Toyota Corolla Sport (E210)

Toyota is no stranger to compact hatchbacks since the Corollas of the Showa era, the Allex, the Runx, the WiLL VS, the Blade, and the Auris because in times a saloon is not enough to trickle down their fancies, a good-looking five-door hatchback is always there for critical purposes like practicality, usability, and fun factor. With the advent of crossovers, a normal hatchback is starting to lose shape but slightly ruling over against the diminishing sedan race in some manner. For their latest attempt to make a compact hatchback, Toyota brought in the Corolla nameplate to the rescue for their newest hatchback served as the replacement to the Auris.

2019 Toyota Corolla Sport

This is the all-new, first-ever, Corolla Sport and while this is a great pleasure to have the Corolla nameplate back in hatchback, something that hadn't been done since the Runx of the last decade, the new Corolla Sport promises to be the stylish and most technologically-advanced small car ever made.

First and foremost, let's observe the design and looks like they've gone overboard on the front styling, giving a more intimidating stare like a Pierrot intimidating bystanders in a middle of the purge, and while it looks downright scary for an innocent-looking hatchback of that size, the rearview can be downright mistaken for an Opel Astra, one of the key competitors of its class. Horrifying the styling may be, the Corolla Sport is more than enough to be slapped as a rental car the next time you rent one and scare the animal crossings away while dealing with some unexpected shortcuts.

2019 Toyota Corolla Sport interior

2019 Toyota Corolla Sport interior

While the exterior design is as frightening as a traitor jackknife, the interior looks like it came from the C-HR, with a few numerous retouches of course. Although driver-focused in spirit, the Corolla Sport is surprisingly as roomy as the old Auris it replaces, and in some models, the sport seats at the front add a nice touch to it. In some models, the Corolla Sport comes with a fancy instrumental panel, heads-up display, heated seats, heated steering wheel, an optional sat-nav, and more. For the first time, the Corolla Sport is the first of Toyotas to allow LINE users to check their car's progress via LINE My Car Account.

2019 Toyota Corolla Sport

Running on an earful TNGA-C platform, the new Corolla Sport delivers a very promising driving feel and fuel efficiency the best match for a new kind of hatchback. Couple that with the front MacPherson strut and rear double-wishbone suspension, Active Cornering Assist, and Adaptive Variable Suspension, the result is a much rewarding dynamics that equates itself to expensive European imports. It may not be as perfect as the Euro rivals but the Corolla Sport gives them more time to enjoy their driving pleasure at work or at play, especially on the weekends.

The Corolla Sport is powered with a choice of 1.2L 8NR-FTS turbocharged engine and a 1.8L 2ZR-FXE engine mated to an electric motor and nickel metal battery, the same choice of engines as found in the outgoing Auris it replaces. Thanks to the TNGA-C platform, their fuel efficiencies got improved slightly with the hybrid variant delivering 30.0km/L of fuel economy while the turbocharged variants get up to 16.4km/L, all based under the now relevant WLTC Mode standards, which is very nice, but not as nice as the CVT it comes with. Although the turbo one has a Super CVT-i, which is typical by normal city car standards, there's a 6-speed manual variant that will get you noticed because this is not your kind of 6MT. A first in Toyota, the first-ever 6-speed intelligent manual transmission works in tandem with different drive modes, delivering a no-shock gear change as smooth as fabrics.

Because the Corolla Sport is the most technologically-advanced small car ever made, it's been given the second-generation Toyota Safety Sense with new active-safety technologies and capabilities that enhance protection. These features are Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Full-Speed DRCC, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Automatic High Beam, and Lane Tracing Assist, among many others.

The new Corolla Sport starts at 2,138,400 Japanese Yen for the turbo model while the hybrid starts at 2,419,200 Japanese Yen. With such a reasonable price, some would get a head start for this new Toyota hatchback, although some would need to wait for the manual variant to arrive because that combo really appeals to the speedo boys and looks like Toyota's on the roll now with the first-ever Corolla Sport. While the Corolla Sport is downright intimidating for a normal hatchback and the CVT is nowhere near good to live with, the handling pleasure, the tech, and the packaging really made the Corolla Sport a worthy contender in this category and they're really on to something with this one. Well, let's wish the new Corolla Sport good luck on its maiden trip.

Available Colors: Super White II, White Pearl Crystal Shine, Silver Metallic, Attitude Black Mica, Blackish Ageha Glass Flake, Scarlet Metallic, Oxide Bronze Metallic, and Cyan Metallic.

Photo: Toyota Motor Corporation

Toyota Auris Hybrid (ZWE186H)

Last year, Toyota gave the second-generation Auris, launched since the summer of 2012, a minor change and apart from selling it in selected parts of the Asia-Pacific and Europe, it was made to be sold in North America as a Scion iM. Well, with Scion's untimely collapse, things aren't going so well for the recently facelifted Auris, even if it comes with Toyota's brand new 1.2L 8NR-FTS petrol engine.

