The new Toyota Auris – based on the old Auris but with a new look – has been revealed ahead of a Paris Motor Show debut.
Even though there were rumours that the replacement for the Toyota Auris would arrive with the 2013 Toyota Corolla badge, Toyota has decided to stick with the Auris badge for the 2013 car, revealed today ahead of Paris 2012 (although we did have a leak of the 2013 Auris a few months ago).
With competition from the VW Golf and Ford Focus – and a new-found desire to deliver cars that are more interesting to look at and drive – Toyota needs to be on the mark with the new Auris, and certainly in terms of how it looks the new Auris is a lot more interesting than the bland current model.
Despite underpinnings that are much the same as the current model, the new Auris gets lower and longer with bold lines, a new nose and lights and an altogether more dynamic look.
Inside, the new Auris gets a huge panoramic roof, high quality satin finishes on the trim, baseball stitched Nappa leather on the steering wheel and lots of soft-touch materials. There’s more room in the back seats and more room in the boot and the battery pack on the Auris Hybrid has been moved out of the boot so it still has the same capacity as other models.
Under the skin Toyota has tweaked the new Auris for more involving driving dynamics with a lower ride height, better driving position, and the steering and suspension have been fettled to make the new Auris more responsive.
Engine choices will be a 1.4 litre diesel and 1.33 and 1.6 litre petrol engines and the same 1.8 litre HSD (Hybrid) powertrain on offer too but with tweaks to make it more efficient.
The 2013 Toyota Auris debuts at Paris next month and goes on sale in the UK in early 2013.
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