Following spy photos of the undisguised 2013 Toyota Auris in July, Toyota have just released the first images of their all-new model.
The new 2013 Auris features Toyota’s ‘Smart Dynamism’ design language, which includes sharper body lines, a 55 mm lower height and aggressive styling cues, like the narrow headlights integrated with a V-shaped grille (a look shared with the new Yaris and the upcoming RAV4) and an enlarged lower air intake. The 2013 Auris also has a more steeply raked and longer windscreen, making it more streamlined that the current model.
The new Auris is also 30 mm longer than before, with a body that’s 10 percent stiffer and in addition to the lower overall height, the driving position is also 40 mm lower. Toyota says the new Auris promises to be a more involving drive, with a repositioned steering wheel angle, more responsive steering and increased support for the front seats.
The gear shifter has also returned to the more traditional position in the now-separated centre console. Slightly more leg room for rear passengers and 360-litres of cargo space round up the revisions.
The engine line-up is yet to be confirmed, including rumours of a new BMW-sourced diesel engine, but a more powerful version of the existing 1.8-litre unit already available in overseas markets is expect.
The new 2013 Auris goes on sale in Japan today, while the rest of the world, including South Africa, will need to wait until the last quarter of 2012 and into 2013 to get their first examples. You can find a full gallery of 2013 Toyota Auris photos on our new Facebook page.
