Auris is thought to be the name that will replace the 40-year old Corolla nameplate when the current C-segment challenger is replaced. At this year's Paris Motor Show, Toyota gave us a sneak preview in the form of the Auris concept car.

The Auris name comes for the Latin word for gold, 'aurum' and that was the colour liberally applied to the show car. From a distance it would be easy to point out the remarkable similarity between the Auris and the five-door version of the outgoing Corolla. Up close, the resemblance is clear, though naturally the concept features more extrovert styling, such as the lights and sporty 19-inch alloy wheels.

To walk away from the Auris wondering whether the Corolla replacement is just an evolution would appear to miss Toyota's point with this car. The press material states that the Auris concept was designed "from the inside out" and as such, this show car is as much about its interior as its exterior.

Taking pride of place is the innovative centre console, where the gear stick and controls are placed within easy elevated reach, but the gap underneath still lends the interior an airy feel. In a way, this is the next step on from Volvo's 'floating' centre console idea and we like it. We also like the feeling of quality and tactility to the switchgear of the show car so hopefully that's a sign of the future too.

Shane O' Donoghue - 6 Oct 2006