Performance
The Auris range offers the choice of two petrol engines, one diesel and a petrol-electric hybrid. The entry-level 1.33 petrol has 99bhp and is hardly quick, but the 130bhp 1.6 petrol doesn’t really feel that much quicker. The 89bhp 1.4 diesel manages over 60mpg, and that good economy is the only real reason to buy it. The hybrid rewards a relaxed driving style, but is potentially the smoothest and most frugal Yaris of all.
Ride & Handling
The Auris does everything it should, but it’s not as accomplished as the best cars in this class. It grips and handles well enough, but it’s not as precise as a Ford Focus through corners and the steering has a detached feel. Similarly, while the ride is generally comfortable, it doesn’t smother bumps as well as a VW Golf.
Refinement
It’s not a noisy car by any means, but the Auris should be more refined. Its petrol engines are noisy at motorway speeds, for example, although they rev smoothly enough. By contrast, the diesel is quiet when cruising, but gruff around town, whereas the hybrid is near-silent as long as you take a gentle approach. Wind noise can be excessive on the motorway, and coarse surfaces and bumps kick up a bit too much noise in the cabin.
Buying & Owning
Toyota has priced the Auris aggressively and it undercuts many of its rivals, especially if you choose the TR models. Dealers won’t give you much of discount from the list price, but every engine is competitive for fuel economy and emissions, and the Auris holds its value reasonably well. The hybrid falls into the lowest company car tax band and is exempt from road tax.
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