Car Design News: New Toyota Auris: In Depth

6: Equipment

High level of equipment

Flagship model with unique trim
Innovative hi-tech features
Smart Entry & easy start available
Full map navigation as on option

Auris will be available in four trim levels, depending on market conditions. The flagship D-4D 180 Clean Power model will feature unique exterior and interior trim, such as 17â€�'alloy wheels, dark view headlamps and silver stitched finishing on the steering wheel, gear knob and seat trims.

But, throughout the range, superior quality trim with a choice of either two-tone grey or a warm greige, setsthe tone for the interior. Geometric grain breaks up the surfaces and innovative fabric patterns are available â€“along with full leather interior options for high grade models.

Soft-touch paint extends across the top of the instrument panel and door trims are extended with a newly developed softmaterial for the top panel to create a nice, tactile feel. Door handles and leversare one unit with an integrated lock mechanism to achieve a simple yet refined design.

Innovative features emphasise the superior quality of Auris. These features will be available in selected marketsdepending on trim level but all Auris models will feature a high level of standard specification.

Typical is the Smart Entry & Start system which detects the presence of an electronic â€˜keyâ€™ within a range of about 1 m from the car. A touch-sensor on the back of the driverâ€™s door handle allows the door to be opened and the car can be then started using the push button on the instrument panel.

This convenience feature is particularly useful when approaching the car carrying heavy items, such as shopping, and removes the need to search for the key in poor weather.

Of course, Auris is also available with a conventional remote central locking system which features an auto-lock function to prevent accidental unlocking. Whenever the doors are not opened within 30 seconds of remote unlocking and the key is not being inserted in the ignition, the doors relock.

Sporty driving characteristics are emphasised by the hi-tech, two-dial Optitron meter panel with amber colour dial illumination and red pointers. Liquid crystal displays for multi-function information are integrated into the main panel to indicate water temperature, fuel level and, with the multi-mode transmission, gear positions.

The multi-function driver information display gives important information, such as driving range and fuel consumption, and is programmable for units and language (7 different).

Adjustable Speed Limiter is available which allows the driver to set a maximum speed limit, after which further acceleration is suppressed. Operation is indicated within the multi-function display and, for safety reasons, can be over-ridden by a sudden kick-down on the accelerator to allow a temporaryincrease in speed. The Adjustable Speed Limiter then resets when the speed drops back down below the chosen limit.

The Adjustable Speed Limiter is available in conjunction with the electronic cruise control that holds a preset cruising speed for maximum comfortand improved fuel consumption.

For maximum passenger comfort, the ventilation and air conditioning system is all new with an air diffusion system that maintains a fresh interior environment without blowing air directly into the passengersâ€™face. The ventilation has also been designed to be effective at low speeds when insufficient cooling and heating is usually felt.

Depending on grades, a dial-type manual or automatic (dual zone) air conditioning is available. The automatic air conditioning features leftand right independent temperature controls, thus allowing separate temperature regulation for the driverâ€™s seat and front passengerâ€™s seat for people comfort.

Fully integrated into the bridged centred console (with an irregular shape for anti-theft protection) is the hi-tech audio and optional navigation system. Exact specification will depend on grade and local market conditions.

The audio system is available with either single or six CD player unit and can handle MP3 or WMA format discs. There is a tone control memory that stores the bass and treble settings for each separate mode (AM, FM or CD) and LIVE-ACS (acoustic) is adopted for the speaker settings. This boosts the bass range without distorting the mid-range sounds and, while the speakers are positioned near the footwells, the sound is experienced as if it is flowing from above.

The latest development of Toyotaâ€™s full-map touch screen navigation system, with integrated hands-free mobile phone, is available with voice recognition in 3 languages (English, French and German) and screen display and voice guidance in 10 languages, including Portuguese and Norwegian.

The new 32,000 colour display is sharper and clearer than previously available and the map displays in familiar, European road maps standard. A user-friendly â€˜hintâ€™guide helps the driver to understand the function of each switch when the â€œ?â€�'symbol on the screen is touched.

The junction display shows the lanes through major intersections and the driving route can be stored in memory for future reference. Anticipated arrival time is displayed by touching the screen.

On the mid and high grade models the leather trimmed sports steering wheel features audio and phone function switches with the cruise control and speed limiter.

Further comfort and hi-tech features include front and rear electric windows, power mirrors, rain-sensor, automatic activation of headlamps as dusk falls and a self-dimming interior mirror that reacts to light from the rear.

Cost of ownership

While style and engaging driving pleasure are major assets of Auris, it is easy to forget that the cost of ownership is a major consideration for all C-segment customers â€“no question whether they are private drivers or corporate users. Therefore cost optimization, along with reduced environmental impact, has been a key focus of Auris development.

Ownership costs are driven by low fuel consumption and low cost maintenance programmes â€“both of which Auris will deliver. It is also anticipated Auris will achieve low insurance group ratings in European countries where they are relevant.

A major factor for competitive insurance rating is low repair costs. Auris has been designed with this in mind; reducing damages to the under frame in minor collisions without affecting overall safetyratings.

Typical features include the bolt-on structure for the front bumper reinforcement and for the radiator support. This supportis designed to retract during a collision whilst protecting the cooling units. A crush box absorbs collision energy in the bumper reinforcement to reduce damage to the front body frame while, at the rear, the bumper arm also actsto suppress damage.

Chiefengineer, Yoshihiko Kanamori, summarises: â€œIam confident Auris will fully satisfy European customers who are looking for the highestlevel of superior ownership experience. It will achieve this not only through engaging driving pleasure but also because of high level of equipment and comfortwith low running costs.â€�'