The Toyota Auris is a practical, affordable and reliable family hatchback
There are numbers of automakers who manufacture the hatchback family cars all over the world, so the toughest field to compete in automobile industry is hatchback class. The new Toyota is jack of all trades but fair to say it doesn’t really stand out in any one area.
The Toyota Auris with a good and long engine lineup compensates well. It is safe, sensible and spacious with Toyota Corolla platform concept. There are lots of improvements done by Toyota in Auris’ new facelift hatchback to maintain its worth. Its new aerodynamics and reduction in weight improves its fuel economy and performance.
Under the flag of Toyota, Auris is still struggling to stand out in its class with rivals such as Seat Leon, Vauxhall Astra, Volkswagen Golf, Ford Focus, Peugeot 308 and Mazda 3. The Auris is in its second generation but becomes bland in front of over crowded market of hatchback class.
Though Toyota Auris is not a hot cake, but keeps good repute among its users due to some efficient engines under its bonnet with extraordinary fuel economy and exemption from road tax because of the least amount of CO2 emissions.
The new Toyota Auris is available in Auris Touring Sport along with the entry level Active model, the mid-range Icon, the design, the business editions and the top of the range the Excel trim levels.
Toyota Auris with improved cabin tech and new inner materials give a fresher look than the previous models and has aimed to add a more up market feel. Critics have the opinion that with its new look and neatly pressed lines the new Toyota Auris gives a bit of visual identity with V-shaped nose.
Though the interior is well built and smart, but we can’t match it with VW Golf’s especially and with the interior of its other rivals generally. In Auris, the Toyota has used straight-line theme of interior with understandable look but plastic quality is not up to the standard as we find in ford Focus.
The interior is ergonomically sound and pretty durable. The central touch screen is very easy to use though other electronic switches are scattered across the dashboard and create head scratching situation in their use to recall their sequence.
The automatic air-conditioning, the new stylish bright daytime running lights, rear-view camera, Bluetooth phone connection, heated door mirrors, heated front seats and cruise control. With sat nav and intelligent parking assistance, the new Auris is easy and friendly to use.
Driving seat is comfortable enough with adjustments. The seat cushions produce supportive feelings and give the right and firm position regarding driver’s body and weight. The Auris offers a good outer view for all drivers. The dashboard of Toyota Auris gives a simple and good look to the interior with lot of hi-tech controls.
The 1.3 litre Dual VVTi petrol is an entry-level version with 97bhp and 94lb/ft torque. It takes 12.2 seconds to get fro 0-62m/h with top speed of 109m/h. It achieves a good fuel average of 52m/g with 128g/km of CO2 emissions.
It is a four-cylinder engine fitted with six-speed manual gearbox with front-wheel drive unit. Critics compare this engine with Ford Focus EcoBoost 1.0 litre petrol unit which produces better fuel economy and makes the Focus a quicker car.
With little bit up-gradation the 1.2 litre petrol engine is capable to produce 114bhp and 136lb/ft torque. It gives a punchy driving experience with comfort. It takes 9.8 seconds to get form 0-62m/h and the maximum speed of this petrol engine is 124m/h. It is fuel economical version and gives 58m/g of fuel average with 112g/km of CO2 emissions.
With 130bhp and 118lb/ft torque the 1.6litre V-Matic gives reasonable performance and takes 10.7 seconds to reach from 0-62m/h with maximum speed of 118m/h. The fuel efficiency of this petrol version is also good and returns 49m/g of fuel average with 134g/km of emissions. This version is fitted with seven-speed automatic gearbox and front -wheel drive as standard.
In diesel engines line up there is a 1.4 litre D-4D engine with 88bhp and 151lb/ft of torque. It is powerful enough for day-to-day driving and takes 12.1 seconds to get from 0-62m/h with good top speed of 112m/h. The most impressive thing of Toyota Auris diesel engines lineup is their mammoth fuel average.
It gives 80m/g with only 93g/km of CO2 emissions. It is a four-cylinder eight-valve version and fitted with six-speed manual gearbox and front-wheel drive as standard.
With 110bhp and 199lb/ft torque this diesel version is of four-cylinder and gives a speedy performance on motorway. It takes 10.2 seconds to get 0-62m/h with top speed of 121m/h. The fuel average is also impressive with 67m/g and emissions are minor with 108g/km. It is best for high mileage drivers and is fitted with six-speed manual gearbox and front-wheel drive as standard.
The 1.8 litre CVT hybrid version is a good addition in engine lineup. The Auris hybrid shares the same power train and batteries as the Toyota Prius. It is capable to produce 134bhp and 105lb/ft torque. It is the most efficient version in the whole engine lineup of the Auris. It works pretty well.
It is fitted with stop/start automatic switch which helps the Auris hybrid to maintain good fuel average in overcrowded city drive. It takes 10.6 seconds to get 0-62m/h with top speed of 112m/h. The combined fuel average of this engine is 78m/g with 82g/km of CO2 emissions. It is fitted with one-speed CVT automatic gearbox and front-wheel drive.
