Toyota Auris TS spotted testing for the first time

-    The Auris station wagon will be built on the modular TNGA platform.

-    Same powertrain options will be offered as in the Auris and Corolla hatchbacks.

-    The Estate will have the same TS (Touring Sports) moniker.

Toyota debuted the Auris hatchback at the 2018 Geneva Motor Show earlier this year. Following that, at the New York Motor Show, the Corolla hatchback broke cover as its American version. Now, we know Toyota is busy developing the Corolla sedan. But apart from that, there is another variant under development which was spotted testing lately – the Auris Estate. 

It will be officially called the Auris TS (Touring Sports) and it will be based on Toyota’s New Global Architecture (TNGA) modular platform. On the test mule, we can clearly see the same fascia under the camo, but the station wagon body style is apparent once you move beyond the C-pillar. The added muscle at the rear translates to a more practical boot space and that’s what the station wagons are famous for.

Being based on the TNGA underpinning means that the Auris estate will benefit from both plug-in and all-electric powertrain. However, initially, it will only be offered with the 1.8-litre plug-in hybrid powertrain which also powers the Prius and the C-HR crossover at the moment. Apart from that, there will be a 2.0-litre petrol-electric drivetrain which will be on offer alongside a standard turbocharged 1.2-litre petrol. But Toyota has no plans for a diesel engine.

It is interesting to see carmakers continuing the development of station wagons even after the obvious shift of choices to the crossovers and SUVs lately. We expect the Auris TS to be revealed later this year at any major auto expo.