Improved multimedia functionality and hybrid driving experience for Auris 2016 "Europe’s best-selling hybrid models benefit from powertrain retuning that delivers an enhanced natural driving experience with no compromise in their highly efficient performance. Toyota’s engineers have secured a closer alignment between the increase in engine and vehicle speeds, creating a more linear acceleration feel as the driver applies the throttle. " This is a little surprising as the Auris was refreshed just last year, This reads to as only software update, but it looks like it's pointing in the same direction as Prius Gen 4. Looks like we will have to wait a little longer to get actual Prius drivetrain transplanted into Auris.
The Auris hybrid is coming to Australia in the next few months (as Corolla) - the information so far in the journals is that it will share the same powertrain and batteries as the Prius - which at the time it was released was Gen 3 (electric 60kW, 207Nm, ICE 73kW, 142Nm).
They made a little facelift last year and added the TSS package. This year they tweaked a bit the HSD logic, the ICE rpm will go up slower during steep accelerations, at least it's what they wrote in press releases. The biggest news is that now the HSD version is also manufactured in Japan and so avaiable in the domestic market and neighbours.
