleaner design features bold forms, excellent functionality and high quality materials. The dashboard combines a strong sense of horizontality to reinforce front cabin width and spaciousness with a more ergonomic, driver-focused layout of instrumentation and switchgear.

The more driver-oriented nature of the design is reinforced by the strong curve of the instrument binnacle hood flowing down the side of the centre console to give a visual focus to the driver's cockpit area.

Within the new instrument binnacle, a clear, simple two or three dial design features white needles and numerals. All switchgear uses the same font, and both instrument binnacle and centre console are backlit in clear blue for a premium look and complete visual consistency.

Bringing a strong sense of visual coordination to the new interior, the meter surrounds, centre stack, transmission tunnel trim, air conditioning and audio controls, and door handles are all finished in a matching, high quality, satin silver finish.

The air vents, audio panel, transmission tunnel, steering wheel and gear lever are trimmed with a silver paint finish. On higher grades, the dashboard itself is finished in leather.

The new interior's sensory quality and visual harmony is further enhanced by the improved tactility of finishes through the cabin, with careful consideration given to every surface texture with which the occupants will come into contact.

The instrument panel upper surface and door trim shoulder areas are finished in soft touch materials, and the cockpit pillars are trimmed with fabric. The gearshift knob is of a new design, and the steering wheel is clad in the highest quality Nappa leather with single baseball stitching. Both assist grips and door grips are finished in a soft texture grain, and the door armrests are padded.

Incorporating longer travel and greater height adjustment, a new seat design offers excellent comfort. Standard on Style (Sport) grade, a newly developed sports seat offers a high level of additional lateral support.

Live (Entry) and Active (Mid) grade seats are finished in a high quality fabric; Style grade seats adding red panels. Lounge (High) grade seats are finished in black velour with genuine leather seat bolsters. Black, full leather upholstery is available as an option on Lounge grade models, with an Ice Grey leather option exclusive to Hybrid models.

The new Auris will be available with a new black interior colour scheme featuring matt textures. A matt grain with the appearance of real leather is created by combining a geometrical pattern of dots with leather grain texture.

The practicality of the new Auris interior is hallmarked by functional features and generous storage space. These include a glove box, a sunglasses holder, coat hooks, a coin box, 4 cup and 4 bottle holders, a sliding centre console armrest with document holder, dashboard and rear centre console storage space for small items, 3 12-Volt accessory sockets and an AUX external input plug, a removable package tray, deck hooks and a dual level loadspace deckboard.

Improved Driving Dynamics

The new Toyota Auris range benefits from enhancements to its bodyshell rigidity, suspension, steering, driving position and NVH characteristics to offer drivers a more comfortable and engaging driving experience.

New bracing and reinforcements to the underbody, front and rear structures, and front suspension have increased body rigidity. The extensive use of high tensile steel in the bodyshell construction has helped to reduce the overall weight of the new Auris by up to 40 kg.

Allied to this weight loss, reducing the overall vehicle height by 55 mm, ground clearance by 10 mm and the height of the new front seats by 40 mm has lowered the new Toyota Auris' centre of gravity, further improving the vehicle's high speed stability and cornering agility.

The reduced centre of gravity also allows for a reduction in spring rates and anti-roll bar diameter, helping to improved ride comfort, body control and steering response.

Numerous components of the front MacPherson strut suspension have been revised, including the design of the upper support, bound stopper, coil spring and shock absorber. The spring rate has been reduced and the shock absorbers fine-tuned to combine class-leading ride comfort with improved stability and excellent steering response.

1.33 litre petrol and 1.4 litre diesel engine models feature torsion beam rear suspension, whilst 1.6 litre petrol, 2.0 litre diesel and full hybrid models are fitted with a double wishbone system to the rear.

The Electric Power Steering (EPS) itself has also been improved. The steering column benefits from a more rigid attachment to ensure a linear steering feel, a new EPS control suppresses changes in steering force for improved linearity and a high gear ratio provides greater steering response. In all, these revisions equip the EPS with more directness, better feedback and quicker turn for greater vehicle agility.

