Toyota has launched the replacement for the UK-built European Corolla hatchback – in Japan.
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The Auris is due out in Europe in the first half of 2007 – the UK will be first in February after a December Bologna show debut – and will be sold in Japan as a three- or five-door hatchback with a choice of five engines. Toyota is eyeing 200,000 sales a year in all markets.
The Auris will be positioned differently in Japan from the Corolla Axio sedan and Fielder wagons announced – with 1.5- and 1.8-litre petrol engines two weeks ago. The Auris engine range meets Euro IV emissions rules and the sizes are Europe market-ready: 1.4 VVT-i and 1.6 Dual VVT-i petrol, and 1.4, 2.0 and 2.2 D-4D, all as per the current range.
The new 1.6-litre petrol engine uses a dual VVT-i valve timing system for more efficient combustion, raising fuel efficiency and increasing power.
The 2.0-litre D-4D 130 engine has a power output of 124bhp and was first seen in the 2007 Avensis, launched a few months ago. The 2.2 D-4D 180 is equipped with D-CAT clean diesel technology, which simultaneously reduces nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate emissions.
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By GlobalDataGearboxes include a standard six-speed manual transmission for the 2.0 D-4D 130 and 2.2 D-4D 180. A MultiMode system (automated manual) with paddle shift controls will be available as an option on the 1.4 D-4D 90 and 1.6 Dual VVT-i engines.
Like Honda with the Civic, Toyota appears to be sacrificing the conventional automatic transmission of current models on the altar of CO2 emissions and lower fuel consumption. Let’s hope its automated manual is better than Honda’s, which has not had many favourable reviews in the consumer press.
Andrea Formica, Toyota Motor Europe head of marketing, said: “The C-segment is the most important segment in the European car market and many European brands are defined by the image and success of their C-segment models. With the launch of Auris we want to achieve a step-change, not only in sales volume, but also in terms of brand image for Toyota.”
The new car was designed by Toyota’s European design studio and differs only in detail from the ‘concept’ shown last month at the Paris motor show.
Teaser photos show a cabin with higher mounted gear lever and imaginatively styled park brake lever mounted further forward than is usual.
The ‘European’ Corolla is also likely to be sold in other markets such as South Africa, Australia and New Zealand where its hatchback body style is popular.
