The Auris, Toyota’s answer to the VW Golf and Ford Focus, is finally starting to catch up to the leading pack as it receives its first downsized turbocharged petrol power plant. It’s a 1.2-liter unit and it’s part of a 14-strong new engine offensive planned by Toyota over the course of 2014 and 2015.
The engine is direct-injected and intelligent variable valve timing, as well. Power wise, it’s average in the sector of turbocharged 1.2s, putting out 115 hp but its torque figure is excellent, at 185 Nm; what’s more impressive is that the latter is delivered linearly between 1,500 and 4,000 where the torque curve is not a curve, but a straight line.
Equipping the Auris, the engine is capable of pushing it to 100 km/h or 62 mph in 10.1 seconds and on to a top speed of 200 km/h or 125 mph. Efficiency and emissions are also competitive: 4.7 l/100 km average (60 mpg UK / 50 mpg US).
It’s interesting to note that using the intelligent variable valve timing, the engine can decide to run in Otto or Atkinson cycles; as the manufacturer explains, “the latter is used in extremely low load conditions, when the intake valve remains open for a fraction of time, after the compression stroke has set in, allowing part of the gas charge to be pushed back into the intake. As a result, the effective compression stroke is shortened. Pumping losses are reduced, since the pressure on the piston is lower, and also the throttle valve can be opened wider.”
The refreshed Toyota Auris just debuted at the Geneva motor show, with a fresh face matching the rest of the range, this new turbo engine and several mechanical and interior enhancements too.
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