By Marc Mustard

10th October 2006

After nearly 40 years and more than 30 million sales worldwide, the Japanese firm is dropping the Corolla badge in the UK and is set to take on the likes of Ford’s Focus and the VW Golf with a newly named replacement.

Sporting a fresh, modern look, the car features prominent Toyota badging, and a heavily sculpted front bumper with three air vents.

At the Paris Show, the Auris wore large 19-inch alloys, twin chrome tailpipes and hi-tech lights in an effort to appeal to younger buyers.

Inside, the new model is even more striking, thanks to a panoramic glass roof and a stylish, bridged centre console. This has been designed to bring the gearlever and other controls within easier reach of the driver.

The all-new production car is scheduled to hit UK showrooms in February when it is likely to be offered in both three and five-door guises.

A wide range of engines will be offered, similar to the units currently available with the Corolla. Prices are likely to remain largely unchanged and will start at around the £12,000 mark.

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