Toyota will be launching the new Auris hatchback in South Africa this week and according to the brand,it will offer sharper design, improved interior quality as well as a more refined driving experience.

Exterior Styling

The new Toyota Auris has received new front and rear styling and appears to sit lower than before. The front-end features chrome ‘wings’ which emerge from a thinner upper grille with a more prominent Toyota emblem. The lower grille runs the width of the car with a chrome accent strip framing the centre section and widening into the fog light housing.

Viewed from the side, the new Auris features long overhangs as well as a new shark fin roof antenna. The new Auris rides on turbine-inspired 16-inch alloy wheels. At the rear, a redesigned bumper emphasises the width of the car while the rear lamp clusters have also been redesigned.

Two new colours, including Citrus Metallic and Blue Metallicareon offer.

Interior Styling

The interior of the new Auris has been improved with a new dashboard with soft touch surfaces. The Auris also benefits from a new central audio visual display which incorporates a CD/DVD, Radio, Bluetooth, Aux/USB functionality and reversing camera. The instrument binnacle is more sporty with a tubed tachometer and speedometer dials flanking a new 4.2-inch colour TFT multi-information screen available for the Auris Xr derivative.

Interior details such as the air vents, door handles and gear lever now have a more high-quality appearance and there’s the choice of different upholstery designs, including leather for the Xr derivative.

The new Auris benefits from an improved suspension and steering setup which has contributed to better ride comfort and handling. Toyota has also taken the time to do some soundproofing in an effort to reduce noise reaching the cabin.

Engine Choice

Three powertrains will be offered on the new Auris. The first is a 1.3-litre petrol engine offering 73 kW and 128 Nm of torque. Fuel consumption for this engine is rated at 5.8L/100km. Buyers can also opt for the 1.6-litre petrol engine with 97 kW and 160 Nm torque. In manual guise, this engine consumes 6.2L/100km while the CVT transmission returns a figure of 6.0L/100km. The facelifted Auris 1.8 Hybrid will also be offered later this year and will be launched in South Africa come September 2015.

The X and Xi derivatives are offered with the 1.3 and 1.6 engines. Features at this trim level include Bluetooth, follow-me-home headlights, shark fin antenna, leather steering wheel and gear lever, electric power steering,air conditioner, dual front and side airbags, remote central locking, ABS with Brake Assist and EBD, seatbelt warning for all occupants, RDS audio four-speaker system, electric windows with Driver One-Touch and steering switches. The X model is shod with 15-inch steel wheels while the Xi model is equipped with 16-inch alloys.

The mid-spec Xs derivative is only offered with the 1.6-litre engine. Features for this trim level includes the new audio visual display,front fog lamps, piano black gloss finish for the grille and rear bumper with chrome trim accents, reverse camera with guidelines, six-speaker sound system, vanity mirror lamps and Sport fabric upholstery.

The high-spec Xr derivative can be had as a manual or with a CVT transmission. This derivative includesauto lights, electrochromatic rearview mirror, colour TFT multi-information display, cruise control, smart entry and push start technology, electronic dual-zone climate control, curtain airbags and a driver’s kneebag, full leather upholstery with seat heaters for the front seats and electric lumbar support for the driver.

New Toyota Auris Price in South Africa

Toyota Auris X – R223 700

Toyota Auris Xi – R249 100

Toyota Auris Xs – R259 800

Toyota Auris Xr – R287 700

Toyota Auris Xr CVT – R301700

The new Auris benefits from a three-year/100 000 km warranty. All Auris models come standard with a five-year/ 90 000 km service plan as well as 24-hourToyotaCare Roadside Assistance.