Toyota Auris - any good?

Toyota introduced the Auris in 2007 as a compact 3/5 door hatchback which shares the same platform as the Toyota Corolla and is the replacement for the Corolla. Toyota used the name Auris because in Latin is means “Gold”.

Toyota has positioned the Auris as a high end small family hatchback to compete with the Volkswagen Golf, Vauxhall Astra and Ford Focus. It is available in four trim levels, the T2, T3, T4 and the T180.

The Auris is available with 4 engines choices of which there are 2 petrol, 1 diesel and a petrol-electric hybrid. The 1.3 petrol has 99bhp; the 1.6 petrol has 130bhp and on paper is much faster than the smaller engine.

The 1.4 diesel engine can do over 60 miles per gallon but is quite sluggish. The hybrid can do nearer 75mpg but that is only if you have a smooth driving style and constantly watch how you changed up and down the gearbox, heavy footed drivers may not benefited from the hybrid.

Handling and ride wise the Auris doesn’t quite match the Golf or the Focus, it does everything you expect it to do but there isn’t enough to beat the top competitors. It handles very well and grips to the roads nicely, the steering could have been more precise and responsive.

The Auris has been priced to be very competitive with its competitors and comes with Toyota’s 5 year warranty, as new the Auris starts from £14,820 and have seen a used Toyota Auris in Hollingwood for under £9,000.