Japan: 2010 Toyota Auris Receives a Minor Facelift

Toyota formally launched the mildly facelifted 2010 Auris hatchback in Japan today. According to the automaker, the 2010 model year Auris receives some minor exterior tweaks that include revised grilles (depending on the model grade), front and rear bumpers, headlamps, tail lights and alloy wheels plus a new hood design. Interior refinements come in the form of new color options, upgraded materials and improved standard equipment on certain models.

In addition to the styling mods, the Japanese firm noted that the 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine benefits from a revised variable timing system for both inlet and exhaust valves that improves fuel efficiency and power output.

Furthermore, all 1.8L models equipped with a CVT gain new steering-wheel mounted paddle-shifters that allow the driver to flip through the gears at the flick of a finger.

In Japan, the Ford Focus-sized Auris is also available with a smaller 1.5-liter petrol engine. Prices range from 1,622,000 Yen ($18,125 or €12,200) for the base Auris (1.5) 150X FWD to 2,331,000 Yen ($26,050 or €17,500) for the top-of-the-line Auris (1.8) S-Package 4WD.