2006 TOYOTA Auris 5 Doors 1.6L VVT-i 5MT FWD (124 HP)

Vehicle Overview

In 2006, Toyota changed its compact segment lineup and renamed the Corolla hatchback as Auris, while the sedan version kept its original name.

It was a bold move for the Japanese carmaker, which adopted the “-is” to match the same final letters as the other core models such as Yaris or Avensis. Regardless of the car’s name, the compact segment hatchback aimed directly at the Volkswagen Golf, Ford Focus, and Renault Megane.

With the new model, Toyota introduced a fresh, young design language. It featured a front fascia with horizontal lines, which made the car looks wider, sportier. The lower bumper sported a wide center grille with two side scoops on the outer sides. Its angular-shaped headlights resembled those installed on the Avensis and the Yaris but still had their personality. From its sides, the slightly curved body panels gave the car a minimalist design look, but not bland.

Toyota officials stated that the car was designed from inside out, and it looked like that. The interior featured a unique tall center console that was connected to the center stack through a sloped, ascending bridge where the gear-stick (or the gear selector) took center stage. For the multimedia system, the carmaker offered a few choices depending on the trim level named Terra (Earth) for the base level, Luna (Moon) as the mid-level, and Sol (Sun) for the highest level. A navigation system was on the options list. Toyota’s designers said that an airliner cockpit layout inspired them. The front bucket seats were made more on the comfort side, while the rear 60/40 split-folding seatback allowed the user to expand the trunk.

Under the hood, the carmaker installed a choice of seven engines, either gasoline or turbo-diesel. Some of them were available with an automatic gearbox.