Toyota upgrades Auris range

The Toyota Auris range has been revamped with new or improved engines.

The biggest change is an all-new 1.6-litre petrol engine, called Valvematic, which replaces 1.6 VVT-i. The new engine, built at Deeside in the UK, is expected to be the largest-selling unit in the 2009 Auris range. It benefits from Toyota Optimal Drive technologies, notably variable valve lift, enabling it to deliver more power and torque than the previous 1.6 VVT-i engine, while at the same time making significant improvements in fuel consumption and emissions levels.

The fuel economy delivered by both the 1.33 Dual VVT-i and 1.6 Valvematic petrol engines in Auris, combined with the per-litre cost of diesel fuel and the price premium of diesel models, make them a compelling choice for customers who traditionally might opt for diesel-powered cars on the grounds of running costs.

Power output from the new engine is up by 8 bhp and maximum torque rises from 157 Nm at 5,200 rpm to 160 Nm at 4,400 rpm. It is available with either a new six-speed transmission, or new six-speed MultiMode system with paddle-shift controls. With the manual gearbox, CO2 emissions are down eight per cent at 153g/km and fuel consumption is improved by nine per cent in combined cycle driving at 43.5 mpg. With MultiMode the reduction in emissions is 15g/km to 146g/km, while fuel economy rises by 4.7 mpg - more than 11 per cent - to 45.6 mpg (combined).

While the 1.33 VVT-i petrol version with engine stop/start that was introduced in late 2008 remains unchanged, every diesel engine has been updated to return better fuel mileage and lower emissions.

The 89 bhp 1.4 D-4D diesel engine has been upgraded with Toyota Optimal Drive technology, with fuel economy increasing by six per cent to 60.1 mpg in combined cycle driving (58.9 MultiMode). Carbon dioxide emissions have been reduced, falling from 132 to 125g/km for manual TR models, 127g/km for versions with MultiMode. At the same time, torque performance is stronger by eight per cent, rising to a maximum 205Nm between 1,800 and 2,800rpm.