Toyota Dropping The Corolla Name!

October 17, 2006

Did anyone else see this or know anymore.

Extract from Auto Express 4-10th October 2006

" What's in a name? That's the question Toyota appears to be asking following the unveiling of it's new Corolla-sized hatchback, the Auris.

After nearly 40 years and more than 30 million sales worldwide, the japanese firm is dropping the Corolla Badge in the UK and is set to take on the likes of Ford's Focus and the VW Golf with a newly named replacement.

Sporting a fresh, modern look, the car features prominent Toyota badging and a heavily sculpted front bumper with 3 air vents.

At the Paris Show, the Auris wore large 19-inch alloys, twin chrome tail-pipes and hi-tech lights in an effort to appeal to younger buyers.

Inside the new model is even more striking, thanks to a panoramic glass roof and a stylish, bridged centre console. This has been designed to bring the gearlever and other controls within easier reach of the driver.

The all new production car is scheduled to hit UK showrooms in February when it is likely to be offered in both three and five door guises.

A wide range of engines will be offered, similar to the units currently available with the Corolla. Prices are likely to remain largely unchanged and will start at around the £12000 mark."

Sorry don't have a scanner handy for pics but imo it's not that impressive, although I like the interior.

Tacky Civic style exhaust and "Lexus" style rear lights don't help imo.