Boring No More: Toyota Shows Production-Ready Auris

Leaving the Dull Image Behind

After the underwhelming debut of the tenth generation Corolla Axio and Fielder in Japan earlier this month, Toyota has hit a stroke of genius with the European-market Axio, the replacement to the Corolla. If you had a chance to read our articles on the Auris Space concept and the Axio and Fielder production cars, youll be familiar with Toyotas strategy for selling different cars into different markets. To be more in tune with European desires, Toyota has put a surprising amount of effort into areas that matter most: conscious brand image, attractive styling, amenities and high build quality.

For the most part, the exterior has been kept close to the Space Concept, though the front bumpers have been reworked for a smoother, less angled look. The ridges running through the hood and grille also look smaller and less defined, which better suit the production car. Detailing such as projection beam head and foglamps are also included on the production car. Elsewhere, the design is pure Yaris from the stubby nose to the window line that juts into the front fenders, to the short overhangs and protruding taillights.

In terms of power, the Auris can be had with a variety of gasoline and diesel engines, though Toyota is putting greater emphasis than ever on its diesel product range. Choices under gasoline power include two different VVT-i inline-four engines, that are 1.4 liters and 1.6 liters in displacement. The former features Toyotas new dual VVT-i system to produce 96 horsepower and a rather weak 79 lb-ft of torque, while the latter makes an adequate 122 horsepower and 116 lb-ft of torque.

But when it comes down to power, diesel is the way to go. Not only are three engines offered, ranging from 1.4 to 2.2 liters, but they pack a bigger punch. Instead of the T-Sport (equal to our Corolla XRS) with its Celica GT-S sourced engine, the Auris utilizes a 2.2-liter D4-D diesel from the Lexus IS220d that makes 175 horsepower and a gargantuan 295 lb-ft of torque. This is the official performance engine for the Auris, and is the only powerplant capable of making the car crack 60 mph in less than ten seconds (8.0s to be exact).

With the exception of the ultra-cool amber-glow instruments, the materials and the color scheme, the Auris cabin looks exactly the same as the cabin. The flowing center console with skinny, vertical-mounted handbrake made the cut for production, but whats really amazing is how close Toyota kept to the detailing on the center console. All of the buttons to control the HVAC and the flush, gloss-screen navigation system (optional) are dead ringers to the those on the concept, and are very attractive. Going off the photos, Toyota has been true to its word about improving perceived quality; the interior looks solidly built out of top-grade materials.

After its debut at the Bologna Motor Show on the 5th of December, the Auris will go on sale in Europe in spring of 2007. It will also be sold in Japan as a C-segment hatchback, or an alternative to the yawn-worthy Corolla Axio. Toyota, please make sure our next compact car is like this!