What's it like to own a Toyota Auris? II
22 June 2007
Second Report
Date: June 22 2007
Mileage: 2,632 miles
Test MPG: 42.8mpg
Faults: None
Expenses: None
More Reports:
First Report
Third Report
In April 2007 we took delivery of a
Each month we’re letting you know exactly what is it like to own and drive the replacement for the world’s best-selling car, the
This month our test car passed the 2,500 mile mark with flying colours- here’s why.
Comfort
Most of the Auris’ first thousand miles were chalked up in town.
This month family commitments meant undertaking a trio of 400 mile round trips between
It may be less tedious than the three-lane route but still far from fun and its these long, boring journeys which magnify minor discomforts into aches and pains.
Fortunately, the Auris is a very comfortable car. What it lacks a little in sharp handling is more than compensated by a smooth ride, comfortable but supportive seats and a good driving position.
You can also flick the cruise on if you’re feeling lazy.
And it wasn’t just me, front and rear seat passengers were happy with legroom and headspace.
Looks
Driving to Gatwick a few weeks ago I found myself queued behind an Auris, the first I’d seen close up on the roads since taking ours on loan.
Resisting the temptation to wave, I was able to take a long look at the car in motion.
Much has been made of the Auris’ similarity to predecessor the Corolla, and the shared DNA is clearly visible.
However, it has also evolved and seeing another model on the road confirmed my opinion that the Auris is a subtly good-looking car with road-presence.
Practical
The Auris didn’t just prove its long-haul credentials for our second report, we also put it through its paces with a whole array of passenger and load-bearing short trips.
The storage space inside the car is impressive.
Much has been made of the Auris’ central console (it flows back into the cabin, also providing a home for the gearstick and handbrake) and we like the storage space it offers behind for coins, parking tickets etc…
The cupholders, one at either end of the dashboard are useful, neat and sturdy while there is a third, discreet holder between driver and passenger.
The double glovebox holds plenty and even the side pockets do a fair job.
The boot space easily swallowed a couple of weekend bags, laptop case and more without having to leave anything on display. Also handy for that are the trays hidden beneath both the front seats.
Stereo
The car stereo’s importance increases in line with journey time – a decent set of sounds is essential for keeping your sanity on long, dull trips.
The stereo which comes with the Auris is easy on the ear, clearly audible at high speeds and easily controlled with the steering wheel-mounted buttons.
All you can ask for really.
Power at speed
I’ve been impressed with our car’s 2-litre diesel engine.
It delivers a healthy response to applying the accelerator at all speeds.
You never get the feeling you are driving a small car and there is plenty of oomph, swiftly delivered, for overtaking opportunities.
Job done.
One other thing…
It might be part of an audition process for the ranks of gadget-fearing grumpy old men, but I’m still struggling with that keyless Start Button.
OK, not struggling in the sense that I have trouble pushing it in and out.
It’s just that after covering 2,500 miles I had expected to no longer be thinking “How do I start my car?” before remembering to press the clutch.
If it’s not second nature in another month I might have to start blaming the car…
Editorial Links
Toyota Auris: Auto Driven
Toyota Auris: First long term loan review
Rivals:
VW Golf
Kia Cee'd
Honda Civic
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