Images of the next-generation Toyota Auris have leaked online along with details surrounding the 2013 Corolla.
Sharper looking Auris
Images of a Japanese brochure showing off the next-generation Toyota have emerge on the ‘net and, despite being festooned with Japanese text, a number of numerics and brand-specific terms reveal some interesting information about the upcoming Golf rival.
The images show a sleeker, streamlined body shape replete with Toyota’s new familial face; a “smiling” grille flanked by narrower headlamps reminiscent of those on the current Prius. The rear styling incorporates brake lamps that are more horizontal than those of the current model. The new car is also expected to be around 55 mm longer.
There’s an air of Lexus about the interior with sliver-highlighted trim standing out on the facia and door panels. The audio system has also been upgraded to include iPod connectivity. A pair of petrol engines (1,5- and 1,8-litre four-cylinder) and two diesels (1,6- and 2,0-litre) are mentioned, as are a choice of manual and CVT transmissions.
Initial reports suggest that the new Auris will go on sale in Australasia during the third quarter of 2012 with other markets, including South Africa, following shortly thereafter.
Corolla rolling in…
Still some way off, but perhaps more important to Toyota’s global plans, is the next-generation Toyota Corolla. Earlier this year, Toyota officials from Brazil, India, Thailand, Japan and the USA were reportedly invited to the unveiling of a mock-up of the forthcoming Corolla.
The new car, currently codenamed Project A140, will be a global model and will be shaped via a multi-market consumer workshop. Expect such touches as the aforementioned grille and headlamp treatment, along with taillamps that extend into the boot lid, to feature on a car that is proportionally similar to the current model. The images above are merely renderings based on speculation. A Toyota spokesperson has told CAR they are “way off”. The engine line-up will reportedly be carried over from the present model with a number of power and efficiency enhancing tweaks introduced.
The new car will be built at a number of countries, one of which could potentially be South Africa. The new Corolla is likely to be launched on the Japanese market during the second half of 2013.
