The current Toyota Venza is a great station wagon, or estate car, but it’s not a very exciting Toyota. Recently, Toyota wanted to remind the world that they want to build vehicles that have more passion. To that extent, Toyota has had a few hits on their hands including the Scion FR-S/Toyota FT86. The Toyota Auris, while being fairly attractive, isn’t exactly adrenaline pumping. Still, it is a brilliant little estate machine with good utility. It might make a sweet Toyota Venza.
The Toyota Auris has over 55 cubic-feet of cargo room and it will become a very efficient wagon with its variety of efficient power plants.
“It will be available in the UK with the same powertrain options as the hatch: 1.33-litre Dual VVT-i and 1.6-litre Valvematic petrol units; the 1.4-litre D-4D diesel; and full hybrid – a first in the family/compact estate car market.
The full hybrid’s Hybrid Synergy Drive system features a 1.8-litre VVT-i petrol engine and an electric motor, giving a maximum power output of 134bhp/100kW. This enables nought to 62mph acceleration in 10.9 seconds and a top speed of 112mph.
Conversely the hybrid’s CO2 emissions are a class-leading 86g/km; indeed emissions performance across the range is highly competitive with the 1.33 and 1.6 petrol units rated at 127 and 139g/km respectively and the 1.4 D-4D diesel at 109g/km.” – – Toyota Media UK
What’s got me interested is the overall shape and, possibly, the application of this hybrid with an all-wheel drive system.
If they change the Toyota Venza like I think they will, I suspect Toyota will drop the V6 option and stick with their Camry/RAV4 four-cylinder engine and, perhaps a hybrid. Remember: that’s only a guess. I’ve been wrong before.
Here are some highlights, according to Toyota UK:
- “British-built Auris Touring Sports range includes the first full hybrid estate car in family/compact car segment
- Clever hybrid system packaging means there is no compromise in loadspace size and capacity
- Class-leading CO2 emissions of 86g/km for hybrid, plus significantly lower NOx and particulate emissions compared to diesel cars with comparable performance
- Class-leading luggage capacity, up to 1,658 litres
- Superb versatility with Easy-Flat one-touch rear seat folding system, double-level loadspace floor and new two-way tonneau cover”
I like the look of the Toyota Auris Touring and I’m curious to see if any of the design translates to the next Toyota Venza.
Check out this all new RAV4 video!
By the way, I know the Auris is British built – – – – – I still like it.
