Toyota Auris 3door Version Launched In Europe

Toyota is broadening its C-Segment hatch line-up in Europe with the addition of a 3door version of the Auris. Like most of the competition in Europe, Toyota preferred the easy way when it came to designing the Auris 3d meaning it simply threw out the rear doors from the 5door version and presto; a “sporty” 3d hatch

As expected, there’s no change in dimensions compared to the Auris 5d. Same goes for the engine range with the 3d being offered with two petrol units (97Hp 1.4-litre & 124Hp 1.6-litre) and two diesels (126Hp 2.0-litre & 177Hp 2.2-litre). Unfortunately Toyota hasn’t issued an official European press release yet so well sit tight with what we found on Toyota’s German site. So in Germany at least, the Auris 3d costs €700 ($954) less than its equivalent 5door version. -More images and the German price list after the jump

Scoop: 2008 Toyota Auris TS?

Here’s a set of “scoop” images that we discovered at our Italian buds at Autoblog.it that will certainly raise a few question marks. The most obvious one is whether what we’re looking here is the forthcoming Toyota Auris TS or just a privately supped-up version with a bodykit and a pair of bucket seats? If we had to choose, we’d probably pick the first scenario. Why?

Well, first of all the images seem to have been taken inside a Toyota repair shop –see the Yaris and the WRC (?) Toyota in the above shot. Then there’s the car itself. If it’s a bodykit, then it’s a damn good one. Everything looks factory-made: sporty bumpers, alloy rims, roof spoiler and twin exhaust pipes. In the interior the featured Auris gets a set of bi-colour bucket seats and sporty pedals -or at least that’s all we can see. The bucket seats probably eliminate the chance that this is a Toyota made sport pack for the Auris. But the detail that made us say that it’s official is the German license plate: AUR @ IS 924. That’s something you’d only see on an official car. With the Frankfurt Show just around the corner, we’ll find out soon enough. -Follow the jump for more images

UPDATE: According to a comment we received, these pictures originated from the Spanish site, "ClubCorolla". Members of the forum snatched the Auris during a visit to TTE's (Toyota Team Europe) headquarters in Cologne, Germany.

Pics via: Autoblog.it

Geneva Preview: Toyota Hybrid X & 3door Auris

As even a two-year-old child would expect, Toyota’s presence at the Geneva Show –or any Show for that matter, could never be complete without a Hybrid concept. According to Toyota, the “Hybrid X” will act as a technology showcase for future hybrid cars. Along with a cryptic image, that’s about all we get from the Japanese carmaker. Apart from that, Toyota will also showcase the 3door version of the Auris, the FT- HS sport hybrid concept and a slightly upgraded versions of the Avensis sedan. -Continued: Click “Read More…” below to check out the official press release

Press Release: Toyota at Geneva Motor Show

• Two new hybrid concepts: Hybrid X and FT-HS
• Auris Show Car
• Avensis upgrade for more refinement

Toyota’s commitment to a comprehensive vision of sustainable mobility will be on display at this year’s Geneva Motor Show with the debut of two hybrid concepts that demonstrate the wide range of personal transport solutions this technology can provide.

Toyota is using the show to restate its commitment to finding and implementing solutions that make cars less of an environmental burden. Toyota’s world-leading Hybrid Synergy Drive technology is at the core of this strategy as it moves along the path towards the ultimate eco-car.

Geneva Motor Show 2007 will mark the world premiere of Hybrid X – a concept car that proposes a new design language for hybrid models while also acting as a technology showcase for future hybrid cars.

In contrast, FT- HS, Future Toyota Hybrid Sports, will present a concept of the sports car of the 21st century - a front-engine, rear-drive sports car with a projected 0-100 km/h acceleration in the four-second range. FT-HS shows the potential of hybrid technology, offering a new powerful driving experience as well as outstanding environmental performance.

The Auris Show Car on display, reveals for the first time in Europe the three-door version of Auris in an exclusive body colour and fitted with special wheel design.

The Toyota Avensis, Toyota’s flagship model in Europe, is upgraded with premium features, including a new touch-screen full map navigation.

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Toyota Blade: New TRD “Aero-kit”

I know what you’re thinking, “another sporty kit”, but we swear to God, we’re not doing it on purpose. The culprit this time is from the Far East and the victim is the 2008 Toyota Blade. For those of you who are unfamiliar with the car, the Blade is an upgraded and redesigned Auris (Corolla hatch substitute) fitted with a 2.4-liter 4cylinder engine (167Hp & 22,8 kgm of torque) which was presented in December. You could say it’s something like an Audi A3 but we’d advise you to keep it for yourself.

Anyhow, TRD (Toyota Racing Development) decided to give Blade owners the chance of owning an even more exclusive version of the upgraded Auris with the Aero-kit, which consist of front and rear bumper spoilers, a new grille with TRD’s emblem, chromed exhaust pipes and TRD rims. Wow.

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