Toyota Auris in the spring

Do you know when Toyota introduced the original Corolla? 1966.
The year that England won the World Cup, and Chris Evans first entered this mortal coil. A mixed bag, then, in the past 40 years, the Corolla has become the best-selling nameplate in the world.
But Toyota has finally decided to replace the quadragenarian hatchback with this: the Auris.


Although similar in styling to the Corolla, the Auris is built on an all-new platform, bigger in every department. Toyota reckons it's one of the quietest cars around, too, with slicker aerodynamics and a strong underbody reducing road noise.

The Auris also gets a fresh chassis and suspension set-up, with MacPherson struts at the front on all models. The top-of-the-range D-4D 180 features a double-wishbone rear suspension system, which should keep it from rolling in the bends.

That D-4D 180 looks like the most exciting engine in the line-up. A 2.2-litre diesel block nicked from the Avensis, the unit will help the Auris hit 62mph in just over six seconds while still returning 46mpg.

There's also the choice of a further two diesel burners and a pair of petrol engines.

Passengers should find the Auris a more comfortable place with extra head- and legroom, as well as buckets of storage space. With Toyota's customary commitment to safety, the Auris is available with up to nine airbags and a bewildering array of electronic acronyms.

The Auris will hit the UK in three- and five-door guise on February 1.
Toyota is remaining tight-lipped about the prices, but the Auris should square up to the Ford Focus and Honda Civic.

© Source: original article on topgear