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Toyota are to usher in the New Year with a new sporting flagship version of the Auris, with both technical and styling features designed for a more distinguishable range-topper. The new SR180 most notably features an enhanced specification and louder styling over the T180 Auris it succeeds as flagship.

Using the same 2.2-litre D-4D engine as in the T180, generating 175 hp and 400 Nm at 2,000 rpm, the new model matches its flagship successor for acceleration with 0-62 mph achievable in 8.1 seconds. Strong fuel efficiency is however delivered from the common rail diesel unit, with a figure of 45.6 mpg on the combined cycle.

In achieving a sportier look to match a sporting drive, lowered suspension for a more aggressive stance and a new rear tailgate spoiler come courtesy of Toyota's Motorsport division. Tinted rear glass and 17-inch alloys finish off the new flagship, looking its best in Pure White.

And to complement the performance and uprated styling package of the new SR180, a further specification adds vehicle stability control and traction control as standard, while cabin equipment includes automatic dual-zone air con, light-sensitive headlamps, rain-sensing wipers and cruise control.

The SR180 will hit UK showrooms on 1st January next year priced at £17,995 for the three-door and £18,495 for the five-door. Deliveries will commence January.

Press Release

• New sports-focused Toyota Auris SR180 flagship model
• Toyota Motorsport lowered suspension and rear spoiler
• Dark-tinted rear privacy glass
• 17-inch alloy wheels
• 175bhp 2.2 D-4D engine gives nought to 62mph acceleration in 8.1 seconds
• On sale on 1 January 2008
• Prices £17,995 (three-door) and £18,495 (five-door)

A new flagship Toyota Auris hits the streets early next year, giving the range a new sporting edge. The SR180 does not stint on eye-appeal, with Toyota Motorsport lowered suspension springs giving it a ground-hugging stance and a neat new rear spoiler positioned atop the tailgate. Dark-tinted rear privacy glass and five-spoke 17-inch alloys add further to the style factor, while the choice of body colours includes an über-cool Pure White.

The SR180 is far from being all-show-and-no-do. The 2.2-litre D-4D engine generates 175bhp and a maximum 400Nm of torque from 2,000rpm, giving responsive and rewarding driving performance through the six-speed manual transmission. Benchmark acceleration from nought to 62mph is 8.1 seconds, while the D-4D engine’s strong fuel efficiency returns an official 45.6mpg in combined cycle driving.

Further driving rewards are delivered by the dedicated, lightweight double wishbone rear suspension, tailored specifically to meet the demands of the model’s higher performance characteristics. Vehicle stability control (VSC) with traction control (TRC) are provided as standard.

In keeping with its flagship status, the SR180 has a high equipment specification with automatic dual-zone air conditioning, dusk-sensing headlamps, rain-sensing wipers and cruise control all part of the standard package.

The new model is available to order now (for delivery in January), with both three and five-door versions available, priced respectively £17,995 and £18,495 on the road.

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