The first purported picture of the redesigned Toyota Auris has surfaced on Facebook.



Noticed by Namasce on Facebook, the image shows the model will have a slender grille which flows into distinctively shaped headlights. Bigger changes occur underneath as the Auris adopts a massive air intake which is similar to the one used on the Avalon and Camry.

Moving further back, we can see stylish bodywork that looks more athletic and upscale than before. Designers also eliminated the third quarter window and added slimmer C-pillars. The model also has a sculpted hood and a more dynamic shoulder line which kicks up towards the rear.

Under the hood, three different engines will be available. The entry-level unit is a turbocharged 1.2-liter four-cylinder petrol that produces 116 hp (86 kW). It will be joined by the 122 hp (91 kW) 1.8-liter four-cylinder hybrid engine that resides in the C-HR and Prius. Lastly, there will be a new 2.0-liter hybrid engine which develops 180 hp (134 kW).

Toyota doesn’t have plans for a diesel-powered variant as the company intends to phase out diesel engines from its passenger cars in 2018. That won’t appease everyone but the company says less than ten percent of their passengers cars sold in Europe last year were equipped with diesel engines.

Following its debut at the Geneva Motor Show tomorrow, the third-generation Auris will go into production at the Burnaston plant in the United Kingdom.

Thanks to Wojtek for the tip!