2017 Toyota Auris Hybrid

Little did you know that because it's been ten years since the first Auris launch into dealerships since the autumn of 2006, here's a big 10th anniversary offering for the Toyota Auris because it's no longer a Netz-exclusive car because it's now available at both Toyopet and Netz dealerships across Japan. Notice the front view? Same facelifted Auris as last year but the Netz' N logo was now replaced by the Toyota logo on it. Finally, some credit to the sporty hatchback.

Of course, you can still get three petrol types (1.2L turbo, 1.5L, and 1.8L) but because of the Auris' 10th anniversary since 2006, the first-ever Auris Hybrid is now offered for the first time in Japanese markets.

2017 Toyota Auris Hybrid interior

Although, you can still expect the same bits and bobs from the normal Auris, the all-new hybrid variant features a combination of a 1.8: 2ZR-FXE engine, an electric motor, and a conventional nickel metal battery. Delivering a uniquely quiet and relaxing driving experience, the Auris Hybrid offers a top-class fuel consumption of 30.4km/L in the JC08 Mode cycle. Apart from that, its hybrid powertrain is made to eliminate the need for a petrol engine as much as possible during city driving, generating virtually no NOx and Particulate Matter emissions.

Because it can be operated both independently and in combination, the 1.8L petrol engine and the electric motor generate a combined power output of a measly 136PS of power output.

Just like the normal Auris, the Auris Hybrid features Toyota Safety Sense C, comprising of Pre-Collision System, Lane Departure Alert, and the Automatic High Beam function. Don't need to repeat how these things work but if you want, it's your loss.

The Auris Hybrid starts at 2,832,545 Japanese Yen before the 100% Eco-Car Genzei benefits kicked into its main pricing. Once crossed into the European streets, the Auris Hybrid is now available for Japanese customers at both Netz and Toyopet dealerships, quite a good way to honor the Auris' 10th anniversary since its 2006 debut.

Photo: Toyota Motor Corporation

Scion iM

The recently facelifted second-generation Toyota Auris has finally make it Stateside as the new Scion iM and although while this is essentially a Toyota Auris fully Westernized for use in American roads, how does it differ from its Japanese equivalent?

2016 Scion iM

Well for starters, it looks fairly identical to the Auris judging from its front end that looks surprisingly American for a Japanese-made hatchback but despite its differences, the iM is basically a Toyota Corolla underneath it, meaning this is just a hatchback based on every commoners' car in America.

2016 Scion iM interior

2016 Scion iM interior

On the interior, it feels very like the Toyota Corolla of today especially when it has seats for five people, touch-screen display audio, rear view camera, Bluetooth connectivity, climate control, and any other necessities of comfort you would see on an everyday car at home. Although it feels somewhat cheap on the inside, it feels rather nice to cave in especially when you have friends tagging along with you in case of shopping trips or barhopping or off-kai meetings at your friend's home. You would imagine this could be your next car if you got hired as an Uber or Lyft driver without getting complaints from your passengers.

2016 Scion iM

Under the hood, the Scion iM comes with the 2ZR-FAE engine, which is broadly similar to what the Japanese-spec Auris had in the RS version, and this engine produces 137HP of power and 126lb-ft of torque. It can be mated with either a 6-speed manual or a CVTi-S but best to be in a manual gearbox because it's a lot more fun for a young man to try out the Americanized Auris in a gearbox fit enough to be fun but don't get too excited because even when you're on a manual or a CVT, the big engine output's not peppy enough to zoom through at high revs and acceleration.

Because the Auris is all about European-inspired handling upon its first encounter, the iM does the same too because it's got MacPherson strut front suspension and double wishbone rear suspension, meaning that this hatchback feels not so bad to handle but as a concept, it's a bit tad old-fashioned on American roads.

Should you buy one? The iM starts at $19,650 for the manual gearbox model up to $20,390 for the one with the bland CVT-iS on it and while it faces stiffer competition from the likes of the Mazda Axela, Hyundai i30, VW Golf, and the Ford Focus, the iM, despite its affordable pricing, couldn't keep up with its quality and performance and I think this hatchback deserves more if it wants to attract younger customers looking for a youth-oriented car fit for their lifestyles. Perhaps this newcomer on American soil should know better...

Available colors: Blizzard Pearl, Classic Silver Metallic, Black Sand Pearl, Barcelona Red Metallic, Spring Green, and Electric Storm Blue.

Photo: Toyota Motor Sales USA, Inc.

