Like in North America where the Auris also carries the Corolla moniker, the Aussie spec model is brand new underneath in being based on Toyota’s TNGA platform that also underpins the C-HR, Prius, Camry and certain Lexus models, with the new longer and wider platform also ushering in a new range of engines in both petrol and hybrid configurations.

Down Under, the Corolla will be offered in three trim levels with items on the entry-level Ascent Sport consisting of 16-inch alloy wheels, an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, USB, Voice Control and MirrorLink, Active Cruise Control, a 4.2-inch TFT instrument cluster display, six-speaker sound system, heated mirrors, Auto High Beam LED headlights, Lane Departure Warning, Road Sign Assist and Autonomous Emergency Braking with Pedestrian and Cyclists Detection.

The hybrid model also adds in keyless entry/start and replaces the manual air-conditioning system with dual-zone climate control. For an additional $1 000 (R9 882), buyers can have both satellite navigation and privacy glass.

Moving one up, the SX builds on the Ascent Sport and comes with the aforementioned climate control, navigation and privacy glass as standard, but adds a wireless smartphone charger, DAB+ digital radio, a second USB port, multi-function steering wheel with paddle shifters for automatic models and Blind Spot Monitoring.

Completing the range, the ZR swaps the 16-inch alloys for 18-inch rollers and comes with an eight-speaker JBL sound system, Heads-Up Display, bi-LED headlights, heated sport front seats trimmed in leather and with suede inserts, a seven-inch TFT display and an electro-chromatic rear-view mirror.

As previously indicated, the biggest change comes up front where the 1.8-litre engine makes way for the new 2.0-litre Dynamic Force petrol engine that outputs 125kW/200Nm. On the Ascent Sport only, the motor comes connected to a new six-speed manual gearbox, with the rest of the range getting the new 10-step Direct Shift CVT.

The hybrid model, according to Toyota, has also undergone a number of updates and pairs a 72kW/142Nm 1.8-litre petrol with a 53kW electric motor for a total system output of 90kW and a claimed fuel consumption figure of 4.1-litre/100km.

At present, it remains unknown when the hatch, which will retain the Auris name like in Europe, would arrive in South Africa and whether it will come powered by the new petrol engine, or the 90kW 1.2-litre petrol-turbo mill sold on the Old Continent. A launch date for the sedan is also yet to be revealed, although expect it to touch down in early 2019.

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