— Lowest CO2 taxation and fuel costs in the C-segment
— Lower servicing costs through outstanding Hybrid Synergy Drive® component longevity
— Proven Toyota quality with competitive insurance costs and high residual values
Its segment-first, full hybrid drive technology offering customers with an unparalleled combination of low maintenance, insurance and running costs with high reliability and residual values, the new Auris HSD represents outstanding value for money.
Best-in-class CO2 emissions of just 89 g/km and combined cycle fuel economy of only 3.8 l/100 km offer customers significant, pan-European tax incentives, inner city congestion charge exemption and exceptionally low running costs.
The Auris HSD’s full hybrid drive system has been specifically designed for low maintenance and exceptional durability. Combining low parts pricing with short service times and hence, reduced labour costs, Auris HSD maintenance costs over 100,000 km are remarkably reasonable.
The outstanding reliability of Hybrid Synergy Drive® has already been proven through its installation in the Prius, which shows the lowest warranty cost per unit amongst all Toyota models. The new Auris HSD benefits from a three year/100,000 km warranty, extended to five years/100,000 km on hybrid system components.
The Auris HSD is expected to achieve highly competitive insurance ratings, while residual values are expected to be in line with vehicles at the top of the C-segment. In the case of the UK market, a residual value target of 38-39% (depending on model grade) after 36 months/60,000 miles is anticipated.
Low CO2 taxation and fuel costs
The new Auris HSD fulfils Euro 5 emissions standards and is expected to meet those of Euro VI. Producing best-in-class CO2 emissions of just 89 g/km – a figure unmatched by any other C-segment car - the Toyota full hybrid offers customers significant tax incentives in several European countries; for instance, 2,000 Euros in France and 6,400 Euros in The Netherlands.
Auris HSD customers also benefit from class-leading fuel efficiency. Whilst operating in NORMAL driving mode, the new Toyota full hybrid returns only 3.8 l/100 km in the European homologation combined cycle. With the fuel consumption levels of a small city car, the Auris HSD has a driving range of about 1,180 km on a single tank of fuel.
This remarkable fuel efficiency is further enhanced by the Auris HSD’s ability to operate in a unique, switchable, EV mode. Unavailable to rival, mild hybrid vehicles, EV mode allows the Toyota full hybrid to run on electric motor power alone for about 2 kilometres at speeds of up to about 50 km/h, depending on battery charge and driving conditions, whilst generating zero CO2, NOX and PM emissions.
Auris HSD running costs are likely to be subject to further reductions with the implementation of future congestion charging plans in major European cities. In London, for instance, the Auris HSD’s hybrid vehicle status grants it exemption from the statutory charge when entering the Congestion Zone, representing a considerable annual cost saving for the urban dweller and customers who regularly travel into the city centre.
Lower servicing costs with outstanding component longevity
The Auris HSD’s 15,000 km service interval maximises component lifetime efficiency, while the latest generation Hybrid Synergy Drive® system has been specifically designed for low maintenance and outstanding durability.
The full hybrid powertrain has no need of a conventional starter motor or alternator. The engine is equipped with a maintenance-free timing chain - a serving cost saving of some 300 Euros, an element oil filter and miniaturised spark plugs – realising savings of 45% and 23% respectively. It also has no drive belts whatsoever, combining excellent reliability with a further saving of some 80 Euros.
Due to the efficiency of the Auris HSD’s Electronically Controlled Braking System, the brake pads have a life expectancy of over 100,000 km and may never need to be replaced during the vehicle’s lifespan. Standard sized 15” and 17” tyres not only cost less than purpose-made alternatives, but also their high, 2.4 and 2.3 bar pressure significantly reduces wear, with typical durability exceeding 50,000 km.
With a proven reliability record garnered over some 60 billion kilometres of driving worldwide, the high quality Hybrid Synergy Drive® battery is designed to last the entire life of the car. Rigorously assessed for performance and durability, it is covered by a five year, 100,000 km warranty. Exhaust system life expectancy is over five years due to a high stainless steel content, and ‘lifetime’ LED headlamp bulbs have a 20 year lifespan.
Combining exceptional component longevity with low parts pricing and the reduced labour costs resultant from short service times, Auris HSD maintenance costs over 100,000 km are highly competitive.
