Two sets of spyshots later and we now got a video with what it looks to be a Toyota Auris Cross. Which is wonderful since it actually reveals something else than a repositioned muffler and a higher suspension.
Checking the footage carefully, you’ll see that the usual torsion beam rear suspension has been replaced with an independent type. Which means only one thing: an all-wheel-drive system.
Yeah, we know it sounds a bit crazy and you might think it’s there only for some mild offroad capabilities and comfort, BUT, you need to know that a 4x4 Toyota Auris already exists.
As you probably guessed, the 4WD Auris is currently offered in Japan, and it’s powered by a 1.5-liter gasoline engine making 105 hp and 135 Nm (99 lb-ft) of torque. Combined fuel consumption is set at only 6 l/100 km (38.5 mpg US/46.3 mpg UK) according to the JC08 cycle thanks to a CVT.
Of course, the CVT will pretty much suck for the European market, especially since the car wants to allow drivers perform mild off-roading sessions to a picnic spot. So we hope they’ll stick with the classic manual unit at least.
Fiddling around with the Japanese Toyota website, we also discovered that the 4x4 Auris there also comes with a double-wishbone rear suspension, which simply approves our scoop above, and reinforced body rigidity.
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