Extensive improvements to the new Auris' NVH measures ensure that the new Toyota not only offers a more comfortable ride, but is also noticeably quieter. Extensive soundproofing within the engine bay, front wheel arches and dashboard has reduced both engine and road noise within the cabin.

Efficient Petrol and Diesel Powertrains

Average emissions for Auris have fallen steadily over the last years. When the first generation Auris was launched in 2007, the average emissions were 152 g/km. This fell to 142 g/km in 2009, and then down to 125 g/km in 2011 after the pioneering full hybrid version was introduced.

Now, with the launch of the new Auris, the average CO2 emissions level will drop to just 109 g/km, a further13% reduction on average compared to the previous generation.

This has been achieved by taking a total vehicle approach to emissions reduction and fuel consumption improvement, whilst at the same time improving drivability and dynamic performance.

Key to that have been improvements to the new Auris' powertrain line-up, which now features a choice of an improved full hybrid or two petrol and two diesel engines offering the performance- and economy-enhancing benefits of Toyota Optimal Drive.

At launch, the anticipated pan-European sales mix will be approximately 1/3rdfull hybrid, 1/3rddiesel and 1/3rdpetrol. This not only demonstrates the wide range of customer choice the line up brings, but also that full hybrid is a mainstream proposition, accessible to the largest possible audience - not a niche solution.

Toyota Optimal Drive

Toyota Optimal Drive showcases a combination of wide-ranging 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 key aspects of powertrain development:

Firstly, the reduction of powertrain weight through the use of super-lightweight and highly compact engine components and transmissions throughout the new Auris engine range.

Secondly, the minimisation of mechanical losses through the adoption of Valvematic -a further development of VVT-i -in the 1.6 petrol engine, new roller rocker technology and smaller, lighter pistons in both petrol engines, low viscosity oil and 6-speed manual transmissions throughout the new Toyota Auris engine range.

Thirdly, the maximisation of combustion efficiency. This has been achieved within the new Auris petrol engine range through the use of high, 11.5:1 compression ratios, Valvematic, the refinement of intake port and combustion chamber design and piston cooling by oil jet. All new Auris diesel engines benefit from low compression ratios, optimised combustion chamber dimensions and enhanced Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) cooler efficiency.

1.33l Dual VVT-i

Featuring innovative Stop & Start technology, the 1.33 litre petrol engine is equipped with Dual Variable Valve Timing-intelligent (VVT-i) and a high compression ratio of 11.5:1, which increases the thermal efficiency of the engine. It generates 73 kW/ 99 DIN hp and maximum torque of 128 Nm at 3,800 rpm.

This excellent dynamic performance is combined with fuel consumption from 5.4 l/100 km and CO2 emissions from 125 g/km, a reduction of 0.4 l/100km and 11 g/km versus the outgoing model.

Profiting from Toyota's extensive motorsport experience, the small bore, long stroke unit is exceptionally lightweight and compact, improving the vehicle's power-to-weight ratio. It features a resin-type cylinder head cover and intake manifold, and the intake channel has been streamlined to optimise airflow for improved 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. In addition to improving torque at low and medium engine speeds, the system also reduces emissions and enhances fuel efficiency.

1.6l Valvematic petrol engine

Offering class-leading efficiency, power and torque, Valvematic is a further development of Toyota's highly successful Dual Variable Valve Timing-intelligent (Dual VVT-i) system.

Valvematic takes VVT-i technology a step forward by adding lift and duration control to the inlet valve variable timing. This improves intake airflow volume and speed management -and, subsequently, combustion process management- to deliver more power for less fuel consumption, with reduced CO2 emissions. The adoption of Valvematic further reduces friction and pumping losses under light engine loads, further lowering fuel consumption.

Valvematic efficiency is further improved through the adoption of a variable length inlet manifold. This acts as an accelerator at low to medium engine speeds, maximising inlet air speed for optimum combustion efficiency. At higher engine speeds the manifold is fully open. This allows air to travel via a shorter route, maximising the volume of air entering the combustion chamber and, hence, engine power output.

