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Exclusively
designed for the European market, the Auris HSD
(Hybrid Synergy Drive) introduces full hybrid
technology to a core model at the heart of
Toyota’s model line-up. It marks the first step
in the deployment of HSD technology across the
company’s entire European model range by the
early 2020s.
Built in Britain at Toyota Motor
Manufacturing UK’s Burnaston factory, it targets an important shift in
customer perceptions of full hybrid drive technology.
The prospect of Britain – and Europe’s
– first home-manufactured full hybrid model was welcomed by the UK
Government. Business Minister Ian Lucas said: "I'm delighted that Toyota
has chosen its UK plants to produce the first European Toyota hybrid car
and I look forward to seeing it when I’m in Geneva for the Motor
Show. Toyota’s commitment to reduce CO2 emissions gives fresh
impetus to our vision for the UK to lead in the design, manufacture and
use of low carbon cars."
Going beyond the benefits of
exceptional fuel efficiency and low CO2 emissions that are
inherent in Hybrid Synergy Drive, the new Auris HSD will deliver
everyday usability, driving comfort and remarkable quietness for a
smooth and sophisticated driving experience that is unlike anything else
in the C-segment.
Auris HSD will be available in two
levels: 89g/km and 92g/km, both offer the lowest CO2
emissions and strongest fuel economy in their class. HSD will thus play
a significant role in further reducing Toyota’s European whole-fleet
average CO2 emissions. These have already fallen by 14g/km
between 2008 and 2009 to 132g/km, thanks to the introduction of Toyota
Optimal Drive technology.
Exterior design
Auris HSD adopts the new exterior styling introduced across the Auris
2010 model range, including a completely redesigned front-end. It also
displays a number of model-specific features which help improve the
car’s aerodynamic efficiency and reference the presence of Toyota’s
Hybrid Synergy Drive powertrain.
The opening in the upper front grille
has been optimised to promote a smooth flow of air over the upper half
of the body, and the lower grille has been made larger to reduce airflow
resistance and improve engine cooling efficiency.
With a revised foglamp configuration,
the flat, vertical surface of the corners of the front bumper corrects
the airflow as it passes over the front wheels, helping minimise
turbulence in the wheelarches.
Further improvement in aerodynamic
efficiency is achieved by a ride height reduced by 5mm; purpose-designed
alloy wheels with integrated aerodynamic caps; low rolling resistance
tyres; and a large, roof-mounted rear spoiler. Working together to
smooth and control the flow of air over the car, these HSD-specific
design modifications reduce the coefficient of drag from Cd0.290 to
0.283, contributing to reductions in fuel consumption and CO2
emissions.
Interior design
The interior features a number of modifications, including a revised
instrument binnacle in which the tachometer has been replaced by an Eco
Drive Assist Monitor. The centre-dial information panel includes
additional HSD-specific information such as Energy Flow and Eco Drive
Result monitors.
A hybrid blue smart start button has been added to the side of the
instrument cluster and the centre console incorporates switches for the
Parking Control and EV, ECO and Power drive modes, and a shift-by-wire
gear lever.
The illumination is changed to display
greenish-white numbers on a hybrid blue background on the meter panel,
audio and heating controls, and the Smart Start, Drive Mode and Parking
Control switches.
A choice of upholsteries specific to
the model will also be available: a blue-flecked fabric or Alcantara
panels with leather surrounds.
Hybrid Synergy Drive
Auris HSD is a full hybrid capable of operating in petrol and electric
modes alone, or a combination of both. Its Hybrid Synergy Drive system
delivers the energy-saving qualities of a series hybrid, combined with
the performance benefits of a parallel hybrid.
The technology delivers impressive,
seamless acceleration and remarkably quiet running, with class-leading
fuel consumption and CO2 emissions from 74.3mpg and 89g/km.
Toyota’s latest generation Hybrid
Synergy Driver uses a 1.8-litre VVT-i petrol engine, a powerful electro
motor, generator, high performance battery and a power control unit. A
power split device with a planetary gear system combines and reallocated
power from the engine, electric motor and generator according to the
car’s operational requirements.
The key to the successful installation
of the system in Auris’s front-engine platform is the fact the electric
motor, generator and power split device are housed in a single
transmission casing that is the size of a conventional gearbox. The
seamless E-CVT electric continuously variable transmission is controlled
by shift-by-wire technology via an electric shift lever.
The lightweight and compact
four-cylinder, 1,798cc Atkinson Cycle VVT-i engine develops 97bhp at
5,200rpm and 142Nm of torque at 4,000rpm. The high performance permanent
magnet synchronous 60kW electric motor generates a maximum 207Nm between
zero and 13,000rpm.
Powered by the hybrid battery, the
electric motor works in tandem with the petrol engine to boost
acceleration in normal driving. When the car is operating in EV
(electric vehicle) mode, it alone powers the driven wheels.
During deceleration and under braking, the electric motor acts as a
high-output generator to effect regenerative braking, recovering kinetic
energy that would normally be wasted as heat for storage as electrical
energy in the battery.
In combination, the petrol engine and
electric motor generated a maximum system power output of 134bhp, giving
performance to match a conventional 2.0-litre petrol or diesel
hatchback. Conversely, Auris HSD lower CO2 emissions and
significantly lower NOx emissions than diesel-powered cars of comparable
performance.
Furthermore, when operating in its
switchable EV mode, it cuts CO2 and NOx emissions to zero,
driving for up to 1.3 miles (2km) at speeds up to 31mph (50kph),
depending on the level of battery charge and driving conditions.
Auris HSD eco driving
experience
Auris HSD has four driving modes, including three that can be selected
”on-demand” by the driver to maximise the HSD powertrain’s capabilities
and provide comprehensive eco driving support for those who want to
adopt a more environmentally efficient style of driving.
EV mode allows for ultra-quiet running
on electric motor power lone, giving zero fuel consumption and
emissions. ECO mode maximises efficiency and fuel economy, and Power
mode boosts system performance. In addition, an Eco Drive Monitor helps
driver’s maximise the HSD system’s efficiency.
The driver can monitor the flow of
energy around the HSD system in each mode, via the multi-information
display in the instrument panel, which helps promote an easy,
fuel-efficient driving technique. There is also a clear and simple power
consumption gauge that shows how much power is being used or generated
at any given time.
Taking advantage of the inherent
quietness of Hybrid Synergy Drive, Toyota has paid special attention to
NVH reduction measures to create a calm and quiet cabin environment at
all speeds. Road and engine noise have been rigorously suppressed with
extensive use of sound-proofing materials. Full-thickness glazing and a
multi-layer acoustic windscreen further reduce noise for quieter
performance at cruising speeds.
Auris HSD in the UK
Auris HSD is scheduled to go on sale in the UK in July. Further details
of performance, technical specifications, model grades and equipment
features will be announced nearer the launch date.
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