It has been a long time since Toyota was a big player in the hatchback C-segment. Even Toyota insiders themselves admit that the current, six year old, Auris is in desperate need of replacement. Toyota told us to expect a new C-segment replacement as early as October this year. Hmm, we’re not so sure it will appear that early, perhaps early 2013 will be more realistic chaps. We do hope we’re wrong though.
However, above is the first image of the new, UK built, Auris. We’re told the next replacement to the perennial Toyota Corolla will be built in Turkey, but this Auris will be built in Burnaston, in the UK. The new hatchback will still carry the Auris nameplate and as you can see from the image, this particular one just happens to be a hybrid, but news is that BMW sourced 1.6- and 2.0-litre power units will make their way into production soon.
From a styling point of view the new Toyota Auris Hybrid looks to have a much more distinctive and necessary design compared to the outgoing model. The language instilled in the latest Yaris persists with the angular slant of the Auris’s front grille. However, don’t forget that the recently launched Toyota Yaris HSD is styled in a far more outgoing, exclusive manner compared to the regular petrol Yaris that lives below it. So expect the standard Auris to not be quite as self-assured as it may appear at first glance.
Update: 19 August 2012 – Toyota has unveiled the new 2013 Auris. You’ll find the first images and details here.
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