News: 2013 Toyota Auris

Looks fast, this

After the death of the Celica, Toyota was always associated with the word boring. Not anymore as it looks like Toyota is updating their model lineup with a more vibrant design and a more driver focused aim. Like the GT86, the Auris is a very good looking car if not beautiful.

Gorgeous lights with a blue hued Toyota badge. Hybrid

The mix of swoopy and angular lines adorn this car with cues of Lexus in it which is a good thing really. The light clusters are like crystals and the shape of the car seems to be moving even when standing still. The new Auris is 4,275 mm long, 1,760 mm wide and 1,460 mm tall which makes it 30 mm longer and 55 mm shorter than its predecessor. Also, it is about 40 kg lighter and at the same time, stiffer than before.

Panoramic Skyview sunroof

The interior reminisce the GT86 as the whole layout seems inspired by the sports car. The car comes with Skyview which means a panoramic sunroof like you get in the 308. The finish in the car is also of a high standard as it gets leather trimmed dashboard, silver bits here and there, the pillars are fitted with fabric and you can find soft touch materials and leather almost everywhere your hands usually touch.

Like I said, GT86 like interior

There will be different engine choices in different parts of the world. In Japan, you get an RS version which has a 1.8l with 144 hp at 6,200 rpm and 180 Nm of torque at 3,800 rpm when mated to a 6-speed manual. If you get a fake 7-speed CVT version, the engine is detuned to 143 hp and 173 Nm. There is another variant which is a 1.5l 4WD that makes 103 hp and 135 Nm. In Europe, you get a 1.3l petrol, a 1.6l petrol and a 1.4l diesel. There is a hybrid model too with a 1.8l petrol and an electric motor running on nickel-metal hydride battery.

Lights are gorgeous!

The Auris was always a car targeted to the First World countries so there will be a low chance that this beaut will make it to Malaysia. Still, who knows? The GT86 is here and let's hope that Toyota goes haywire and brings the Auris here. The upcoming Auris will be unveiled in the Paris Motorshow and will undergo production next year. More will be updated when it gets unveiled later next month but for now, enjoy the pictures.