The new Auris HSD benefits from a three year/100,000 km warranty, extended to five years/100,000 km on hybrid system components. Prius warranty history has already confirmed the outstanding reliability of Hybrid Synergy Drive®, showing the lowest warranty cost per unit amongst all Toyota models. Over three years, Prius warranty cost per unit is only 18% of that of the Corolla/Avensis, of which just 1.8% relates to hybrid componentry – figures the Auris HSD is fully expected to equal.
Proven Toyota quality with competitive insurance costs and high residual values
With proven Toyota quality and Hybrid Synergy Drive® reliability already exemplified through the Prius’ top ‘Lowest Problems’ ranking in JD Power’s 2007 and 2008 German, French and UK surveys, the Auris HSD will bring an unprecedented level of customer satisfaction to the C-segment.
The Auris HSD bodyshell has been designed to resist corrosion throughout the life of the vehicle. The use of galvanized steel sheets on most of the body components enhances anti-corrosion characteristics. And an underbody undercoating further prevents corrosion damage as a result of paint chipping.
The new Auris HSD also benefits from Toyota’s already excellent record of low repair costs. Many components have been developed specifically to reduce impact repair costs and the body structure itself has also been designed to reduce repair costs when a minor collision occurs.
The crash box integral to the bumper reinforcement absorbs collision energy, helping to reduce body structure damage. The bumper reinforcement, front side member, radiator support, rear bumper crash box and rear side member all adopt bolt-fastening structures for reduced repair costs. And the radiator support features a retracting mechanism to minimise damage to the cooling unit in the event of a minor collision.
The Auris HSD is expected to achieve highly competitive C-segment insurance ratings, and residual values are expected to be in line with vehicles at the top of the C-segment. In the case of the UK market, a residual value target of 38-39% (depending on model grade) after 36 months/60,000 miles is anticipated.
— Hybrid-specific exterior design for improved aerodynamics and a smooth, quiet and comfortable driving experience
— Improved interior quality and ergonomics with hybrid-specific finishes, instrumentation, switchgear and upholstery
The Auris HSD builds on the dynamic exterior design changes and extensive interior improvements in quality, materials, ergonomics, driving comfort and visual appeal introduced with the recent launch of the Auris 2010 model range.
Externally, the new Toyota full hybrid incorporates several unique styling details to improve the car’s aerodynamic performance and the fuel efficiency of its Hybrid Synergy Drive® powertrain. The interior incorporates hybrid-specific instruments, switchgear and upholstery.
Exterior Design: Improved Aerodynamic Efficiency
Toyota’s new, full hybrid hatchback shares the long, 2,600 mm wheelbase and 4,245 mm overall length of the Auris 2010 model range, while a 5 mm lowering of vehicle ride height further improves its aerodynamic efficiency.
The Auris HSD features the new, horizontal bar-type grille and more aggressive headlamp clusters of the 2010 model range. However, the full hybrid’s upper grille opening has been optimised to help the air flow smoothly over the upper half of the body and incorporates a hybrid blue Toyota symbol.
The front bumper and front spoiler design have also been revised and the size of the lower grille has been enlarged to reduce airflow resistance as well as improving engine cooling efficiency.
Redesigned bumper corners house a revised foglamp configuration incorporating HSD-unique LED daytime running lights. The flat, vertical surface of the bumper corner not only reinforces the Auris HSD’s broad stance and driving stability, but also corrects airflow as it passes over the front wheels to minimise wheel arch turbulence.
In profile, the Auris HSD may be identified by front wing hybrid badging and a choice of purpose-made, 15” or 17” alloy wheels with integrated, aerodynamic caps and low rolling resistance tyres. These Prius-style aero wheels feature enlarged air gaps for improved cooling air flow to the Electronically Controlled Braking System. In addition, a large, roof mounted rear spoiler further improves the Auris HSD’s aerodynamic efficiency.
To the rear, the Auris HSD shares the stronger, more confident design of the 2010 model range. This features a ‘catamaran’ bumper profile which accentuates the fill hybrid’s muscular proportions and wide track. The presence of Hybrid Synergy Drive® is indicated by hybrid-specific badging and a hybrid blue Toyota symbol.
Acting in combination to smooth and control the flow of air over the car, these HSD-specific design modifications have reduced the Toyota hybrid’s coefficient of drag from Cd 0.293 to 0.283, effecting reductions in both fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.
The Auris HSD is available in a choice of six exterior colours, including a new, hybrid-specific, pearl white finish.
