The first-generation Toyota Auris (E150) was introduced in 2006. Toyota made the strategic decision to split the Corolla family: sedans retained the historic name, while hatchbacks, primarily targeted at the European market, were renamed Auris. The car was built on the Corolla (E150) platform and offered in both 3-door and 5-door body styles. The exterior design, penned by Toyota's ED2 studio in France, was conservative, but the interior was distinctive, featuring a high, bridge-like center console that housed the gear shifter. The engine lineup included 1.33L, 1.4L, and 1.6L petrol engines, alongside 1.4L, 2.0L, and 2.2L D-4D diesel options.

In 2010, the model received a mid-cycle facelift. The exterior was refreshed with new bumpers, headlights, and a revised grille, while interior material quality was upgraded. A major milestone was the introduction of the Auris HSD—the first mass-produced hybrid vehicle in the compact hatchback class. The hybrid powertrain (1.8L, 136 hp combined) was borrowed directly from the Prius. The model enjoyed steady demand in Europe and was manufactured at plants in the UK and Turkey until 2012.