The Toyota Auris, also known as the Corolla iM in the United States, has had a strong run, as has even been hailed as the first mass-produced Toyota to offer hybrid drive in Europe. Now, for the 2019 model year, Toyota introduces the third-gen Auris and a whole new line up of powertrains to go with it. It comes with a stylish new look on the outside, following Toyota’s new design language, and taking the shape of a proper hatchback as opposed to that old, mini-wagon look. Meanwhile, the interior remains a complete mystery but that’s the name of the game, right?

2019 Toyota Auris

Specifications
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  • Model: 2019 Toyota Auris
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Pros
Cons

2019 Toyota Auris Exterior

- Longer wheelbase - Lower roof - Lower cowl - Sleeker and more attractive - Some Camry DNA

The 2019 Toyota Auris is a huge departure from the second-gen model. Toyota must have taken the old, wagon-line model and threw it out of a 10-story window. With that old beater out of the way, Toyota’s engineers could put together this sleek, stylish hatchback. Up front, there are cues borrowed from the new Toyota Camry, as you’ll see with the much-larger grille up front. That hovering lower lip and those tiny, round fog lights are a nice touch too. And, somehow, Toyota managed to make those long headlights look really good – it’s the LED design inside the lights that make them stand out. Furthermore, the 3D look up front is just appealing and is a huge aggressor against anything in this niche.

The A-pillars and windscreen are long, which allows for a slightly curved roof and a fairly longer front end. The beltline actually sits kind of high, which makes for smaller side glass but that upper body line that gets progressively higher from front to rear is a really nice accent. Meanwhile, around back, the Auris almost reminds me of the old Megane, in that it’s got a bit of a bubble butt. Where Toyota did things right, however, are the body lines that wrap around the rear quarters. Not to mention the way the rear wheel wells appear to sit lower in the rear than in the front.

The rear taillights mimic the headlights in design but with a flatter appearance and the rear fascia looks almost like a cutout from the 2018 Camry, with a pair of reflectors in the corners. It’s a very attractive package all of the way around, and because it’s a hybrid, Toyota was able to integrate those cute little exhaust outlets in the corners.

Is the 2019 Toyota Auris Bigger than before?

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The 2019 Auris is actually a little bit larger. Toyota increased its length by 40mm (1.57 inches.) All of that extra length goes into the wheelbase, giving the car a longer, sportier look and ditching the wagon-like appearance. The roof also sits 25mm (0.98 inches) while the cowl height has been dropped by 47mm (1.85 inches.)

2019 Toyota Auris Interior

Note: 2018 Toyota Camry pictured here.

As of now, the interior of the new Auris is a complete mystery. Toyota hasn’t said a word about it and refused to let us look inside while it was on display at the Geneva Auto Show. In fact, Toyota was so anal about keeping the interior a secret that the windows were even dark tinted to prevent and sneak peaks. The chances are that Toyota will model the interior after that of the new Camry. It’s not really all that far off from the driver-focus style we expect for the Auris, and the overall design would make a really good successor to the interior of the outgoing Auris. For now, however, take it all with a grain of salt as that may or may not happen. Either way, Toyota won’t disappoint in this regard.

2019 Toyota Auris Performance

- 1.2-liter conventional engine - 1.8-liter hybrid - 2.0-liter hybrid - up to 177 horsepower - Lower center of gravity - Built on TNGA Architecture - Increased fuel efficiency

Toyota is really pushing its hybrid drivetrains with the new Auris and has decided to drop the handful of engines it offers in the Auris previously. As such, the 2019 Auris is only available with one conventional engine or two different hybrid powertrains.

What Engine does the 2019 Toyota Auris Have?

The Toyota Auris is actually offered with the choice of three different engines. One the conventional, non-hybrid front, there’s a 1.2-liter mill. On the hybrid front, there’s a 1.8-liter engine or a 2.0-liter with a little more power.

What Kind of Horsepower Does the Auris Make?

Toyota has yet to disclose what the conventional, 1.2-liter gasoline engine produces, but the 1.8-liter hybrid mill offers up 120 horsepower while the 2.0-liter hybrid mill will deliver some 177 horsepower.

How Does the 2019 Toyota Auris Drive

Toyota has lowed the car’s center of gravity, created a more rigid body by use of high-strength steel and went with a multi-link rear suspension system. This will improve overall handling and drive quality throughout the powerband and on most road conditions. Futhermore, Toyota promises up to 50-percent all-electric travel in “everyday commuting” and, in the case of the 2.0-liter powertrain, you even get wheel-mounted shift paddles.

2019 Toyota Auris Pricing

Toyota has yet to announce pricing for the 2019 Toyota Auris, but you can expect it to run anywhere between €15,000 and €25,000 throughout Europe. Here in the U.S., that computes to anywhere between $18,000 and $30,000.

2019 Toyota Auris Competition

Volkswagen Golf

The Volkswagen Golf is a huge competitor for the Auris and, with the Auris’ new looks, it can compete with Volkswagen’s resident hatch. Truth be told, the new Auris looks a bit sportier than the golf and will offer up more power as long as you go for that 2.0-liter hybrid mill. The Golf, when equipped with a 2.0-liter TDI delivers 150 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque while the 1.8-liter petrol engine delivers some 170 horsepower and 200 pound-feet of torque. On that end of things, the hybridized Auris should be incredibly more efficient than either of the aforementioned Golf engines.

Read our full review on the 2018 Volkswagen Golf.

Ford Focus

Ford’s resident hatch in this segment is the Ford Focus, and it comes to the plate with the stench of a 2.0-liter on its breath. In the base models, the SE, SEL, or Titanium, you’ll find 160 horsepower and 146 pound-feet of torque under the hood. None of them are quite as sporty as the new Auris and, we’re willing to be they aren’t as fuel efficient either. If you move up to the ST line, you’ll get a 2.0-liter EcoBoost with 252 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque. The ST does have more stylish cues so it may fall more in line with the look of the Auris and it will clearly be quicker thanks to that significantly higher out. Pricing for the Focus starts out around $17,415 and climbs to as much as $22,545.

Read our full review on the 2017 Ford Focus

Conclusion

Hands down, the new Auris is the most attractive car that Toyota has showcased this decade, and it will likely share its styling cues with the Corolla iM here in the States. We haven’t seen the interior but after checking out the exterior and it’s hard to imagine that it would fall below impressive. Toyota’s move to include mostly hybrid drivetrains is commendable and you could even say it’s trying to force the issue issuing the non-hybrid model a small, likely underpowered engine. In the end, the new Auris will likely be a big seller in Europe with the new looks and you can bet is overseas cousin, the Corolla iM, will be too.

References

Read our full review on the 2017 Toyota Auris.

Read more Geneva Motor Show news.

Read more Toyota news.