Skip advert
Advertisement

Toyota Auris 1.6 SR

Spot the difference... We’ve traded up to new, revised version of hatch. Is it a significant improvement?

Pros
  • Our Auris comes with the £360 optional Protection Pack, which comprises a fitted rubber boot liner and rear parking sensors. The addition has already really proved its worth, looking after the load bay when a bag of slug repellent split open on the way back from the garden centre. A quick wipe with a wet cloth, and the boot was as good as new.
Cons
  • While I’ve got no complaints about the performance of the powerful new 1.6-litre petrol engine, its fuel consumption is a little disappointing. After nearly 700 miles of motoring, the Toyota has managed to average only 26.8mpg. But it’s worth pointing out that the 1.33-litre version I ran before achieved 27.5mpg over a similar distance.
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

Are you ready to play a game of spot the difference? I recently handed back the keys for Auto Express’s long-term Toyota Auris 1.33 TR, and swapped them for a set to the virtually identical, facelifted version. Our new car is a sportier 1.6 SR – but as you can see from the pictures, the changes Toyota has introduced as part of the revamp aren’t that dramatic.

Advertisement - Article continues below

You will notice the bonnet, grille and headlamps have all been subtly altered. Plus, the bumpers are revised, there are new tail-light clusters and the fresh door mirrors incorporate indicator repeaters. Our SR adds a neat roof spoiler and 17-inch alloy wheels. Overall, the tweaks result in a slightly sharper look, although the Auris still struggles to stand out from the crowd.

I had been hoping for a big change inside – Toyota could have answered my biggest criticism of the hatchback by removing the irritating centre console. Unfortunately, my luck wasn’t in! Although the set-up has been subtly reworked – and is less intrusive – for me it’s still a jarring piece of design.

Nevertheless, the perfectly placed gearlever remains, while the handbrake is set lower, so it’s easier to operate. Other tweaks include the introduction of soft-touch materials and a new flat-bottomed steering wheel that’s finished in textured leather. Also welcome are the classy dials, with an analogue fuel gauge instead of the frustrating digital display. And my daughter is happy now as she can listen to her iPod by plugging into the new USB/aux input.

I’m hoping the firm hasn’t changed its excellent reliability, ease of use and versatility. So far, the Auris is shaping up as a great addition to the family. And if we take another picture when it returns to Toyota, the biggest difference is likely to be the frown on my face – as I’ll really miss it!

Extra Info

“The new 1.6 SR is as capable and practical as our pre-facelift 1.33 – and not surprisingly, it’s very similar from behind the wheel. The styling tweaks improve the looks, although I think the update is too subtle to leave much of a lasting impression.”

Conor Mills- Motoring writer

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Kia Sportage

Kia Sportage

RRP £28,065Avg. savings £2,773 off RRP*Used from £15,876
Audi A3

Audi A3

RRP £26,295Avg. savings £2,549 off RRP*Used from £11,890
Toyota Yaris Cross

Toyota Yaris Cross

RRP £26,495Avg. savings £1,672 off RRP*Used from £12,200
Volkswagen Polo

Volkswagen Polo

RRP £15,255Avg. savings £1,966 off RRP*Used from £7,250
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Peugeot 208 GTi: electric hot hatch gets stunning looks and plenty of power
Peugeot E-208 GTi - reveal front

New Peugeot 208 GTi: electric hot hatch gets stunning looks and plenty of power

Hot Peugeot E-208 gets racier styling, 276bhp and does 0-62mph in just 5.7 seconds
News
13 Jun 2025
Car Deal of the Day: Kia Sportage at £255 per month can’t be anything but popular
Kia Sportage - side panning

Car Deal of the Day: Kia Sportage at £255 per month can’t be anything but popular

The Kia Sportage has earned its popularity over the years and deals like our Car Deal of the Day for June 14 won’t do it any harm at all.
News
14 Jun 2025
New Volvo EM90 2025 review: the ultimate SUV killer
Volvo EM90 - front

New Volvo EM90 2025 review: the ultimate SUV killer

Volvo has made an ultra-luxurious van. Intrigued? You should be, but sadly it’s for China only
Road tests
16 Jun 2025