Available with either a six-speed manual or MultiDrive S automatic transmission, the 1.6-litre Valvematic engine develops 97 kW / 132 DIN hp and a maximum torque of 160 Nm at only 4,400 rpm. When equipped with the manual transmission the unit returns a combined cycle fuel consumption of 5.9 l/100 km and generates CO2 emissions of only 138 g/km - reduction of 0.7 l/100km and 12 g/km. MultiDrive S transmission further reduces both fuel consumption and emissions, to 5.7 l/100 km and 134 g/km respectively.

1.4l D-4D diesel engine

Available with either a six-speed manual or six-speed MultiMode transmission, the 1.4 litre D-4D engine develops 66 kW / 90 DIN hp and maximum torque of 205 Nm at only 1,800 to 2,800 rpm.

The 1.4 D-4D 90 turbodiesel unit also benefits from improved Toyota Optimal Drive technology, maximising performance and driveability whilst minimising fuel consumption, and CO2 and particulate emissions.

A new 2-step hydraulic control valve is installed in the timing chain cover. This has the benefit of reducing friction when hydraulic pressure is low by opening and closing the relief valve based on driving conditions.

Engine warm-up time is minimised through the installation of a new coolant by-pass system that helps to reduce heat losses in engine coolant during start-up.

New generation piezoelectric injectors control the fuel volume and the timing of the injection more accurately. The high speed reaction time of Piezo injectors makes multi-phase high speed injection possible. This has the effect of both lowering the rate of combustion expansion and effecting a more thorough burn within the combustion chamber, thus further reducing particulate, NOx and CO2 emissions.

This, allied to higher common rail injection pressures of 160 Mpa, results in shorter injection times, combining a faster engine response with improved fuel economy and reduced CO2 emissions.

When equipped with the manual transmission and Stop & Start technology, the improved 1.4 D-4D 90 unit returns a combined cycle fuel consumption of 3.8 l/100 km and generates CO2 emissions of only 99 g/km - a reduction of 0.6 l/100km and 10 g/km.

So successfully has this performance been accomplished that the model's equipment specification has not been compromised, and customers still benefit from standard features such as single-zone air-conditioning.

2.0l D-4D diesel engine

Mated to a six-speed manual transmission, the 124 DIN hp 2.0 litre D-4D turbodiesel engine has been extensively revised and now features Stop & Start technology as standard.

The unit features a new turbocharger with a lower friction bearing system and an electric actuator. CO2 emission-reducing lubrication and cooling circuit improvements include a 2-stage pressure oil pump with improved oil jet, an optimised water pump with a reduced flow rate, and a twin-chamber oil pan to improve engine warming speeds.

Exhaust emissions are further lowered through a new glow plug control strategy and improvements to the construction and coating of the DPF.

The use of a resin cylinder head cover, oil cooler bracket and water pipe reduce engine weight by 3 kg. The reduction of friction through the adoption of a low friction vacuum pump, a low friction timing chain and low viscosity oil further enhance fuel efficiency. And combustion improvement through a new piston bowl shape and the new glow strategy has perceptibly lowered engine NVH.

As a result, the engine is quieter, torque delivery has improved and CO2 emissions have been lowered by 19% -from 138 to 112 g/km on the combined cycle. Fuel consumption has also fallen from 5.2 to 4.3 l/100km over the combined cycle.

MultiMode transmission

Available on the 1.4 D-4D 90 diesel version of the new Auris, MultiMode is an automated manual transmission with a fully automatic shift mode and no clutch pedal. It offers the driver a choice of two, fully automatic gear change modes or a manual, sequential gear change with steering wheel-mounted shift paddles.

Selecting E (Economy), M (Manual) or R (Reverse) allows the car to 'creep' in the manner of a conventional automatic. In E mode, the car makes automatic gear shifts that will maximise fuel economy. Selecting ES (Sport) mode will delay changing up to a higher rpm, giving a more sporting style of drive.

