2018 Toyota Auris previewed – new TNGA platform, 1.2 litre turbo petrol, 1.8 and 2.0 litre hybrid models

2018 Toyota Auris previewed – new TNGA platform, 1.2 litre turbo petrol, 1.8 and 2.0 litre hybrid models

Six years on, there’s now a new Toyota Auris – the third-generation model has just been revealed in a few official photos ahead of its debut at the 2018 Geneva Motor Show later this week.

Built on the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA), the new model is 40 mm longer than before, with all of it going to the wheelbase; the front overhang is also 20 mm shorter. The car is also 30 mm wider and 25 mm lower, while the cowl is now a massive 47 mm lower, giving the Auris a lower bonnet and a sleeker shape. Toyota says this also gives the driver a clearer view out.

It’s certainly a distinctive design, with Toyota appearing hellbent on banishing the Auris’ slightly frumpy image. A development of the company’s Keen Look and Under Priority design language, the front end features a narrow upper grille flanked by L-shaped full-LED headlights. Underneath it, the massive trapezoidal lower grille projects further out from the curved edge of the flatter clamshell bonnet.

Moving to the side, the beltline kinks upwards towards the rear for a more dynamic look, which is highlighted by the optional two-tone exterior colour scheme with a black roof. The rear design is more rounded and has a more compact look, thanks to the faster rear windscreen rake and prominent haunches above the rear wheel arches. The light guides of the full-LED tail lights emphasise the car’s extra width.

2018 Toyota Auris previewed – new TNGA platform, 1.2 litre turbo petrol, 1.8 and 2.0 litre hybrid models

Under the skin, the Auris’ TNGA platform allows for a lower centre of gravity, multi-link rear suspension and a more rigid bodyshell incorporating high-strength steel to reinforce key areas. All this is said to contribute to better handling and stability without compromising ride and comfort. The latest-generation Toyota Safety Sense suite of driver assistance systems are also set to be included.

Other details are scarce, but it is confirmed that the Auris will be launched with just one conventionally-powered variant, with a 1.2 litre turbocharged petrol engine. It’s likely the same 8NR-FTS unit that was introduced in the facelifted previous-generation model, which makes 116 PS from 5,200 to 5,600 rpm and 185 Nm between 1,500 and 4,000 rpm.

Bigger news is that Toyota is offering two hybrid variants in a single model lineup for the first time. The 122 hp 1.8 litre unit should be derived from latest Prius, while the brand new 180 hp 2.0 litre version is expected to be the new Dynamic Force hybrid powertrain Toyota announced two weeks ago. The latter gains paddle shifters and is geared for a sportier driving experience.

The Auris five-door hatchback will likely form the basis of the next-generation Corolla sedan, and it could be closer to its four-door sibling this time around. The previous model was already called the Corolla Hatchback in a number of markets such as Australia, and the use of the nameplate is expected to be expanded to the UK with the move to the new generation.

Looking to sell your car? Sell it with Carro.

Certified Pre-Owned - 1 Year Warranty

10% discount when you renew your car insurance

Compare prices between different insurer providers and use the promo code 'PAULTAN10' when you make your payment to save the most on your car insurance renewal compared to other competing services.

Car Insurance

Jonathan Lee

After trying to pursue a career in product design, Jonathan Lee decided to make the sideways jump into the world of car journalism instead. He therefore appreciates the aesthetic appeal of a car, but for him, the driving experience is still second to none.

 

Comments

  • Megane on Mar 06, 2018 at 6:36 pm

    Bravo Toyota. A design move in the right direction. Hopefully the interior matches the new design language. Please banish the underwear design centre console.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 30 Thumb down 0
    • Shutup & take my money now UMW!!!

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 14 Thumb down 5
      • rosdi on Mar 06, 2018 at 11:29 pm

        Tak payah pening, tak payah fikir. Beli bawak aje toyota p2… dan ade yg kata, alfad.

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 7 Thumb down 3
        • Tak pikir tu jadi pening nanti.

          Like or Dislike: Thumb up 10 Thumb down 0
        • tido oh tido on Mar 07, 2018 at 8:50 am

          Lepas beli pening balik, minyak macam lembu minum air, even proton more frugal

          Like or Dislike: Thumb up 7 Thumb down 1
          • Shahrin Abdul on Mar 07, 2018 at 10:12 am

            Myvi sales speak volumes. Everybody can give goreng but see the sales figures

            Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 4
          • Ismail on Mar 07, 2018 at 11:40 am

            The low medium income rakyat was restricted to Proton cars for last 30years. When now given much better alternative, smart Malaysians wont hesitate to change. Make Malaysia Great Again.

            Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 0
          • In another words, the low medium income has risen and no longer low income alredi. Got it.

            Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 1
    • The logo change to Proton only can sell

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 6
      • Dtctr on Mar 06, 2018 at 11:13 pm

        Correct. Proton Suprima replacement, altho current Suprima look nicer.

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 7 Thumb down 4
  • Bored on Mar 06, 2018 at 6:41 pm

    Ugly butt

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 8 Thumb down 17
  • jinggo on Mar 06, 2018 at 6:47 pm

    This model never sold here.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 2
  • Hatchback models not popular in Malaysia. Next!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 23
  • Karamchan Singh on Mar 06, 2018 at 6:52 pm

    Soon all these wonderful high tech engines will go into our Perodua cars. Yes, this is the case because Perodua is partner with Toyota and Daihatsu.

    It is a matter of time before PErodua comes with a sedan with the Toyota 2.0 Hybrid engine too.

    Habis lah China car.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 10 Thumb down 8
    • Yeah in 3030, when their Jepunis lord deemed outdated enuff to donate from their museum for P2 usage.

      Meanwhile China car got all the hi tech stuff including kitchen sink and oven.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 18 Thumb down 1
    • lilytan on Mar 06, 2018 at 8:59 pm

      Myvi X 1.2 litre turbocharged. So tempting.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 8 Thumb down 0
      • deal breaker on Mar 07, 2018 at 8:54 am

        This car is perhaps 400 kg heavier than myvi, a let down

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Sneak preview of stylish all-new Toyota Corolla Altis.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 14 Thumb down 0
  • Everthing looks great including the specs… Excpet the fugly rear bumper

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 1
  • BowArrow(Mr.SFA) on Mar 06, 2018 at 7:21 pm

    Nice shark fin antenna but i hate that mercedes exhaust wannabe…

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • New Mazda 3?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
  • Itsalright on Mar 06, 2018 at 9:29 pm

    The rear is not bad. Mazdaspeed 3, anyone?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 0
  • Sam Loo (ori1) on Mar 06, 2018 at 11:30 pm

    Consider a used Elantra. Great car for a great price

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 6 Thumb down 1
  • That is a beautiful car

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
  • Maximov on Mar 07, 2018 at 2:31 am

    Looks like it was built off the Lexus hatchback plaform

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 0
  • front ok, backside looks abit like previous gen mazda3 ^^

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 7 Thumb down 0
  • rear design like old mazda 3 wor… macam same

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
  • Tak lawa pun

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 3
  • Kalau dapat lawa je

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 1
 

Add a comment

required

required