The new Toyota Auris has the task to revive the dull looks of the previous generation and inject a bit of life to the brand. We tested the only diesel version in mid-spec Icon. The full name is Toyota Auris 1.4 D-4D Icon, which sounds very technical but also anonymous and easy to be confused with the younger sibling Yaris. We personally preferred the name Corolla, a name used by Toyota for their sub-compact since 1966 and sold in over 39 million worldwide. Toyota obviously fancied a modern name opposed to Volkswagen who kept the name Golf since 1974 and sold in over 29 millions across the world, a household reference for reliability. Toyota is also a trusted name in motoring and all the range comes with 5-year/100,000-mile warranty.
EXTERIOR: The new Auris adopts Toyota's new 'Keen Look' styling. The front is really sporty with LED running lights and a big lower air intake. The back is very vertical and sharply cut, a bit of an heavy contrast with the sweeping front end which makes the three quarter angle view a bit wedgy. However we like the rear looks with vertical reflective studs on the bumper and the big light clusters which resembles to an Hyundai i30. The profile instead is a familiar look, very similar to the Lexus cousin, the elegant CT200h. Our car came in Aspen Grey, a sort of pale bronze. We prefer the Pearl White which enhances some of the styling effects but it's only available on the Hybrid version.
INTERIOR: Our Auris in Icon trim came well kitted with the optional IPA, a revolutionary Intelligent Parking Assist, a sort of electronic Jeeves which parks the car for you using a rear view camera and 10 parking sensors. The Icon trim includes Toyota Touch Multimedia, Bluetooth, DAB radio, Multifunctional steering wheel, Climate Control and 7 airbags. The interior seems well put together but there are loads of empty surfaces on the dashboard made of shiny hard plastic which makes it look dated, surely the lonely placed '80s digital clock doesn't help but it will last a lifetime. The instruments are easy to read and comprehensive of a multifunctional display. The oversized brushed aluminium insert on the dashboard causes quite a dazzling effect to the driver side under a low winter sunshine.
DRIVING: The 1.4ltr D-4D is a surprisingly brisk unit considering its cubic size. This 90 bhp Stop & Start engine is mated to a super-sleek 6 speed manual gearbox which is a pleasure to use. The power delivery comes in a big lump, the refinement is nowhere near the class leaders and the engine noise reminds of a Toyota Hi-Ace van with a boomy note at the top end of the rev range. However the Auris is a quiet cruiser at motorway speeds with just a whispering note. The fuel economy is rather impressive with a real world average of 57.2 mpg on a combined cycle.
PRICES: This version of the new Toyota Auris D-4D Icon has a retail price of £18,495 which undercuts a similar spec Golf by two thousand pound. The insurance is group 10, it comes with a vast array of kit as standard and it should prove dependable. All this package is backed up by the Toyota 5-year/100,000-mile warranty.
VERDICT: If you want something sensible to take to the shops, the Auris is a valid alternative to the usual Golf/Focus/Astra. Ultimately though there is a new-kid-on-the-block called the Seat Leon 1.6 TDI SE which in our opinion looks more stylish, has a better fuel economy from a more responsive and refined engine. The warranty on the Seat is not as long as the one on the Toyota and the Leon's insurance group is slightly higher but it's priced the same and it's a big threat for the not-so-entertaining and anonymous Auris. MG
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