Toyota Auris 1.6 Review: Anglo-Jap

What we like:

A new level of quality and refinement in a Toyota. Handsome exterior design. Competent handling.

What we dislike:

CVT gearbox.

The Auris gets a similar power unit under the hood to the Corolla sedan though it gains 10bhp over it for a total of 132bhp. Torque stands at 160Nm from 4,400rpm. Conservative as the figures are, the four cylinder 1.6-litre unit does a decent job of hauling the 1.3 ton hatch around.

The ponies are regulated through a seven step CVT gearbox that under normal driving conditions augments the power rather smoothly. Our only complaint is the groaning sound the engine makes at higher speeds which is common among CVT trannies. The sound is exacerbated further when ‘Sport’ mode is activated which causes the gearbox to change ‘steps’ at higher revs.

While the steering is well-weighted, it is less communicative than we’d like in a hatch. However, the Auris is surprisingly competent in the bends. With the MacPherson struts up front and double wishbones in the rear, the Auris is able to take corners rather flat and with aplomb. In the handling department, the hatch is worlds apart from its sedan sister. Making it the first Toyota we’ve truly enjoyed driving fast in a long time. It gave us the confidence to do things we’d normally never attempt in Mum’s Corolla.

Ride quality is firm but pliant when cruising on the expressway. Sound insulation however, could be improved further as we found the wind and tyre noise slightly intrusive in cruise mode.

The trump card for Toyota has always been its frugality and the Auris is no different. With a fuel consumption figure of 17.5km/L, the hatch can theoretically do 875km on its 50 litre tank when driven sensibly.

The Auris is a good step forward for the established Japanese make and should serve as a benchmark for all future models. It brings a new level of refinement, performance and interior comfort never before seen in the Corolla on top of the well-established bastions of frugality and reliability.

Credits: Story and Photos by Benjamin G. Kline