Toyota's new Auris is about to go on sale in South Africa, with prices starting just shy of the R200 000 mark.
It is quite a big departure in design terms, with a somewhat chiselled look replacing the curvaceous design of its predecessor, but beneath the skin it appears to offer a similar package to the model it replaces.
As before, you have a choice between two petrol engines and while no turbodiesel is listed for now, we can't imagine them holding off on a diesel model for too long.
The base engine is a 1.3-litre normally aspirated unit, which offers slightly more power than before. It's worth 76kW at 6000rpm and 128Nm at 3800Nm, up from 74kW but down from 132Nm.
Most models are fitted with a 1.6-litre normally aspirated motor, which is carried over from the previous range. It's good for 97kW at 6400rpm and 160Nm at 4400rpm.
All engines are paired with a six-speed manual gearbox, although the flagship XR model can be ordered with a CVT seamless transmission.
X-FACTOR?
The range kicks off with the 1.3 X, which sells for R195 000 and comes with all the essential things like aircon, remote central locking, four-speaker CD/USB audio system linked to steering wheel controls, electric windows and mirrors, multi info display, dual front and side airbags and ABS.
Upgrade to the XI, for R217 500, and you get a similar specification package, but with the 1.6-litre engine under the bonnet and 16-inch alloy wheels filling the wheel arches - the cheaper X has 15-inch steel wheels.
Next up is the R228 600 XS, which adds automatic climate control, Bluetooth compatibility and an upgraded six-speaker 'Display Audio' sound system.
Top of the pile, for now at least, is the XR. Those willing to stretch the budget to R253 200 get a push-button keyless start system, electrochromatic interior mirror, dual-zone climate control as well as curtain and knee airbags.
As you'd expect from Toyota, all models are sold with a five-year/90 000km service plan.
PRICE SUMMARY:
1.3 X - R195 000
1.6 Xi - R217 500
1.6 XS - R228 600
1.6 XR - R253 200
1.6 XR CVT - R265 000