Toyota Auris - Second Generation 2016 Facelift

2016 Toyota Auris

It's been three years since the second generation Toyota Auris arrived on the market since the summer of 2012 and for this 2016 update of the current-generation model, the new Auris had never looked so keen and there's more because for the first time, the facelifted second-generation Auris will now be available in the US as the Scion iM very soon just as we expected from the New York Auto Show.

2016 Toyota Auris

The biggest change, apart from its keen exterior look and the updated interior, is the implementation of Toyota's first ever 1.2L D-4T engine codenamed 8NR-FTS. This is the first turbocharged Toyota ever made since the Caldina discontinued in 2007 and this engine develops 116PS of power output, 185Nm of torque output, and when mated with the Super CVT-i gearbox, fuel economy is around 19.4km/L.

Of course, the other two engines; the 1NZ-FE engine and the high-performance 2ZR-FAE engine, were carried and while most of them are equipped with the Super CVT-i, the RS model of the Auris comes exclusively with a 6-speed manual gearbox.

2016 Toyota Auris interior

2016 Toyota Auris

Aside from the new turbo engine, the 2016 Auris is the first Toyota to come with the brand new Toyota Safety Sense C. Because safety is their top priority for Toyota, the Toyota Safety Sense C on the 2016 Auris comes with three features such as a Pre-Collision System, Lane Departure Alert, and the Automatic High Beam function.

The Pre-Collision System uses a camera and a laser radar to scan incoming vehicles on the driver's twelves. When detected, it alerts the driver to brake with an audio and visual alert. Next, the Lane Departure Alert uses a camera to detect white and yellow lane markings. And lastly, the Automatic High Beam detects oncoming vehicle's headlights and the taillights of cars in front, allowing its headlamps to be automatically switched between high beam and low beam. Now you know.

The 2016 Auris starts from 1,789,855 Yen for the base 150X "C Package" up to 2,590,037 Yen for the turbocharged 120T model.

Available colors: White Pearl Crystal Shine, Silver Metallic, Black Mica, Red Mica Metallic, Orange Metallic, Citrus Mica Metallic, and Blue Metallic.

Photo: Toyota Motor Corporation

2013 Auris exceeds the sales target

2013 Toyota Auris

The 2nd-generation Toyota Auris was launched in Japan since August 20, 2012 with a sales target of 2000 units per month. Thanks to its bold advertising thanks to some topless transgender, the advertising worked. As of September 19, 2012, about 4,000 units of new Auris models have been recorded. That's twice than the monthly sales target!

Scoop: http://www2.toyota.co.jp/jp/news/12/09/nt12_0904.html

Outtake: Auris Buttocks Drive

OUTTAKE:

A couple of moments ago, we've watched the latest commercial for the all new 2013 Toyota Auris and this one's a bit too....racy...we think...




...meanwhile....things are getting a bit cheesy...


Hold on, is that...um...what they called...um...transvestite? Well...you know, transgender...

Yeah JC, what we thought that someone's topless on that commercial and...um...what we thought of a woman...was actually a man. A man...perhaps, transgender.

Transgender?

Indeed. A transgender model...who was from Israel.

Really? Um, have you spot the diff, I mean, the Adam's Apple on that....(sigh) Never mind then. Anyway, the 2013 Toyota Auris, is that really made for the serious people?

2013 Toyota Auris

Yes, it is a serious car...that your buttocks would love (laughing)

A car only our buttocks would love?




Yeah. That ad says it all, your buttocks would love it. That's it. Buttocks love the new Auris. Speaking of which, we saw a clip straight from the Daikanyama Art Street showcasing the new Auris going on reverse while being chased by goons...



Oh, what awesome clip for a car going backwards.

Yeah, speaking of which, Daikanyama Art Street is holding a special event in collaboration with the all new 2013 Toyota Auris titled NOT AUTHORITY, BUT ART. It holds all week long from 20th to 26th of August 2012 at Kyuyamate-Dori/Daikanyama.

Wow. Wanna check that out because..well, NOT AUTHORITY BUT ART, which is like the 2013 Auris' slogan NOT AUTHORITY BUT AURIS.

Ha ha ha....Back to the buttock thing, have they got the idea from an old Renault Megane ad a few years ago, where buttocks love the Renault Megane? (laughing)




OUTTAKE END

Some customization stuff for the 2013 Auris

So, Japanese commercial for the all new 2013 Toyota Auris is a bit too...racy but that's how Toyota want because of the new Auris' striking and daring styling that is over the top. And while we're writing about the all new 2013 Auris, Toyota Motor Corporation provided some customization programs for this new 2nd generation Auris.

2013 Toyota Auris

So, Modellista version of the 2013 Toyota Auris eh? Good. Modellista body kits for this new model made it even more...well racy. How about this?