MultiDrive S transmission

Available on the 1.6 Valvematic petrol version of the new Auris, MultiDrive S is a continuously-variable transmission (CVT) with a fully automatic seamless shift mode or a sequential, stepped 7-speed Sport mode.

In automatic mode, the system is optimised for quietness and fuel economy, precisely matching the transmission to the engine at all times by monitoring accelerator pedal angle, vehicle speed and braking force.

In Sport mode, the system is optimised for response and direct engine control. The stepped 7-speed CVT performs close ratio upshifts and has a direct downshift feeling and braking and deceleration.

Sport mode also features precise cornering control.Upon detecting deceleration, the system downshifts and applies engine braking to assist the braking force. Mid-corner, the system suspends shifting when lateral G-force is detected. On corner exit, predictive downshift logic controls the system to ensure the optimal gear ratio is selected for required level of acceleration.

Stop & Start technology

Available with the 1.33 litre Dual VVT-i petrol engine and the 1.4 litre D-4D diesel engine and fitted as standard on the 2.0 litre D-4D diesel engine, Toyota's Stop & Start system automatically switches off the engine when the vehicle is stopped. Featuring an immediate restart with virtually no engine sound or vibration, the system delivers significant reductions in CO2 emissions during urban driving, and can lower average fuel consumption by up to 3%, depending on driving conditions.

Stop & Start automatically stops the engine when the shift lever is moved to the neutral position and the clutch pedal is released, enhancing fuel economy. The engine will automatically restart, within less than half a second, when the clutch pedal is depressed.

Toyota Stop & Start technology allows for the continued operation of the air-conditioning system.

With the air-conditioning in use, the engine will not stop if the desired cabin temperature has not been reached. When that temperature is reached, the air-conditioner will switch to 'ECO-run loading', allowing the engine to automatically stop. The engine will automatically restart in the event of low battery charge, or if the vehicle begins to move, in the interest of safety.

In conjunction with the Stop & Start system, an 'ECO' indicator will illuminate during every automatic stop. An ECO counter also displays the elapsed time of stops during each drive, and a re-settable ECO odo-counter displays the vehicle's total accumulated idling stop time.

Full Hybrid - An Even More Compelling Proposition

Designed for the European market and built at Toyota Motor Manufacturing UK, the Auris Hybrid was launched in 2010, making Toyota the only manufacturer to offer a choice of three powertrains in the C-segment.

Since its launch some 60,000 full hybrid versions of the Toyota Auris have been sold, making it the 2nd most popular full hybrid in Europe, after the Prius.

The new Auris Hybrid's HSD powertrain features improvements to further enhance Toyota's unique, full hybrid driving experience.

The control logic of the Hybrid Synergy Drive system's seamless, planetary gear transmission has been modified to give a smoother, more natural feeling to vehicle acceleration, with a closer relationship between vehicle speed and engine revs.

Capable of operating both independently and in combination, the HSD system's 1.8 litre VVT-i petrol engine and 60 kW electric motor generate a maximum power output of 136 DIN hp, equipping the Auris Hybrid with a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of 10.9 seconds and a maximum speed of 180 km/h.

Thanks to the improved aerodynamic performance and lighter weight of this next generation model the Auris Hybrid's remarkably low, highly tax-efficient CO2 emissions have improved to below 89 g/km (with 15" wheels). In addition, the Toyota Auris Hybrid generates significantly lower NOx and NO particulate emissions than diesel engined cars of comparable performance.

Moreover, when operating in a unique, switchable EV mode not available to mild hybrid vehicles, the Auris Hybrid generates zero CO2, NOx and particulate emissions, driving for up to two kilometres at speeds of up to about 50 km/h, dependant on battery charge and driving conditions.

The Auris Hybrid's powertrain is designed to eliminate the need for the petrol engine as often as possible during city driving. Toyota's own data show that the cumulative effect of full hybrid operation leads to high proportions of zero-emissions, EV driving.

Auris Hybrid models benefit from a repackaging of the battery pack under the rear seat, and luggage capacity is now equivalent to that of other models in the range.

