What's it like to own a Toyota Auris? III
03 August 2007
Date: August 3 2007
Mileage: 5,489 miles
Test MPG: 46.8mpg
Faults: None
Expenses: None
Previous Reports
June 2007
May 2007
Our Toyota Auris long-termer has been a fixture on editor Adrian Higgins' driveway for the last couple of months.
He's found it a competent car, which bar a few niggles, has been a joy to own.
The rest of the team have spent time with the Auris over the last month to bring you their takes on Toyota's latest hatchback.
Deputy editor Stuart Milne - 28
I can normally tell within five minutes of setting off if a car is going to prove a comfortable steed. With a daily 100-mile round trip to the office along a series of fast A-roads and rush hour congestion in London, I really need something that will cosset my delicate back and leave me feeling relaxed.
On the first point the Auris misses the mark. There's not enough lumbar support for the lower back, which is a huge problem for me. It's something plenty of its rivals lack too, so surely it's time for manufacturers to take note.
I can't be the only one, can I?
Does it leave me feeling relaxed? With my cross-London commute, the Auris is one of the few cars to leave me in a tranquil state.
That has a lot to do with its persona. It doesn't shout its presence from the rooftops. It is what it is. A sensible car which is competent where it needs to be.
Toyota
In any other car I've driven, you floor the clutch pedal, press the button and the car starts. But for some reason the Auris' button has a strange temperament.
Occasionally it starts with a gentle prod, other times it requires a long press. More frustrating are the times where it doesn't start at all. Three or four goes later, and you're on the move.
Anyone else have this problem with their Auris? Let us know editorial@autotrader.co.uk
Features writer – Alex Eckford - 32
I drove the Auris 400 miles - mostly on motorways. The ride was smooth but the engine noise in this diesel car was noticeable at higher speeds – but not so loud as to make conversation impossible.
The steering was a little woolly, but the car’s brakes were reassuringly responsive.
Toyota
The dashboard's shift-up and shift-down gear change arrows is a nice gimmick, but an LCD block-based fuel gauge (rather than a conventional needle) could be confusing to some. Does one block mean you’re about to run out of fuel? Let’s find out.
On the whole the Auris is nothing new, and nothing special - but maybe that’s
This model’s six-speed gearbox is designed to make the car more economical, and if I’ve done my sums correctly, I got 42 miles to the gallon.
Deputy trade editor Keith Collantine - 25
With a series of twisty drives ahead of me, I was looking forward to sampling the Auris' handling prowess.
According to the bumf
But the rear lacks this feature in order to maximise boot space. A simpler and less sophisticated torsion beam arrangement has been used instead (except on the T180 model which has multi-link rear suspension).
On our standard model the rear suspension doesn’t affect the handling too much – because the car is front-wheel drive with a front-mounted engine, all the work is done at the front. But ride quality in the back is poor, especially when the car is laden.
The front suspension does provide decent grip on turning into a corner. But at speed as the weight of the car shifts it becomes noticeably hesitant to changes of direction.
Its new electric power steering system is quick, with 2.9 turns from lock to lock, which makes it good for parking. The steering is a little heavy, but otherwise very good.
How does it fare against the competition? The Ford Focus’s chassis is renowned for its well-sorted handling. And the Honda Civic and Vauxhall Astra are a lot more entertaining, making the Auris look rather ordinary.
Junior writer Adrian Hearn - 22
Its playing ground is the motorway where it can sit comfortably at 70mph, but on
With a 2-litre turbodiesel engine punching out 221lb/ft of pulling power delivered low down, it’s no surprise the Auris is nippy around town.
The clutch is light, steering responsive and – even at low speeds – the diesel engine is reasonably quiet.
And as with most family hatchbacks, there’s plenty of room in the boot for the weekly shop and, with good all round visibility, it’s easy to park.
The Auris is a competent car, which does everything proficiently, but there’s nothing interesting to say about it.
Japanese rivals Honda built the space-age Civic while Ford and Volkswagen build the brilliant Focus and galvanising Golf. And for the same price, the Auris – like its predecessor the Corolla – is incredibly sober.
That’s what sets it apart from its rivals – it’s dull as dish water. This is why younger drivers will opt for a Golf, Civic or Focus every time.
Editorial Links
Toyota Auris: Auto Driven
Toyota Auris: First long term loan review
Rivals:
VW Golf
Kia Cee'd
Honda Civic
Buying Advice
Commercial Links:
New Toyota Auris Search
Used Toyota Auris Search:
Toyota Auris Insurance:
Toyota Auris Finance:
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