The Toyota Auris is a compact 3 door and 5 door hatchback which shares the same E150 platform with the Toyota Corolla.In Europe, Toyota positioned the Auris as the replacement of Corolla hatchback, while the notchback Sedan continued with the Corolla nameplate. It is not sold in North America, as the larger Toyota Matrix takes its place in the lineup.
The Auris succeeds the Corolla RunX in Japan and the Toyota RunX (no Corolla badging) in South Africa. Toyota Australia and Toyota New Zealand resisted suggestions from Toyota Japan to adopt the new European Auris name for the Corolla.
The name "Auris" is based on the Latin word for "gold", aurum.
Japan model went on sale at "Netz" dealers in 2006, while European models went on sale in 2007.
Exterior styling was done by ED², Toyota's European design base located in southern France.
It is a concept using Vibrant Clarity design philosophy. It included panoramic glass roof, flat rear passenger floor, high window surfaces, 19-inch alloy wheels, freeform geometric lamps, prominent brake callipers, deep rear bumper with integrated chrome exhausts, gold-coloured body.
The vehicle was unveiled at the October 2006 Paris Motor Show.