The new Auris Hybrid represents outstanding value for money. CO2 emissions of below 89 g/km offer customers significant, pan-European tax incentives, inner city congestion charge exemption and exceptionally low running costs.

Hybrid-specific Design

The Auris Hybrid shares the dynamic exterior styling changes and extensive interior improvements introduced with the new Toyota Auris. Externally, the new Toyota full hybrid further incorporates unique detailing to identify it as the flagship of the model range, and the interior incorporates hybrid-specific instruments, switchgear and upholstery.

The lower grille and lower rear bumper diffuser are finished in a hybrid-exclusive graphite gloss paint colour, and the Toyota bonnet and tailgate logos are in hybrid blue. There are hybrid logos on the front wings and a hybrid mark on the tailgate. The rear combination lamps incorporate hybrid-only LED lights.

Both 15" silver and 17" graphite alloy wheels are of a new 'turbine' design unique to the Auris Hybrid.

On board, the Auris Hybrid has an exclusive meter and Eco Drive Support monitor design within the driver's instrument binnacle, a hybrid blue shift-by-wire gear lever and hybrid-exclusive instrument panel ornamentation.

Active grade versions feature a hybrid blue brushed aluminium instrument panel finish, whilst Lounge grade models offer a choice of Ice Blue leather or Black leather inserts.

Grade Strategy and Equipment

The new Toyota Auris will be available in four grades; Live (Entry), Active (Mid), Style (Sport) and Lounge (High), with the Active grade likely to account for some 65% of total sales. Each grade is clearly differentiated through both equipment specification and exterior and interior styling.

For instance, the high quality dashboard ornament panel is available in a range of six finishes to clearly differentiate between grades; metallic black for the Live grade, metallic silver for the Active grade, carbon black for the Style grade and genuine black leather for Lounge grade models. Auris Hybrid models feature a Metallic ice grey finish for the Active grade and genuine ice grey or black leather for Lounge grade models.

Enhanced Equipment Specification

Even at Life level, the new Toyota Auris' improved standard equipment specification has been carefully considered to simplify and enhance life on board, with the addition of cruise control and an adjustable speed limiter (for CVT models), a Follow Me Home headlamp function and Hill Start Assist.

Active grade adds a height adjustable front passenger seat, a rear centre armrest and the Toyota Touch advanced multimedia system with USB/iPod connectivity and a rear camera.

A comprehensive list of advanced, comfort and convenience-enhancing options will include Bi-HID headlamps, an Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFS), Automatic High Beam (AHB), automatic climate control, Smart Entry and Push Start, a Skyview panoramic sunroof, the Toyota Touch and Go navigation system, a JBL Premium audio system and, standard on Lounge grade models, Simple Intelligent Park Assist (SIPA).

The new Auris maintains Toyota's high standards in active and passive safety, with the aim of achieving a 5-star 2013 Euro NCAP crash test rating. Despite a significant lowering of the front bonnet line, pedestrian impact performance has not been compromised, a variety of energy absorbing components including the bumper support and lower tray helping to minimise collision energy.

The Auris is equipped with ABS with EBD, Brake Assist, Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and an emergency brake signal function. It is fitted with driver and front passenger, knee, side and curtain shield SRS airbags.

Toyota Touch

Available from Active grade in the new Auris, Toyota Touch is a 6.1 inch, full colour, touch-screen interface which represents a new approach to affordable, on-board multimedia systems.

It incorporates AM/FM radio with an optional DAB+ receiver, a CD/MP3 player, Bluetooth mobile phone connectivity with a music streaming facility, and an AUX jack and a USB port for the connection of portable music players, with the facility to display iPod album cover art.

Both the hybrid drive system Energy Monitor and fuel consumption information can be displayed, and a rear view camera is fitted as standard.

Upgraded Toyota Touch & Go

Building on the Toyota Touch multimedia base unit, an upgraded Toyota Touch & Go system offers customers a full map navigation system which represents the best value for money on the market, a connectivity booster, and access to online content and apps, including a new Twitter App.

