TRD launches Modellista styling kit for 2013 Toyota Auris
Toyota Racing Development has introduced a Modellista package for the new-generation Auris, offering exterior upgrades and bespoke styling for the Japanese hatchback.
Toyota Racing Development (TRD), the in-house tuning arm of Toyota, has launched a Modellista package for the newly released 2013 Toyota Auris. This marks the first time a factory-backed aftermarket upgrade has been made available for the latest generation Auris, arriving just after the hatchback’s official debut in Japan. The Modellista kit is designed to give the Auris a more distinctive and assertive appearance, appealing to Japanese buyers who want their cars to stand out from the standard models.
TRD Modellista Package for 2013 Toyota Auris: Details and Features
Exterior Enhancements Included in the Modellista Package
The TRD Modellista package is focused entirely on exterior styling. Owners opting for the kit receive a set of redesigned front and rear bumpers, which are more sculpted and aggressive than those on the standard Auris. The deeper side skirts further enhance the car’s profile, giving it a lower and more dynamic stance. Completing the look is a roof-mounted rear spoiler, which adds a sporty touch and echoes the design language seen on other TRD-tuned Toyotas.
Depending on the chosen configuration, the kit can include chrome or contrasting trim details, allowing for some degree of personalisation. These visual upgrades are intended to cater to Japanese domestic market buyers who are increasingly interested in customising their vehicles directly from the dealership. The Modellista package is available through official Toyota dealerships in Japan, ensuring that buyers benefit from the convenience and reliability of factory-backed accessories.
No Mechanical Changes: Reliability Intact
TRD has confirmed that the Modellista package does not include any modifications to the Auris’s engine, suspension, or other mechanical components. The enhancements are purely cosmetic, meaning the car’s standard powertrains, ride quality, and reliability remain unchanged. This approach allows buyers to enjoy a more individual look for their Auris without compromising on the qualities that Toyota is known for, such as durability and warranty coverage.
Market Positioning and Customisation Trend
The introduction of the Modellista package reflects a broader trend in the Japanese car market, where visual customisation has become increasingly popular. Compact hatchbacks like the Auris compete in a segment where buyers often seek ways to make their cars more distinctive. By offering a TRD-backed styling kit from launch, Toyota aims to capture customers who might otherwise turn to independent tuners for aftermarket parts.
TRD’s Modellista packages have previously been offered on other Toyota models in Japan, typically focusing on bodywork and interior trim rather than performance modifications. This consistent approach allows Toyota to provide factory-quality upgrades that do not affect the car’s mechanical specification. For the 2013 Auris, the availability of the Modellista kit from launch positions it as one of the first in its class to offer a factory-backed styling upgrade, giving Toyota a potential edge in attracting style-conscious buyers.
Availability and Customer Benefits
The Modellista package is available for order through Toyota dealerships across Japan, timed to coincide with the launch of the new Auris generation. This early availability means that customers can personalise their cars as soon as they purchase them, without having to wait for third-party tuners to develop compatible parts. Buyers also benefit from the assurance that comes with factory-approved accessories, including compatibility, quality, and warranty support.
For those interested in a sportier, more individual look for their Auris, the TRD Modellista package provides a straightforward option that enhances the car’s appearance while preserving its core attributes. The focus on visual upgrades rather than mechanical changes ensures that the Auris remains a practical and reliable choice for everyday use, with the added appeal of a customised exterior.
