Skip advert
Advertisement

Toyota Auris

Toyota release the model that could be even bigger than the massively popular Corolla

Overall Auto Express rating

4.0

How we review cars
Find your Toyota Auris
Compare deals from trusted partners on this car and previous models.
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car

The Auris is a capable all-rounder that's a big improvement on the Corolla. It offers Toyota's traditional solid build and is likely to provide unbeatable reliability. However, despite its practicality and comfort, it does not make the giant leap needed to trouble the class-leaders. Toyota could also have been more a little more daring with the styling, too.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Any all-new model carries a huge weight of expectation. But when the vehicle in question is replacing the world's best-selling family car, the pressure really is on.

That's exactly what the Toyota Auris is charged with doing when it takes over from the legendary Corolla in February. We've already shown you a taste of what the newcomer has to offer in Japanese trim in Issue 935, but now Auto Express has put the Auris to the test on the UK's demanding roads.

After enduring a troubled conception - company bosses sent the original design back to the drawing board after seeing the futuristic Honda Civic for the first time - initial impressions of the Auris are mixed. Its biggest problem is getting noticed at all. Our metallic grey test car looks pretty anonymous thanks to its evolutionary, rather than revolutionary, styling. It combines the solid silhouette of the outgoing Corolla with the face of the Yaris, and the result lacks the visual drama of its Japanese rival.

Nonetheless, the firm has tried to inject some much needed character inside, where the swooping centre console and smart dials are a success. The gearlever is within a short reach of the steering wheel, and there's a full range of adjustment for both the seat and column, so finding a comfortable position is easy.

However, the facia is made from hard plastics, while the seat fabrics feel cheap compared to rivals'. Combined with the flimsy glovebox lids and rotary dials for the manual air-conditioning on our T3-spec model, the interior lacks the high-quality feel of the VW Golf or even the Ford Focus. There is plenty of space, though, and a flat rear floor meanstall passengers will have ample head and legroom. Unfortunately, the designers haven't been so generous when it comes to the load area. The 354-litre boot can't match the Ford's 385-litre capacity.

On the road, we found our car's 2.0-litre diesel engine to be an effective performer, and coupled to a slick six-speed manual gearbox, it makes motorway trips both relaxed and refined. Consumption of 52.3mpg is also impressive, and a neat pair of shift lights in the centre of the dash helps to optimise economy by letting you know when to change up and down.

At cruising speeds, the powerplant is muted, with wind noise being the main distraction. The soft suspension makes for a comfortable ride, but the trade-off is pronounced roll on twisty roads. There's plenty of grip, yet the numb steering and sensitive brakes will leave drivers of the Focus, Golf and Civic disappointed.

The mid-range diesel is flanked in the line-up by an 89bhp 1.4-litre D-4D and the flagship 175bhp 2.2 D-4D from the Avensis. Petrol fans can choose from an entry-level 96bhp 1.4-litre unit or an all-new 122bhp 1.6 VVT-i. There's also a three-door model on the way in April.

Equipment levels are generally modest, although air-con and nine airbags are fitted across the range. However, Vehicle Stability Control is a £350 extra on T2, T3 and T Spirit versions. Prices start from £11,995, and with Toyota's typically strong residuals and a broad line-up, the Auris represents a safe, if uninspiring, choice.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Volkswagen Tiguan

Volkswagen Tiguan

RRP £35,385Avg. savings £2,911 off RRP*Used from £31,499
Skoda Kodiaq

Skoda Kodiaq

RRP £38,140Avg. savings £3,019 off RRP*Used from £13,895
Nissan Qashqai

Nissan Qashqai

RRP £27,415Avg. savings £5,568 off RRP*Used from £12,295
Omoda 5

Omoda 5

RRP £25,915Avg. savings £1,882 off RRP*Used from £18,900
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Chinese cars can’t match their European rivals when it comes to engineering
Opinion - Shanghai Auto Show

Chinese cars can’t match their European rivals when it comes to engineering

This new brand of cars might have battery tech on their side, but European buyers want much more than that
Opinion
25 Apr 2025
Leapmotor B05 family hatch on route to the UK with sub-£30k price and 400-mile range
Leapmotor badge

Leapmotor B05 family hatch on route to the UK with sub-£30k price and 400-mile range

The Stellantis-backed brand will launch a Volkswagen ID.3-rivalling small car with almost 20 per cent more range
News
23 Apr 2025
Buying a modern used car for under £10k is almost impossible
Opinion - £10k used cars

Buying a modern used car for under £10k is almost impossible

Phil McNamara discovers that it’s harder than ever to find a good-value car at the affordable end of the market
Opinion
24 Apr 2025