If the next generation of the European market Toyota Auris had you thinking about the possibility of the five-door hatchback model replacing the Matrix in North America, we hate to break it to you, but it is not going to happen.
Asked about the internet chatter on the Auris taking the place of the Matrix on this side of the Atlantic, Hiroya Fujita, chief engineer of the Matrix as well as the Japan-specification Corolla, told Automotive News that company has no such plans.
The Toyota engineer said the reason why the VW Golf-sized Auris won't be coming to the States is that "demand for hatchbacks is too weak".
Fujita would not comment on what could replace the Matrix, which is long overdue for a redesign, with Automotive News saying that this might be a sign that Toyota may phase out the series completely.
Even so, it is expected that the design language and possibly even parts of the interior of the Auris will likely pass on to the next Corolla sedan that's due in 2013.
3 Comments:
Is that a threat?: "It is expected that the design language and possibly even parts of the interior of the Auris will likely pass on to the next Corolla sedan"?
The Auri, from what Ive seen here, is a good looking car and I would be glad to see its styling cues used in the ungainly Matrix or staid Corolla any day.May money's on the complete pase-out of the Matrix (which will join its GM cousin the Vibe in automotive oblivion).
this is SO UGLY!
Toyota, who in god's name approves these designs for, at least, the american market? The USA needs an updated matrix (we need more 4dr hatchbacks...we'll catch on someday!) but get someone else to style-design your cars! Couldn't you have several versions of each car with tailored sheet-metal to the tastes of europe, asian, usa, and other markets?
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