The year that England won the World Cup, and Chris Evans first entered this mortal coil. A mixed bag, then, in the past 40 years, the Corolla has become the best-selling nameplate in the world.
But Toyota has finally decided to replace the quadragenarian hatchback with this: the Auris.
Although similar in styling to the Corolla, the Auris is built on an all-new platform, bigger in every department. Toyota reckons it's one of the quietest cars around, too, with slicker aerodynamics and a strong underbody reducing road noise.The Auris also gets a fresh chassis and suspension set-up, with MacPherson struts at the front on all models. The top-of-the-range D-4D 180 features a double-wishbone rear suspension system, which should keep it from rolling in the bends.
That D-4D 180 looks like the most exciting engine in the line-up. A 2.2-litre diesel block nicked from the Avensis, the unit will help the Auris hit 62mph in just over six seconds while still returning 46mpg.
There's also the choice of a further two diesel burners and a pair of petrol engines.
Passengers should find the Auris a more comfortable place with extra head- and legroom, as well as buckets of storage space. With Toyota's customary commitment to safety, the Auris is available with up to nine airbags and a bewildering array of electronic acronyms.
The Auris will hit the UK in three- and five-door guise on February 1.
Toyota is remaining tight-lipped about the prices, but the Auris should square up to the Ford Focus and Honda Civic.
© Source: original article on topgear
