The Toyota Auris II Touring Sports, particularly the facelifted version introduced in 2015, represented Toyota’s entry into the European compact estate market. This variant, equipped with the 1.6 D-4D diesel engine producing 112 horsepower, and a six-speed manual transmission, was offered from 2015 through 2018. Positioned as a fuel-efficient and practical option, it aimed to appeal to buyers seeking a versatile vehicle for both daily commuting and family transport. The Auris II, built on the E180 platform (also known as the 1HX0/A3 platform shared with other Toyota and Daihatsu models), was designed to offer a more refined and spacious alternative to the traditional hatchback, while maintaining Toyota’s reputation for reliability.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Toyota |
| Model | Auris |
| Generation | Auris II Touring Sports (facelift 2015) |
| Type (Engine) | 1.6 D-4D (112 Hp) start&stop |
| Start of production | 2015 |
| End of production | 2018 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Station wagon (estate) |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 5.1 l/100 km (46.1 US mpg, 55.4 UK mpg, 19.6 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 3.8 l/100 km (61.9 US mpg, 74.3 UK mpg, 26.3 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 4.2 l/100 km (56 US mpg, 67.3 UK mpg, 23.8 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 108 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 10.7 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 10.7 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 10.2 sec |
| Maximum speed | 195 km/h (121.17 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 6 W |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 12.7 kg/Hp, 78.9 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 5.3 kg/Nm, 190.1 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 112 Hp @ 4000 rpm |
| Power per litre | 70.1 Hp/l |
| Torque | 270 Nm @ 1750-2250 rpm (199.14 lb.-ft. @ 1750-2250 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | 1WW |
| Engine displacement | 1598 cm3 (97.52 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Compression ratio | 16.5:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Diesel Commonrail |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 5.2 l (5.49 US qt | 4.58 UK qt) |
| Coolant capacity | 7.3 l (7.71 US qt | 6.42 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1420-1580 kg (3130.56 – 3483.3 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1915 kg (4221.85 lbs.) |
| Max load | 335-495 kg (738.55 – 1091.29 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 530 l (18.72 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 50 l (13.21 US gal | 11 UK gal) |
| Max. roof load | 75 kg (165.35 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 1300 kg (2866.01 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes | 450 kg (992.08 lbs.) |
| Permitted towbar download | 55 kg (121.25 lbs.) |
| Length | 4595 mm (180.91 in.) |
| Width | 1760 mm (69.29 in.) |
| Height | 1485 mm (58.46 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2600 mm (102.36 in.) |
| Front track | 1515 mm (59.65 in.) |
| Rear track | 1505 mm (59.25 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle | 11.0 m (36.09 ft.) |
| Drivetrain | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 6 |
| Gearbox type | Manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent, type McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar |
| Rear suspension | Double wishbone |
| Front brakes | Disc |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
| Tires size | 205/55 R16 |
| Wheel rims size | 6.5J x 16 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of this Auris Touring Sports variant is the 1.6-liter (1598cc) 1WW diesel engine. This engine is a four-cylinder, inline configuration, utilizing a common-rail direct injection system and a turbocharger with intercooler. The 1WW engine family was a mainstay in Toyota’s European diesel lineup, known for its relatively simple design and focus on fuel efficiency. The engine features a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with four valves per cylinder, contributing to its respectable power output for its size. A high compression ratio of 16.5:1 is typical for diesel engines, aiding in combustion efficiency. The six-speed manual transmission was the standard offering, providing a good balance between fuel economy and driver control. The Start & Stop system, a standard feature, further enhanced fuel savings by automatically shutting off the engine when the vehicle was stationary.
Driving Characteristics
The 112 horsepower and 270 Nm (199 lb-ft) of torque delivered by the 1.6 D-4D engine provided adequate, though not exhilarating, performance. Acceleration from 0-60 mph took around 10.2 seconds, and top speed was 195 km/h (121 mph). The engine’s torque peak, available from 1750-2250 rpm, meant that the car felt reasonably responsive in everyday driving situations, particularly for overtaking. Compared to the more powerful 1.8 Hybrid or higher-output diesel variants, this 1.6 D-4D felt less refined and had a more noticeable diesel engine sound. The six-speed manual transmission offered precise shifts, but the gear ratios were tuned for economy rather than outright performance. The overall driving experience was comfortable and predictable, prioritizing fuel efficiency and practicality over sporty handling.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 1.6 D-4D Touring Sports typically came with a reasonable level of standard equipment. This included air conditioning, power windows, power mirrors, a basic audio system with USB connectivity, and alloy wheels. Safety features such as ABS, traction control, and multiple airbags were also standard. Higher trim levels offered options like a touchscreen infotainment system, rear parking sensors, automatic climate control, and cruise control. Interior upholstery was typically cloth, with a functional and durable design. The dashboard layout was straightforward and user-friendly, prioritizing ease of use over stylistic flair.
Chassis & Braking
The Auris Touring Sports utilized a McPherson strut front suspension and a double wishbone rear suspension. This setup provided a comfortable ride quality, absorbing bumps and imperfections in the road effectively. The front and rear brakes were both disc brakes, offering adequate stopping power for the vehicle’s weight and performance. ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) was standard, enhancing safety during emergency braking situations. The steering was electrically assisted, providing light and precise control. Stabilizer bars were fitted to both the front and rear axles to reduce body roll during cornering.
Market Reception & Comparison
The 1.6 D-4D Auris Touring Sports was generally well-received by critics as a practical and fuel-efficient estate car. Its main strengths were its low running costs, spacious interior, and reliable engine. However, it was often criticized for its relatively modest performance and somewhat unrefined engine noise. Compared to the 1.8 Hybrid variant, the 1.6 D-4D offered lower purchase price but higher CO2 emissions and a less refined driving experience. Against competitors like the Volkswagen Golf Estate or Ford Focus Estate, the Auris offered a competitive package, particularly in terms of reliability and value for money.
Legacy
The 1.6 D-4D engine, while not known for being particularly exciting, proved to be a durable and reliable unit. The Auris II Touring Sports, in general, has a good reputation for long-term reliability, and well-maintained examples continue to be a popular choice in the used car market. The combination of fuel efficiency, practicality, and Toyota’s renowned reliability makes this variant a sensible and cost-effective option for buyers seeking a compact estate car. However, potential buyers should be aware of the typical maintenance requirements for diesel engines, such as regular servicing of the diesel particulate filter (DPF).
