TRD unveils Modellista package for 2013 Toyota Auris
Toyota’s in-house tuner TRD has revealed the Modellista upgrade for the new-generation Auris, offering a sharper look and minor performance tweaks for the Japanese market.
Toyota Racing Development (TRD) has launched a Modellista upgrade package for the 2013 Toyota Auris, bringing a sharper appearance and a small power boost to the new-generation hatchback. The package was announced for the Japanese market shortly after the standard Auris made its public debut.
Modellista styling and equipment
The Modellista treatment gives the Auris a more assertive look. TRD’s package includes redesigned front and rear bumpers, deeper side skirts and a rear diffuser that frames a sports exhaust system. Chrome trim accents and a new set of alloy wheels complete the exterior changes. The result is a hatchback that stands apart visually from the standard car, aimed at buyers seeking a sportier image without moving to a full hot hatch.
Inside, details of interior changes are limited, but Modellista packages typically offer branded trim and options for upgraded materials in the Japanese domestic market. The focus for this Auris launch remains on the exterior and minor mechanical tweaks.
Engine and performance
TRD’s upgrade includes a small increase in output for the 1.8-litre petrol engine. Power rises by 2hp to 145hp, thanks in part to the sports exhaust. No other engine or chassis modifications have been detailed, so buyers should expect performance broadly in line with the standard Auris 1.8. The Modellista is not positioned as a full performance variant, but rather as a styling-led special with a modest power tweak.
Availability and market position
At launch, the Modellista package is exclusive to the Japanese market. TRD has not confirmed availability for Europe or other regions, but similar packages have sometimes followed for selected export markets. The European debut of the new-generation Auris itself was scheduled for the 2012 Paris Motor Show, with the Modellista variant likely to remain a niche offering even if it appears outside Japan.
Toyota’s approach with Modellista and TRD packages reflects a growing market for factory-backed customisation in Japan, where buyers often seek visual distinction and subtle performance upgrades. The Auris Modellista joins a line-up of TRD-tuned Toyotas that offer more aggressive styling without the running costs or insurance premiums of a full hot hatch.
How the Modellista fits into Toyota’s range
The standard Auris competes with mainstream hatchbacks such as the Volkswagen Golf and Ford Focus. The Modellista package gives Toyota a way to attract buyers who want a sportier look without stepping up to a performance model or turning to the aftermarket. It also helps Toyota compete with similar styling packages offered by rivals, such as Volkswagen’s R-Line or Ford’s ST-Line kits.
For buyers in Japan, the Modellista Auris offers a factory warranty and the reassurance of TRD engineering, which may be more appealing than independent tuning. Whether the package will find similar demand in Europe depends on local tastes and Toyota’s willingness to offer it outside its home market.
