New Toyota Auris and revised Verso make debut

Toyota is giving a world debut to the all new Auris at the Paris Motor Show, with a significantly revised Verso playing a supporting role.

The new Auris is Toyota’s first step in its new product offensive in the European compact/family car market (C-segment), a model that has stronger styling, better dynamic performance, higher equipment levels and lower running costs than its predecessor.

Its design and engineering reflect Toyota’s determination to produce cars that are more appealing to own and engaging to drive, while building on its long-established reputation for quality, durability and reliability.

Improved aerodynamics, comprehensive weight saving and engine revisions all contribute to reducing fuel consumption and CO2 emissions across the range, helping bring down running costs.

Toyota is the world’s leading producer of family vehicles, having sold more than 39 million in 140 countries since the launch of the first Corolla in 1966.

The new Auris has been designed for Europe, where it will command the highest sales. It will be built by Toyota Motor Manufacturing UK at the Burnaston factory in Derbyshire, alongside Avensis, reinforcing the company’s commitment to its European operations.

The revised Verso, showcases Toyota’s European design and engineering capabilities. It joins the new Auris and Auris Touring Sports as the third element in the company’s renewed product offensive in the compact/family car market – the C-segment.

With more than 300 parts changed, the seven-seat Verso has undergone a comprehensive mid-life upgrade.

It builds on the established versatility, practicality and roominess of the current model, but adds more style and comfort and improved handling. On the outside it displays Toyota’s new design language and a family identity that links it visually to new Auris and Auris Touring Sports. The interior has been improved, the 2.0-litre D-4D diesel engine has been revised for lower CO2 emissions, driving dynamics have been sharpened and NVH levels have been reduced.

The new Verso is the first full-scale project that has involved Toyota’s European product planning, design, R&D and purchasing strategy operations from the concept stage onwards, demonstrating Toyota’s commitment to a regional strategy. Vehicle planning, design and engineering were all led in Europe, and new Verso is being built exclusively at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Turkey. European sales are expected to be about 50,000 in 2013, giving the model an approximate five per cent share of its market segment.

For more on the Paris motor show click HERE