Geneva 2018: All-new Toyota Auris previews next-gen Corolla

Third-gen Toyota Auris is the future Corolla in hatchback form

Anton Andres

Auto News

03/07/2018

Newspress

While a lot of electric crossovers and high-performance cars made their debut in Geneva, Toyota has perhaps launched their most important car yet. This year's show marked the debut of the Auris, better known as the Corolla hatchback in other markets. Toyota's breadwinner shifts to an entirely new platform and it's possible we might just see the sedan coming soon too.

For the all-new Auris/Corolla hatch, it features noticeable more rakish and aggressive styling compared to its predecessor. As with a lot of Toyotas being revealed these days, there's a wide lower air intake, nearly running the entire width of the front fascia. Complementing it is a sleek, slim upswept headlight design, giving the C-segment hatch a more daring look.

The daring theme continues to its sides with lines and creases featured throughout. Greater emphasis was put in the rear quarter panels with a unique character line to give it a wider look. Its roof on the other hand presents a gentle, downward sweep, merging into the tailgate spoiler. As for the rear, its tail lights get a similar treatment as the headlights. The large rear bumper meanwhile extends away from the body, making it appear longer. For now, there are no photos of its interior.

That said, it is likely that the sedan will be a little more toned down in terms of its design. What is sure is the platform the Auris uses. It rides on Toyota's latest modular platform known as TNGA and will also form the basis of the Corolla sedan (Altis). Once the four-door is out, it is expected to share similar dimensions as the Auris save for its overall length.

Engine specs mentioned during its launch are for the European market. No diesels will be available and the powertrain lineup consists of a 1.2-liter turbo engine and two hybrid options. The 1.2-liter is lifted from the CH-R and makes 114 PS. In the middle of the range is a 1.8-liter hybrid with 122 PS and serving as the most powerful option is the 2.0-liter hybrid with 180 PS. It is likely that other markets will get more non-hybrid powertrain offerings.