Toyota Auris Review
Published: 25th June 2007
Toyota Auris
Built on a completely new platform, the Auris has the same wheelbase as the old Corolla but the body is 40mm longer and 50mm wider to allow for more interior space. All passengers benefit from the increased personal comfort zone. Those seated in the back, have plenty of legroom and the absence of a transmission tunnel means that there are no arguments about who gets the middle seat.
When fully occupied, the boot capacity is 354-litres. This increases to 761-litres when the seats are folded. Other storage options include the two-tier glove box that bucks the current trend, as it will hold more than a pair of gloves, and there is also a tray beneath the front passenger’s seat.
Entertainment comes via an integrated radio/CD player with MP3 compatibility that can also cope with WMA music discs. Higher trim levels gain secondary audio controls on the steering wheel.
Available as an £1,500 option on T-Spirit and T180 models, is the updated Satellite Navigation system with a full colour, touch-screen. The new version even shows the correct lanes to follow at major junctions and has an Estimated Time of Arrival utlity. Toyota says that the new system is even easier to use but if you are confused and bewildered by the functions, there’s a handy ‘?’ symbol on the touch screen to help you out.
A Tech Pack is also available, comprising of Bluetooth connection and an upgraded audio system, complete with iPod connectivity.
The test car was the 5-door version, with the 1.6 Dual VVT-I, petrol engine. Stickered at a reasonable, £14,995, it is near the top of the price range, beaten only by the T180 grade, with prices of £18,395 (3-dr) and £18,995(5-dr).
The pricing structure is fairly simple. Starting with the T2 1.4, 3-door at £12,095, you add £500 for the rear doors, moving up a grade to T3 adds £1,000 and stepping up a further trim level (T-Spirit) adds £900. Multi Mode, automatic transmission increases the cost by £500. Easy. Well, it was until Toyota inserted a TR version between T2 and T3.
Curiously, the TR has the same specification as the T3 plus some extra chrome detailing and scuff-plates but it is £1,000 cheaper.
Anyway, the T-Spirit specification includes auto headlights and wipers, cruise control with a speed limiter, a keyless smart entry and start, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, dual-zone air-con and 17-inch alloys.
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