Following hotly on the heels of the Auris 'concept car' at the
Paris Motor Show are the first details of the production car it previewed, unsurprisingly to be named the Auris when it hits Toyota showrooms in Britain in February 2007.
Initial photographs show a design little changed from the show car, which we view as quite evolutionary, though more dynamic-looking. The pictured car is likely to be one of the range-topping versions as it features five-spoke alloys, fog lights and satnav. One of the biggest changes over the outgoing Corolla is an all-new interior, with a raised gear lever and centre console, featuring a large space underneath to add to the cabin's feeling of spaciousness. There appears to be a decent improvement to the car's switchgear too.
Two petrol engines and three diesels are available at launch. The 1.4-litre petrol produces 96bhp and 96lb.ft of torque and pushes the Auris to 62mph from rest in 13 seconds and hits 106mph. Next up is a 1.6-litre with a healthier 122bhp and 116lb.ft of torque. Top speed is 118mph and the 0-62mph dash is over in 10.4 seconds if you stick with the standard five-speed manual. Both petrol units feature Toyota's VVT-i variable valve timing, though the 1.6-litre is a new engine and uses the system on both inlet and exhaust valves. An automatic gearbox called 'MultiMode' is also available on the 1.6-litre, which includes steering-wheel mounted paddles.
Diesel options include the entry level 1.4-litre D-4D, a 2-litre version and the range-topping 2.2-litre. Respective outputs are 89bhp/140lb.ft, 124bhp/221lb.ft and 175bhp/295lb.ft, the latter holding the mantle as the most performance-orientated Auris for the present. Six-speed manuals are standard on the top two models. It is likely that we will see a TS version before too long.
The Auris was designed and is to be built in Europe in both three and five-door variants. We'll have pricing information closer to its launch date.
Shane O' Donoghue - 23 Oct 2006