The Toyota Auris is a compact hatchback derived from the Toyota Corolla, manufactured and sold by Toyota. Introduced in 2006, the first generation shared the E150 platform with the Corolla, while the second generation compact five door hatchback and station wagon called the Touring Sports uses the E180 platform. The name “Auris” is based on the Latin word for “gold”, “aurum”.
In Europe, Toyota positioned the Auris as the replacement for the Corolla hatchback, while the notchback sedan continued with the Corolla nameplate.
For the first generation only, the more luxurious Auris was named Toyota Blade in Japan. The Auris succeeds the Toyota Allex in Japan and the Corolla RunX. Toyota Australia and Toyota New Zealand resisted suggestions from Toyota Japan to adopt the new European Auris name for the Corolla.
For the Japanese market, the Auris is available with either 1.2-litre turbocharged 8NR-FTS, 1.5-litre 1NZ-FE or 1.8-litre 2ZR-FAE engine. The smaller motor is installed in the base model 150X. Front-wheel drive and full-time 4WD are offered.
