Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM) has just added two new models to the local Auris model lineup. Diametrically opposed in their appeal, each brings it’s own identity and level of attraction to the Toyota Auris range.
With Toyota’s goal of having a hybrid model in every range by 2012, the introduction of the Toyota Auris HSD (Hybrid Synergy Drive) was a fait de compli. With its drivetrain borrowed from the Toyota Prius, the new Auris HSD offers lower fuel consumption together with emissions and, at more than R70 000 cheaper, it’s the most affordable Toyota hybrid currently on sale – until the new Yaris HSD arrives in 2012.
The Auris HSD has few distinguishing features from the rest of the range. A slightly lower ride height (5 mm), squared off bumper edges, a roof spoiler, LED day-time running lights, a chrome grille and numerous ‘hybrid’ badges, mean only the well-informed will be aware of your solidarity with the environment.
Under the sheetmetal, however, the Auris HSD borrows the Prius’s combination of a 73 kW / 142 Nm, 1.8-litre petrol engine and 60 kW / 207 Nm electric motor, with the 27 kW nickel-metal hydride battery stored in the boot. The proven hybrid drivetrain gives the Auris a claimed fuel consumption of 3.8 L/100km and, with just 89 g/km of CO2 emissions, brings the hatch well below the CO2 emissions tax threshold of 120 g/km.
As with the Prius, drive is delivered via a CVT transmission, which is pleasantly and surprisingly subtle in its workings up to the point that you’re running late and do need to get a move on. At this point the accelerator responds in a manner that feels as if it’s working against you, as if to say, “You want more power? You know you’re going to destroy the planet right? Stubborn aren’t you. Alright then, have some more power you eco-assassin!” The car’s ‘Power’ driving mode should remedy this, as it increases throttle response by 25 percent, but the difference feels marginal. Driven sedately and economically as intended, the Auris HSD offers a quiet and solid feeling cabin, free from excessive noise and vibration – very agreeable and accommodating.
The Auris HSD’s interior remains unchanged from a regular Auris, save for the addition of the Prius’s stubby blue hybrid transmission shifter. Space is on par with mid-size hatchbacks, cup holders are well positioned for the thirsty among us and as with the exterior, only a few subtle badges are evident to massage your eco-ego. There is a small price to pay for the eco-friendly Auris owner too, because the boot space has been reduced by 75-litres, to 279- from the standard car’s 354-litres.
Despite the added weight from the electric motor and its battery, the Auris’ handling remains much the same as before, that is to say it’s competent and controlled, but far from engaging. Of course, being a hybrid means there isn’t an athletic muscle in its body, but thankfully Toyota South Africa have balanced the sensible hybrid offering, with the more exuberant Auris TRD.
A model that should arguably have been introduced years ago, the new Toyota Auris TRD is a model specific to South Africa and developed by TSAM on home turf. While the Auris competes with the likes of VW’s Golf, Peugeot’s 308 and Honda’s Civic, it has never been in a position to compete with the GTI or Type-Rs of the hatchback world. The naturally aspirated 1.6-litre engine’s best efforts produced just 97 kW and 160 Nm, and that’s in the ‘SportX’ model (which the TRD now replaces).
So, with many Toyota fans dreaming of the good ‘ol days of the 16- and 20-valve Twincam models, after having been left out in the cold with the demise of the 20-valve RSI in 2002 and last hot-hatch being that of the 141 kW RunX RSI TRD in 2006, some hope rests on the shoulders of the Auris TRD, which will have to be enough to entertain us until the FT-86 eventually arrives.
The Auris TRD retains the 1ZR-FAE 16-valve 4-cylinder engine, but Toyota SA have bolted on a supercharger from the TRD (Toyota Racing Development) performance accessories parts bin. The result is a moddest, but hugely improved 132 kW at 6 400 r/min and a 27 percent increase in torque to 203 Nm of torque at 5 200 r/min. The forced induction reduces the car’s 0 – 100 km/h acceleration time from 11.9 to 9 seconds and top speed jumps from 195 km/h to 220 km/h.
Upgrades to the engine are not the end of the TRD’s talents though. The suspension has been upgraded too, with TRD shocks and springs, as well as a strut brace up front. The Auris TRD also sits 35 mm lower to the tarmac and rolls on 16-inch alloys wrapped in 205/55 profile rubber.
Five or more years ago, the Auris TRD’s power figures would’ve earned it hot-hatch status, but today, this mid-sized hatch will be swallowed up by compacts such as the Renault Clio RS and VW Polo GTI. After a quick introduction to the TRD on yesterday’s launch in Cape Town, I found the Auris to be somewhat of a mixed bag.
The steering follows one’s inputs neatly and the sports suspension, aided by the front strut brace, gives the Auris an entertaining level of front-end grip.
The workings of a supercharger mean it incurs some mechanical losses on an engine. In the case of the TRD’s 4-cylinder unit, the supercharger only begins to overcome these losses once the engine spins past the 2 800 r/min mark, where after power builds right up to the redline. The result is that TRD’s added performance is available in the upper rev range and for this reason a close-ratio 6-speed transmission would better suited to the task when compared to the set of cogs carried over from the standard Auris.
The Auris TRD does introduce a little ‘spice’ to the range nevertheless. The sports suspension limits bodyroll and is firm to the point that it adds to the cars sporty character without being overly so. Likewise, the whine from supercharger adds to the excitement as the revs and speed rise in unison. In short, the Auris TRD won’t stun you into silence and have your eye-balls on stalks like an over eager serving of wasabi, but it will warrant a, “hmm, that’s quite spicy”, from it’s driver, like the pleasant buzz one has after adding a few extra drops of Tabasco to your pizza.
| Pricing (incl. VAT) | |
| Toyota Auris XS HSD | R267 200 |
| Toyota Auris XR HSD | R289 800 |
| Toyota Auris TRD | TBC |
Prices include a 3-year/100 000 km warranty and 5-year/90 000km service plan. Hybrid components of Toyota HSD models include a 8-year/195 000km warranty.
