Toyota Motor Corporation announced today the Japanese launch of the Auris*¹, a strategic compact passenger vehicle for both Japan and Europe. In Japan, the Auris is available through “Netz” dealers nationwide, replacing the Allex and Corolla RunX. The new Toyota Auris will be revealed in Europe at the Bologna Motor Show on December 5 and will go on sale in the UK from February 2007 and across Europe in spring 2007.

Auris will join Yaris and Avensis as a new core model designed and built in Europe … more

Originally considered only for Canada, it may now be offered in the US as well, although Toyota Motor Sales has not yet confirmed either market.

Note the Japanese-market version has a Netz badge on the front, not a Toyota badge.

little more attractive than the yaris...at least

little more attractive than the yaris...at least

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Yes. Definitely a lot better looking than the butt ugly ECHO and YARIS.

Looks like it's the same general size as the Yaris - I'd think they'd have to have one or the other, not both.

Is this the next, Scion xA?

I dunno if it's "better" looking than the Yaris, but the interior is much better, especially since the guaes are in the right place.

I think that is the 5dr version of the Yaris...sure looks like the 3dr Yaris sold in the US but with two extra doors...

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It looks like a slightly bigger version of the Yaris. If this is the design that they are pushing back the Corolla until 2008 for, I'm unimpressed. It's certainly not ground-breaking and compared to the new Civic, it looks too "cute" like the current Corolla.

In that respect it also resembles the new Camry, a deliberate styling choice by Toyota. the overall design though is an evolution of the current Corolla 5-door hatch—just longer and wider.