The new 2013Toyota Auris will make its debut at the Paris Motor Show at the end of September 2012 with petrol, diesel and hybrid derivatives to be displayed. The new Auris offers improved driving dynamics, more distinctive styling and higher equipment levels than the current model.
Exterior Styling
The 2013 Toyota Auris sits 55mm lower than the current model while a low front-end helps deliver improved aerodynamic performance which supports better handling and lower fuel consumption. The grille design represents the new face of Toyota and is complemented with sharp-edged headlights and LED Daytime Running Lights which give the Auris a more powerful road presence. The side profile features an extension of the side glazing into three panels while the rear-end exhibits a wider opening tailgate, wrap-around tail lights and a new bumper profile.
Interior Styling
The interior has been completely revised to offer more space and comfort and Toyota has paid particular attention to the sensory quality of the cabin while achieving a greater sense of visual unity through consistency of lighting, colours, finishes and even the font used for graphics. The 2013 Toyota Auris also introduces Skyview, one of the largest panoramic roofs in its segment.
The air vent, meter surrounds, centre console and transmission tunnel share a high quality satin silver finish, while a leather trim dashboard is offered on higher grade models. Interior quality has been improved with a baseball-stitched Nappa leather trimmed steering wheel, soft-touch materials on the instrument panel , assist grips and door handles, as well as padded armrests and fabric trimmed pillars.
The interior offers increased space for the driver with an additional 20mm of rear seat knee room and 360 litres of boot space.
Driving Capability
The 2013 Toyota Auris benefits from a lower ride height, driving position and centre of gravity for enhanced driving dynamics. The steering and suspension has been revised contributing to a more comfortable, responsive and enjoyable drive.
Further improvements include greater use of high tensile steel, particularly in the upper part of the body structure, which has increased body stiffness by 10% and resulted in a weight saving of 40kg while also lowering the Auris centre of gravity.
In terms of engines, visitors to the Paris Motor Show will see 1.3 and 1.6 litre petrol variants, a 1.4 diesel and the Auris Hybrid. The 2013 Toyota Auris is destined for South Africa in the first quarter of 2013, however, further details regarding the model line-up for South Africa will be made available closer to launch.