Including all the most popular navigation functions, such as an advanced traffic function with premium information in 10 European countries, and speed and safety camera warnings (where legal), the upgraded navigation system now also features junction view images at intersections, tunnel view images, an automatic zoom function and improved speed camera and speed limit warnings.

The system has been improved toprovide a more accurate ETA (estimated time of arrival) and better route selection, using a traffic patterns database (based on collected historical data) that allows it to consider average speeds on road segments en route depending on time, day and month.

In conjunction, the system now includes new traffic functions which provide more relevant feedback and access information useful to the driver regarding the traffic ahead.

Using a compatible mobile phone, via Bluetooth, Toyota Touch & Go also offers on-board connectivity to Google Local Search -the largest and most up-to-date search database in the world.

In addition to the five million points of interests stored in the map database, Toyota Touch & Go also offers, as standard, on-board access to Google Local Search, Yandex and other TBD search engines, using a compatible mobile phone, via Bluetooth.

The installation of Touch & Go also upgrades the multimedia base unit with the addition of an SMS on-screen send and receive function incorporating the contact person image display from the compatible Bluetooth smartphone.

Several Apps are already available to download, including fuel prices, weather and parking space information, and a new Twitter App has been developed to allow Toyota owners to stay in touch with the 500 million Twitter users over the course of their journey.

Unique in the mainstream C-segment, the Twitter App will be available to all vehicles equipped with the Toyota Touch & Go system, from later this year. Users can tweet a range of both personal and system generated templates whilst driving (free text input and URL links are blocked for safety reasons). Because the App is fully integrated into the navigation system, the templates can include destination and ETA information.

Toyota Touch & Go has been designed specifically to be both affordable and flexible. The system can be easily upgraded with the newest functions, updated maps and the latest Apps, as they become available.

Enhanced Toyota Touch & Go Plus

Available on Lounge grade models, Touch & Go Plus adds numerous new, advanced technology features to Toyota's remarkable touch-screen multimedia system.

It features advanced voice recognition for navigation address input, one-shot destination entry, music search and play, and phone contact search and call.

Synchronised with a compatible Bluetooth mobile phone the system can send and receive emails, and display your calendar. It also has a text-to-speech message readout facility for SMS, Emails and traffic messages. The Go Plus further includes a Gracenote database that allows for the precise selection by voice of the various audio files stored on the portable device, as well as a convenient'Play More Like This' music function. And the upgraded system will now support the multi-tasking of apps.

Enhanced satellite navigation mapping incorporates 3D modelling of major cities and landmarks, where the database is available.

The system includes three years free map and software upgrades, and users can receive the updates either via their local retailer or by visiting my.toyota.eu.

JBL GreenEdge Premium Sound System

The new Auris may be equipped with a 9-speaker JBL Premium Sound System which features GreenEdge technology. GreenEdge technologies are engineered holistically to ensure that the speakers, amplifier, equalization and even component placement work together as a cohesive and efficient system, combining low electricity consumption with high sound quality.

At the heart of the system is a compact, powerful JBL GreenEdge amplifier. Because the amplifier's Tracking Power Technology measures audio input in real time, only the necessary electricity is provided to the amplification circuit. This greatly reduces heat loss, and effects a 50% reduction in current drawn from the vehicle's alternator.

High-efficiency JBL GreenEdge speakers generate twice the sound output levels of conventional speakers for the same power consumption. They feature custom designed acoustic lenses to spread a more powerful sound across an even wider frequency range.

Simple Intelligent Park Assist (SIPA)

Fitted as standard on Lounge grade and an option on Active grade models, the new Toyota Auris features Simple Intelligent Park Assist (SIPA); an Easy Set function making it easier and significantly quicker to use.

The system uses a rear camera and ultrasonic sensors on the front side-bumper to identify viable reverse and parallel parking spaces. It will then automatically apply the correct sequence of steering angles for the parking manoeuvre into the target space; all the driver needs do is control the vehicle's speed.