Interior Design: Hybrid-Specific Instruments, Switchgear and Upholstery
The Auris HSD’s interior benefits from all the improvements in quality, ergonomics and visual appeal of the 2010 model range. Soft touch materials cover the top of the driver’s instrument cluster and the upper glove box and the centre console storage box functions as an armrest. A comfortable steering wheel incorporates audio and Bluetooth phone control switches.
The unique, bridged centre console which brings the gear lever, handbrake and instrumentation within the closest possible reach of the driver has a bright metallic finish matched by the door handles. Control panel colour and finish changes have enhanced switch layout visibility. Revised throughout the Auris 2010 model range, the handbrake design features a new lever release button, a tactile, ergonomic grip and lower seating in the release position.
In addition, in conjunction with the presence of Hybrid Synergy Drive®, the Auris HSD interior also features several significant modifications. The driver’s instrument binnacle has been revised, with the tachometer replaced by an Eco Drive Assist Monitor. The centre-dial information panel includes additional, Hybrid Synergy Drive® - specific information such as Energy Flow and Eco Drive Result monitors.
A hybrid blue Smart Start switch has been added to the side of the instrument cluster. The centre console incorporates a Parking Control switch, EV, Eco and Power drive mode switches and a hybrid blue Shift-by-Wire transmission lever with a high-quality silver paint finish.
Auris HSD instrument and switchgear illumination has been amended to white numbers on a hybrid blue background for the Optitron meter panel, greenish white colour – night illumination – is used on Smart start switch, Audio unit, P control switch, drive mode switch and heater control panel.
The Auris HSD interior is finished in Dark Grey. A choice of hybrid-specific upholstery features a standard specification, blue-flecked seat panel fabric, while high grade models are trimmed in Alcantara panels with leather surrounds.
— Auris HSD to be built at TMUK’s Burnaston plant, the first European plant to mass produce a hybrid vehicle
— 25% of Auris HSD build components unique to the hybrid model derivative
— 149 build processes affected and seven entirely new to the assembly line
— Specific assembly line focus on high voltage hybrid componentry and vehicle silent running
— Burnaston the first UK car plant to qualify for Environmental Management System ISO 14001 certification
The new Auris HSD will be assembled at Toyota Manufacturing UK’s Burnaston plant, in Derbyshire, while the Hybrid Synergy Drive® system’s petrol engine will be built in Deeside. Opened in 1992, Burnaston was Toyota’s first European plant and vehicle production passed the three million mark in June 2010.
After almost 20 years of manufacturing experience, the Auris HSD represents a major milestone for TMUK, with Burnaston now becoming the first Toyota plant in Europe to produce a hybrid vehicle.
An Auris HSD is built from 1,753 separate components, of which 395 – some 25% - are unique to the hybrid model derivative. This adds significant production complexity, with 149 build processes – 69% of the total - affected. Seven processes are entirely new to the assembly line, such as the installation of the sub-battery in the luggage compartment, the main battery behind the rear seats, the high voltage cable and the modified, 1.8 VVT-i petrol engine.
Quality remains an absolute priority at TMUK and all production techniques were re-evaluated to maintain the highest standards in build quality, durability and reliability.
All assembly line members have received National Vocational Qualification training in the handling of High Voltage components. A new Toyota Vehicle Electric Checking System has been adopted for the rigorous checking of all electrical hybrid components. And a new vision system has been incorporated within the welding process to ensure 100% checking of the high voltage cable and battery fixing weld studs.
The offline inspection area has been completely redesigned to support hybrid assembly requirements, with a specific focus on high voltage componentry and vehicle silent running. A new test track facility allows for comprehensive vehicle road testing, including checking of the Auris HSD’s unique, regenerative braking system.
Based on the five Rs –Refine, Reduce, Re-use, Recycle and Retrieve energy- TMUK’s commitment to sustainable manufacturing already has a long history, the Burnaston plant achieving its goal of sending zero waste to landfill back in 2003.
Burnaston is the first car manufacturing plant in the UK to have qualified for Environmental Management System ISO 14001 certification. It has received several awards for its excellent environmental performance and is a carbon positive pioneer.
The experience and knowledge gained by TMUK in the production of the Auris HSD will serve as a foundation for hybrid manufacturing throughout Europe, supporting Toyota’s long-term goal of offering hybrid derivatives of all its models by the 2020s.
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