The NEW AurisX

"X is the answer"

AurisX’s most distinguishing styling trinket is undoubtedly the new grille, bumper and headlight arrangement. The original Auris mesh grille is replaced with a colour-coded item which greatly smoothes the car’s nose. Around the rear there’s a new bumper, taillight design and spoiler.

Bumper-to-bumper, these new styling details add 25mm when compared with the previous Auris.

For those customers who miss the styling bits of the legendary RSI racing moniker, Toyota will be offering a fully certified factory bodykit for the AurisX models featuring skirts all-round with a mesh cut-out carved into the rear skirt's surfacing.

Neatened cabin details

Inside things have remained essentially as before with some added digitisation and a new steering wheel design being the only notable upgrades.

If you are a texture fetishist you’ll notice the new soft-touch trim atop the glovebox and instrument binnacle. Multi-function steering wheel with audio, Bluetooth and information controls is across the range.

Keen drivers will undoubtedly appreciate the new steering wheel’s squared-off bottom third design.

Rationalised range

In terms of specification the new AurisX is available in a matrix of derivatives. The three grades (base, mid and high) follow rather diffuse nomenclature depending on engine size. In essence the Auris range has been reduced from nine to six derivatives.

Entry to the AurisX range is gained via the new 1.3l Optimal Drive four-cylinder engine, which replaces the previous range’s 1.4l. Mechanically the smaller engine bests the unit it replaces by 3kW and 2Nm, whilst economy is outstanding - as proven in the 1.3 Corolla locally, which averages around 6l/100km.

The 1.3 X is a pretty basic offering rolling 15-inch steel wheels, yet boasting USB/AUX input capability, Bluetooth and dual front airbags.

One grade up from the 1.3 X is the first of the 1.6 models, XI. In terms of specification the 1.6 XI features identical equipment levels to the 1.3l car, with an increase to 16-inch wheels (still steel) being the only difference.

Toyota’s 1.6l Valvematic engine has seen a slight tweak to increase power output by 6kW and peak rotational force by 3Nm. It also replaces the 1.8l and as such features in a total of four trim derivates in the new AurisX range.Beyond the rather basic 1.6 XI you can have the XS, which finally fills those wheelarches with alloys, brings powered window operation to front and rear occupants, and increases the safety suite with a driver knee and curtain airbags.

From a styling perspective the XS grade adds front foglamps and around the rump it mounts a rear spoiler featuring an integrated brake light.

The third grade of 1.6l Auris X is the Sport derivative which adds the boy-racer aerodynamics kit…

Rounding off the AurisX range is the XR which features a rather comprehensive specification level, tallying all the XS grade features augmented by a host of nice-to-haves. Convenient rain sensing wipers and auto headlights, cruise control and keyless entry are all XR standard features. It features leather trim for the cabin too.

- Wheels24.co.za -