2013 Toyota Auris

Some accessories to be fitted on the Auris' exterior such as the LED fog lamps and Daytime running lamps, back handle garnish, aero stabilizing fin, side protection mole, fuel lid garnish, door handle garnish, pillar garnish, back door garnish, plated door mirror cover, and rear combination garnish (plated). These will make it even more racy but....

2013 Toyota Auris

...the most racy of the customized Auris is the TRD version. Look at the rims, the front grille, the aero kit, all marvelous. Remember, the 2013 Auris is now available at your nearest Netz dealerships across Japan, starting at just 1,710,000 Yen.

URL: http://toyota.jp/auris/002_p_001/distribute/index.html

2nd Generation Toyota Auris (NZE181H/ZRE186H/NZE184H)

NOT AUTHORITY, BUT AURIS

2013 Toyota Auris

So, welcome everyone to the all new 2nd generation Toyota Auris, the most serious sports hatchback Toyota ever made since its introduction in Autumn 2006. This car really do some serious business for those who want a leisure break in Hakone but everytime when you approach to the new Auris, it's essentially quite as stricter as...the Chowking guy from an old TV drama I've watched before. I mean look at the outside, the front face kinda looked like the...Kia K5 while on the back, it looked like the Hyundai i30. There's no style for style's sake here because deep down inside, the Auris is a bit too European because of its European design and the performance that is a bit too European rather than being a Corolla-based hatchback made for those who want to spend some time out in Tokyo at night.

2013 Toyota Auris interior

On the new Auris, the interior's getting a bit too serious and sadly, the interior kinda looked like the Toyota Aqua. Inside, the seats are now lowered by 40 mm for a lower driving position and the steering wheel angle was modified to enhance the feel of sporty driving. On the back of the front seats, it's now thinner so the legroom for the back is now enhanced and the larger cargo space is at the highest levels in its class (360 liters under the VDA method), providing enhanced comfort and convenience. On the normal versions, you'll find three rings on the instrumental panel. One that reads up to 8000rpm, the middle that reads up to 180kph (with something else below), and the last one that checks the fuel gauge.

Sportier versions of the 2nd generation Auris, especially the top of the line Auris RS S Package, would expect seats with exclusive red stitching, a new optional panoramic roof window extending back to the rear seats and a retractable jackknife key that is a bit a stylish showoff. Also, it's got this instrumental panel similar to the Volkswagens of today. Anything I know? I don't know.... (laughing)

2013 Toyota Auris

There are two engine types available on the new Auris. TWO ENGINE TYPES, I repeat. One is the 1NZ-FE engine and the other was the high-performance 2ZR-FAE engine. Most models do come with the the high-efficiency Super CVT-i while the RS models get a sporting 6-speed manual, a sporting credential indeed, right? Seriously, the Euro-tuned suspension on the new Auris really provide better cornering and it handles just like a European hatchback. The new Auris do even come with the G AI-Shift that uses vehicle G-sensors to detect deceleration and turning force, enabling the AI to automatically downshift when entering a corner and to limit unnecessary up shifting when cornering. Sounds amazing but nope, that's not my thing, sorry.

For fuel efficiency, the new Auris with the 1NZ-FE engine promises about 18.2 km/L in the Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism's (MLIT's) JC08 test cycle but if you're opted with the SMART STOP feature, which shuts the engine off when stopped and then start again when moving, the fuel economy is now about 19.2 km/L in the JC08 test cycle. The 2ZR-FAE engine with Valvematic (a continuously variable valve-life and valve-timing mechanism) and Dual Variable Valve Timing-intelligent (Dual VVT-i) technologies will get about 16.0 km/L in the JC08 test cycle.

Because of the 1.5L 1NZ-FE engine's fuel economy as well as the addition of the SMART STOP feature, these models can qualify for incentives under the Japanese government's Green Taxation System or the ECO-CAR GENZEI system. I'm very serious about this...

As for the coloring, the new Auris comes with White Pearl Crystal Shine, Silver Metallic, Black Mica, Red Mica Metallic, Orange Metallic, Avantgarde Bronze Metallic, and Blue Metallic.

My comment:

The old, first generation Auris (2006-2012) is a bit too weird, too chunky, and it reminded me of the old Vitz but for this all new 2nd generation Auris, it's no longer being a boyoyong clown of some sorts. It's like some actress readying her fierce pictorial for a men's magazine. With prices start at about 1,710,000 yen up to about 2,250,000 yen (Includes consumption tax, does not include recycling fees and differs in Hokkaido and Okinawa), (about 920,000 to 1,200,000 Pesos), the new Auris is becoming even more reasonably priced and  if you even drove one in the streets of Tokyo, Nagoya, or Osaka, you are becoming more of a yuppie than being a jerk going out for the country club. Welcome to the party, my friend, a bachelor's party in the frat. Quite a racy sports hatch indeed....very racy....O ho ho ho ho....

Photo: Toyota Motor Corporation