Paris preview: Toyota Auris

What's the news?
Toyota will unveil its new Auris hatchback at the Paris Motor Show in September. The model's new design is part of Toyota's plan to create cars that are more appealing to look at and drive; as well as keeping up its renowned reliability.

Exterior
The new Auris sports a much sharper look than the outgoing model from the front thanks to Toyota's latest grille and headlight design alongside LED daytime running lights. Round the back, the rounded rear lights of the current model have been replaced with wrap-around items. The roofline has also been dropped by 55mm; and the car is 30mm longer. The lower stance gives the Auris a drag coefficient of 0.28.

Interior
Toyota says that the Auris is "bigger and more comfortable" inside than the current model. It is also the first car to feature Toyota's new large panoramic roof, called Skyview. The centre console, air vents and transmission tunnel all sport a satin silver finish; the steering wheel is trimmed in leather; and, in higher spec models, the dashboard is too. Soft feel fabrics have been used for various areas inside the car and the door armrests are now padded. Luggage space has been improved over the outgoing Auris too; particularly so in the flagship Hybrid model, where repositioning the battery under the rear seats has increased load space by 127 litres.

Mechanicals
Toyota will launch the Auris with three powertrains: a 1.4-litre diesel engine, 1.33- and 1.6-litre petrol units and the Hybrid. Official statistics for these engines have yet to be revealed. Weight has decreased by up to 40kg compared to the outgoing Auris, despite the body being 10 per cent stiffer. The steering and suspension have also been revised.

Anything else?
The new Auris will be on display at the Paris Motor Show from 27th September; with the petrol, diesel and hybrid versions present. Specification, pricing and Irish release details are still to be confirmed.

For more images, videos and up to date news check out CompleteCar.ie