Toyota reveals Focus/Golf opponent

TOYOTA has released the first details of its new model that will go head-to-head with the Volkswagen Golf and Ford Focus in the battle to be the best-selling lower medium car in Europe.

The Auris will go on sale in the UK in February after its premier at the Bologna Motor Show in December.

The Auris, which will replace the Corolla in Toyota's European compact line-up, will likely be produced at plants where the company currently produces the Corolla model, including the UK.

Built on an all-new platform, the Auris will be offered in three and five-door hatchback body styles with a choice of two petrol engines (1.4 VVT-i and 1.6 Dual VVT-i) and three diesels (1.4, 2.0 and 2.2 D-4D), all of which meet Euro IV emissions standards.

The 2.0-litre D-4D 130 engine has a power output of 124bhp and was first utilised in the 2007 Avensis, launched a few months ago. The 2.2 D-4D 180 is equipped with Toyota’s D-CAT clean diesel technology, which reduces nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate emissions.

Gearboxes include a six-speed manual transmission fitted as standard on the 2.0 D-4D 130 and 2.2 D-4D 180. A MultiMode system with paddle shift controls will be available as an option on the 1.4 D-4D 90 and 1.6 Dual VVT-i engines.

Andrea Formica, Toyota Motor Europe senior vice-president sales, marketing and aftersales, said: “The C-segment is the most important segment in the European car market and many European brands are defined by the image and success of their C-segment models. With the launch of Auris we want to achieve a step-change, not only in sales volume, but also in terms of brand image for Toyota.”

Auris will be presented for the first time at the Bologna Motor Show on December 5. UK sales will start in February 2007, in advance of other European markets, which will offer the car from next spring.