In 2007, Toyota->ke88 released an all-new hatchback model that was based on the Toyota Corolla and dubbed it the Auris->ke1984, in most markets. In fact, in the Australian and New Zealand markets, the Auris is called the Corolla Hatchback.

Since its debut in 2007, the Auris has remained relatively unchanged, but also vastly popular. We have heard rumors that a newly redesigned Auris would hit showrooms soon, but no one knew exactly how far Toyota would take its design. All of that is in the past now, as Toyota has chosen to release a plethora of information on this revamped hatchback.

Not all of the details are available yet, but there is enough information and plenty of pictures to help us come to an initial determination if this model will continue its success or simply fizzle away.

UPDATE 08/29/12: We're not quite sure what Toyota's rationale was when they released the new commercial ad for the Auris. At the very least, though, it's something that catches your attention from the get-go. Titled "DAS × AURIS BUTTOCKS DRIVE!!”, the commercial features Avu-chan, a 19-year old lead singer of a Japanese glamrock band that also happens to be a transgender woman. Check out the video and see the commercial for yourself!

To find out exactly what we think of the 2013 Toyota Auris/Corolla->ke1039, click past the jump.

toyota-auris-hatchback

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: toyota-auris-hatchback
Pros
Cons

2013 Toyota Auris Hatchback

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2013 Toyota Auris Hatchback
  • Engine/Motor: inline-4
  • Horsepower: 107 @ 6000
  • Torque: 103 @ 4200
  • Transmission: Super CVT-i
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

The overall shape of the Auris remains essentially the same, as expected. However, there are plenty of aesthetic and body changes to note.

The first thing you'll notice is that the headlights are completely new, as they are thin and angled rearward. The grille is in a “V” shape and the headlights look as if they are integrated with this V-shaped grille. It bears somewhat of a Camry->ke246-like front end.

The front fascia is all brand new and boasts a pair of chrome-surrounded fog lights. The lower grille has three horizontal bars with a chrome surround. The original Auris had a pretty short front end that gives it a somewhat funny look. Toyota fixed this by lengthening the 2013 Auris by 30 mm 1.18 inches, which seems like very little, but it's plenty to extend its hood enough to give the Auris more reasonable proportions.

Down the side of the car, you get sharp body lines, including a high belt line. The total profile is lowered from the previous generation by 55 mm (2.16 inches). This helps improve its aerodynamics and brings its center of gravity down to help improve its handling. The rear wheel arches are designed to reduce the size of the gap between the top of the rear tires and the bottom of the wheel arch. This helps eliminate the weird lifted rear end look that many compact hatchbacks have.

The rear end of the all-new Auris is completely revised, as well. Its taillights are a horizontal style and feature sharp angles. The rear window on the 2013 Auris is slightly smaller than the previous generation, but it boasts a much more stylistic look. The rear bumper features a plastic insert in the center that gives it a little added detail and a set of reflectors that recess into the farthest ends of the bumper.

There are seven exterior colors available, but Toyota only lists one color so far, which is Avant-garde Bronze Metallic.

The previous generation Auris was a flat and very boring-looking hatchback – it was actually somewhat Yaris->ke354-looking. With this new rendition, Toyota really went to bat and brought in a winner.

Interior

Toyota didn't just slap a new body on the sport-enhancing revision to the Auris, as it also received interior revision to help enhance its owner's driving experience. Th concept of the Auris was not changed, however, as it still boasts a ton of cargo room for its size.

The front seats sit 40 mm (1.57 inches) lower than the previous generation and the steering wheel is at a different angle. These two features combine to give the driver a sportier feel when driving the Auris. The previous generation felt as if you were driving a small SUV. This may negatively affect shorter owners, but its enhancements will well outweigh the drawbacks.

The seat backs are slightly thinner than the previous generation. These thinner backs allow for more leg room – 20 mm (0.78 inches) for the rear passengers – and additional cargo room. According to the VDA method, the 2013 Auris will be able to haul 360 liters (12.71 cubic-feet) of cargo.

The Auris' interior aesthetics are fully revamped too, including metallic finish around various functional components, including: door handles, stereo controls, steering wheel and gear shifter. The Auris' A-pillars are covered in fabric, which is something you rarely see in an economy car. The instrument is also fully padded, as are the arm rests, eliminating that cheap plastic look that many econo-boxes have.

There is a new trim level available in the 2013 model year, which Toyota has dubbed the RS. The RS grade's seats feature red stitching to set off the interior. It also has an optional panoramic roof window.

There are two interior colors available – black and “greige.”

Other than these details, there is nothing else that Toyota has released on the Auris. In the images released, we can see an infotainment system with about a 7-inch LCD screen and CD player. Unfortunately, Toyota didn't release any details on this system or any other interior options.

Engines and Transmissions

The Auris is being released in the Japanese and European markets and the two markets have their own set of engines. The 150X trim level in the Japanese market comes with a 1.5-liter 1NZ-FE engine and a Super CVT-i transmission. This engine pumps out 107 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 103 pound-feet of torque at 4,200 rpm. This engine gets 18.2 km/L (42.81 mpg) in its base format. With the optional stop-and-start system, this engine jumps up to 19.2 km/L (45.16 mpg). The 150X is available in front- or four-wheel drive.

The JDM Auris 180G and RS will come with a 1.8-liter 4-cylinder 2ZR-FAE engine that boasts 147 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 132 pound-feet of torque at 4,000 rpm. The 180G model comes with the Super CVT-i transmission, but the RS comes with a more suitable 6-speed manual transmission. This engine gets slightly lower gas mileage than the 1.5-liter engine, at 16 km/L (37.63 mpg).

The European market model drivetrain details are not as well known. The Euro market gets a hybrid drivetrain, as well as a 1.4-liter diesel engine, 1.33-liter gasoline engine, and a 1.6-liter gasoline engine. Unfortunately, the horsepower numbers of the European engines were not released. No transmission options were released for the Euro market.

Safety

Standard safety features on the Auris include vehicle stability control, traction control, and an impact-absorbing hood. You can opt for automatic high-low beams in the 2013 Auris for some additional safety.

Pricing

While the European market is still awaiting pricing, the JDM has already released the 2013 Auris' pricing.

Model

Yen Pricing

US Converted

105X C with FWD

1,710,000

$21,501

150X S with FWD

2,169,000

$27,272

180 G

2,210,000

$27,788

180 G S

2,210,000

$27,788

RS

2,020,000

$25,399

RS S

2,250,000

$28,291


Competition

The Toyota Auris has a load of competition in each market, way too many to start picking apart each individual one. Some of its competitors include the Ford Focus->ke440, Honda Fit, and the Volkswagen Golf.

Conclusion

Surprisingly, the Auris comes in way under all of the big-name competition's pricing, giving it a leg up on them all. Add in the fact that it boasts a more stylish exterior than the rest and you have a pretty good buy, and a car that will remain relevant for many years to come. We're sure the Auris will have its flaws, but with the limited information we have, we say it's a good buy.