13.11.2012 New Toyota Auris to launch in December

Toyota has released prices and specifications for the new Auris; the new petrol, diesel and hybrid model range go on sale in December.

The British-built five-door hatchback, which will make its world debut at the Paris motor show later this month, will be available in four trim levels with OTR prices starting at £14,495.

Not only are the Auris’s new looks and sharper than its predecessor, across all hybrid, petrol and diesel power-trains, improvements have been made in fuel efficiency and emissions which should reduce fuel and car tax costs.

For example, Toyota has re-engineered the 1.4 D-4D diesel engine and added a Stop & Start system to increase efficiency. As a result, the Icon model produces 103g/km of CO2 and posts official combined cycle fuel consumption of 72.4mpg.

These factors make new Auris a strong contender in a hard-fought business car market with some of its main rivals with the top-of-the-range Auris Hybrid Excel (91g/km CO2 emissions and 72.4mpg combined cycle fuel economy) costing less for a company to offer on its fleet than a more modestly specified, mid-grade Focus, Astra or Golf (based on KWIK carcost data).

Where residual values are concerned, CAP predicts a 34% rating for the new Auris Hybrid Excel, an improvement of five points on the current T Spirit model, and a 35.2% RV for the Auris 1.4 D-4D Icon, a rise of more than six percentage points compared to the current Auris TR.

Ewan Shepherd, Toyota General Manager Fleet and Remarketing, said: “The economic climate dictates that businesses have to scrutinise every aspect of their costs. Looking at new Auris’s cost profile there are significant financial advantages to be gained for both fleet operators and business/company car drivers by choosing Auris.

“Auris continues to deliver the most competitive ownership costs, which makes it a rational choice for business, but the new model introduces improved design and driving dynamics that give it more emotional appeal, too. As a key element in our strategy to provide customers with more desirable and competitive products, we believe it will have a particularly strong appeal to small and medium-size businesses.”

View petrol and diesel models: Toyota Auris

View petrol-hybrid models: Toyota Auris Hybrid