The new 2013ToyotaAuris is now available in South Africa. The new Auris features dynamic interior and exterior styling along with improved handling and steering. The new Auris is available with two petrol engines and three trim grades to satisfy customer needs. The new Auris HSD hybrid models will be launched in February 2013.

Glenn Crompton, Vice President of Marketing said, ““It now looks a lot sharper and more distinctive. It’s lower and visually has a more dynamic stance but the revisions are much more than just skin deep. The whole package is lighter, the handling and steering are sweeter thanks to tweaks to the suspension and electric power steering and the car generally feels more nimble and responsive, but I’m happy to say it still rides exceptionally well – if anything it’s even more compliant.”

New ??2013 Toyota Auris is lighter and more efficient

??Engine Capability

Both engine options feature Toyota’s economy-enhancing Optimal Drive technologies which include weight reduction, Valvematic, combustion efficiency and a Charging Control system. The base-level engine offering is the 1.3-litre engine with Dual Variable Valve Timing-intelligent (VVT-i) that produces 73kW and 128Nm of torque. Combined fuel consumption for this unit is 5.8-litres/100km with a CO2 emissions figure of 134g/km.

The 1.6-litre Valvematic petrol engine develops 97kW and 160Nm of torque with a combined fuel consumption figure of 6.1-litres/100km with a CO2 emissions figure of 143g/km. This unit is available with either a six speed manual transmission or a Multidrive S CVT unit.

??Exterior Styling Features??

The weight of the new 2013 Toyota Auris has been reduced by 50kg while it sits 55mm lower than the outgoing model. The new Auris features Under Priority grille design and Keen Look eyebrow-shaped headlamps. The Under Priority design features a large trapezoidal lower grille set within the front bumper while a smaller upper grille runs the full width between the new headlamps. The upper grille features a central chrome-plated horizontal trim bar which extends into the headlamp clusters. The lower grille is flanked by integral fog lamp housings with chrome surrounds. The lower grille combines a piano black finish with a floating, lower chrome accent to the lip spoiler.

The rear-end features a wider opening tailgate with an integral roof spoiler and is flanked by wrap-around rear combination lamp design. Indicators are integrated into the rear bumper’s extremities, emphasising the breadth of the vehicle. The Auris comes with a new 15-inch wheel cap design wheels for the 1.3 variant while the 1.6 variant rides on 16-inch alloy wheels.

??Interior Features

On the inside, the dashboard has been ergonomically designed and is intently focussed on the driver with controls and switches perfectly placed. The new instrument binnacle features a two or three dial design with white needles and numerals. The meter surrounds, centre stack, transmission tunnel trim, air conditioning and audio controls and door handles are finished in a high quality satin silver finish. The air vents, audio panel, transmission tunnel and steering wheel are trimmed in silver paint finish. Higher grade models feature genuine leather on the dashboard with baseball stitching.

The steering wheel is finished in Nappa leather while the newly developed seats offer excellent comfort. A newly developed sports seat offering with additional lateral support is available as standard on the XS and XR grades. The 60:40 split folding rear seats offer an increased luggage capacity of 360-litres, up from 283-litres found in the outgoing model.

New 2013 Toyota Auris – Price

The new 2013 Toyota Auris comes with a 3-year/100 000km warranty. All models come standard with a 5-year/90 000km service plan. The Auris is also supported by ToyotaCare Roadside Assistance Programme which entitles customers to 24-hour roadside assistance.