Toyota Auris Hatchback full 9 point review
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Performance
The Auris is sold with two petrol engines, but just the one diesel. The entry-level 1.33 petrol has 99bhp and is hardly quick, but the 130bhp 1.6 petrol doesn’t really feel that much quicker. The 89bhp 1.4 diesel manages over 60mpg, and that good economy is the only real reason to buy it. With a 0-60mph time nudging 12 seconds, it won't appeal to anyone who's ever likely to be in a hurry.
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Ride & Handling
The Auris does everything it should, but it’s not as accomplished as the best cars in this class. It grips and handles well enough, but it’s not as precise as a Ford Focus through corners and the steering has a detached feel. Similarly, while the ride is generally comfortable, it doesn’t smother bumps as well as a VW Golf.
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Refinement
It’s not a noisy car by any means, but the Auris should be more refined. Its petrol engines are noisy at motorway speeds, for example, although they rev smoothly enough. By contrast, the diesel is quiet when cruising, but gruff around town. Wind noise is present on the motorway, and coarse surfaces and bumps kick up a bit too much noise in the cabin.
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Buying & Owning
Toyota has priced the Auris aggressively and it undercuts many of its rivals, especially if you choose the TR models. Dealers won’t give you much of discount from the list price, but every engine is competitive for fuel economy and emissions, and the Auris holds its value reasonably well.
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Quality & Reliability
We have no doubt that the Auris will stand the test of time well. There’s nothing to suggest that it won’t share the excellent reliability of most other Toyotas, either. While the interior feels durable, however, the materials are not as classy or appealing as a VW Golf’s or Vauxhall Astra’s.
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Safety & Security
Every Auris comes with front, side and curtain airbags and, unusually, an airbag that protects the driver’s knees. Stability control is an option across the range, but all versions have deadlocks and marked parts to guard against theft.
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Behind The Wheel
The Auris’s unusual dash is designed to put every control within easy reach, and it works well. There’s storage behind the bridged centre console, and there’s a wide range of seating adjustment. However, the stereo controls could be bigger and easier to read, and the gearlever sits awkwardly high.
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Space & Practicality
Thanks to its totally flat floor, the cabin copes with three rear passengers better than most of its rivals. There’s ample head- and legroom everywhere, too, and the rear seat backrests recline to allow a relaxed seating position. Although the boot is shorter and narrower than some rivals', it’s still a generous size and shape.
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Equipment
In order of plushness, the trim levels are T2, TR and SR, with the most basic unique to the 1.3 petrol engine and the SR available only with the 1.6. T2 models miss out on a few desirable features, but do get air conditioning, electric front windows, remote locking and a CD player; TR models add alloy wheels and climate control, while SR gives the car a more sporty look.
Auris used car reviews
Toyota Auris Hatchback 1.33 VVT-i TR 5dr
A decently specified Auris with all of the kit you’ll need for everyday motoring and a couple of extra trim flourishes. Don’t bank on going anywhere quickly, however.
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