Toyota Auris 1.6 Valvematic Icon

Costs

Almost every aspect of the Auris' running costs has been improved, with higher fuel economy, massive reductions in emissions and higher predicted residual values. Business users will be pleased by the impressively low CO2 output on certain models, which result in low benefit-in-kind payments, while both the lone diesel model and the hybrid are outstanding for their road tax banding. Purchase prices are extremely reasonable against the competition, too.

Space and practicality

Inside the cabin are several useful storage spaces for oddments and larger items, making it a practical car to spend a lot of time in. The boot is not the largest in the class, but it's not far off and the convenient shape and layout, with a dual-layer floor, means that it's among the most practical. The front door pockets could be larger and shaped more usefully, but on the whole the Auris is sensibly designed for day-to-day use.

Controls and display

More attention has been paid to the consistency of fonts across the displays than previous models, which is one of the little things that make a tangible difference. They are a good balance of stylish and clear, with an occasional splash of colour on the displays to liven things up. The Toyota Touch central screen is a particular success most of the time, but ideally should be turned towards the driver slightly. As it is, low sun shining through the side windows can effectively blank the screen out.

Comfort

Although being less tall than its predecessor, this model is slightly longer and has plenty of interior space for passengers. Only very tall people will begin to feel cramped in the rear seats. The softer, Europe-biased suspension works well to cushion occupants from bumps, while the car also rolls laterally less than before thanks to a lower centre of gravity. The seats themselves are a happy medium in terms of firmness, being immediately comfortable and equally so after a long journey.

Car security

Every Auris has an alarm and an immobiliser fitted as standard. The door locks can be engaged while in motion for extra security, and remote central locking is standard as well. The headlights will also stay illuminated for a pre-set time after turning the ignition off, potentially lighting up a driveway or porch for extra security.

Car safety

The Auris conforms to the very latest safety demands and innovates further, combining both active and passive safety measures like ABS, EBD, brake assist, stability control and traction control with new innovations like a pedestrian-friendly pop-up bonnet to help prevent injuries. Occupants are also protected by seat belt reminders, many airbags, front seats designed to prevent whiplash and Isofix child seat fittings as well as child-proof door locks in the rear.

Driver appeal

Seemingly small changes in the chassis on paper have added up to a major difference in the way the Auris drives. It's much stiffer and more stable through corners, with better body control at all times. A little initial neutrality in the steering gives way to a keen bite into corners, especially in conjunction with the lighter, non-hybrid petrol engine-equipped cars. The car cruises and hops around busy towns equally happily, with a broad skillset covering all the bases a typical driver will desire.

Family car appeal

Despite its lower roof height, the new Auris is still designed with families in mind. An easy access and spacious cabin, plenty of storage and a large boot combine with Toyota's sturdy, steady and reliable reputation to offer lots of family appeal. Isofix child seat mounts are fitted as standard, and in the main the interior materials will withstand knocks for years to come. A handy real-world feature is the large rear door apertures, which make it easier to fit child seats and place kids securely into them.

First car appeal

Although it's not as cheap as a typical first car, the Auris has many factors working in its favour from the point of view of someone who has just passed their test. Its size is easy to manage but very practical, its good visibility and reversing camera are useful helping hands for parking and it's generally very easy to drive. Insurance and road tax are relatively affordable and the car itself will last for many years, allowing owners to hang on to it for as long as they wish, potentially justifying its extra cost.

Quality and image

This is the area where Toyota arguably has to work the hardest to make up ground, because while there has never been any doubt as to the mechanical longevity of their cars, especially when equipped with petrol engines, their desirability has always lagged behind that of rivals. Distinctive styling helps mark the new car out and high interior materials quality will help continue the good first impressions, giving the new Auris a much better chance of competing at the front.

Accessibility

Available in five-door body style only, the Auris has well-judged door sizes that place just as much importance on the accessibility of the rear seats as the front - something not all C-segment cars do. It means that rear passengers should have no problem manoeuvring in and out. Equally, the boot is evenly shaped and convenient, with a dual-level floor that enables owners to effectively shrink the size of the boot lip, making it easier to get luggage in and out.

Stereo and ICE (In car entertainment)

Icon specification is the lowest point in the range at which the Toyota Touch touch-screen interface is fitted as standard, and it provides an admirably stylish and clear way of navigating through car system menus and music choices. A single-CD stereo with six speakers is also standard, complete with Bluetooth and USB connections. Buyers can upgrade the interface to the Touch and Go navigation system to bring full navigation functionality to the car.

Colours and trim

A typical spectrum of colours awaits potential buyers, with options covering black, greys, white, silver, lighter and darker blues and a red, with a couple of less traditional options like a bronze. It's a good selection, but arguably the car looks best in black. The interior trim is a huge step forward from the previous model, with a more orthodox layout and a very obvious improvement in materials quality, although parts of the interior do still look uninspiring.

Parking

Visibility is a strong point in the Auris, with better rearwards lines of sight than many of its key rivals. That doesn't necessarily make it excellent in that department, though, and care must be taken in all reversing manoeuvres. Thankfully there is a rear-view camera installed, which makes the business of reverse parking much easier. The narrow body makes it easy to slot into bay spaces while still being able to open the doors wide enough to get out.

Spare wheel

A space saver is fitted as standard across the range.