Cars

The Toyota Auris is the answer to your addiction

October 16, 2016

550

Auris Intervention

Are you addicted to: Overtly-styled, complex designs with large overhangs

We have the antidote: Crisp lines, elegant detail and simplistic style

Auris remains a truly classy hatch, featuring a well-proportioned shape with that characteristic hatchback profile. The sloping bonnet line terminates in a prominent chrome ‘brow’, which elegantly integrates the sharp headlamp design, incorporating projector technology, with a large Toyota ellipse in the centre.

The lower air-dam echoes the sweeping shape of the grille, with piano black ‘fins’ emphasising a strong horizontal line.

Moving to the rear, the lamps feature a striking bi-tone design with clear indicator elements and distinctive dual-edged light guides, which lend the Auris a unique nocturnal visual signature.

16-inch ‘turbine-inspired’ alloy wheels shod with 205/55R16 rubber round off the exterior package.

Addiction: Tech-heavy features, complex user manuals and intricate operation

Antidote: Intuitive ergonomics, core specification features and ease-of-use functionality

The interior of the Auris provides occupants a supremely comfortable space to interact with. The steering wheel is a delight to “behold”, featuring a leather-wrapped rim and perfectly positioned steering controls – giving the driver full command of the audio and multi-information display systems and integrated Bluetooth functionality. The multi-information display includes on-board computer readouts, relaying vehicle vitals to the driver.

The Auris cabin projects a feeling of quality and solidity, which is further bolstered by touches such as the leather gear knob and chrome detailing around the instrument cluster. The dashboard facia features a high-tech ‘carbon tread-plate’ motif, which separates the contrast stitched “leather” upper, from the spacious lower glove compartment.

Rear seat passengers are catered for with a centre rear arm rest, incorporating convenient cup holders that are further complimented by large bottle holders in the door pockets – making long journeys an easy affair.

On the in-car entertainment front, the Auris Xi boasts a large centrally-mounted screen with cool blue illumination, and provides users the option to choose between AM/FM, CD, USB and Bluetooth media sources.

The blue illumination theme is carried throughout the interior, creating a sense of unity and serenity.

Addiction: Track-orientated suspension, no-compromise dynamics and ‘focused’ ride quality

Antidote: Balanced chassis, excellent refinement and low NVH

One of the first things you’re likely to note about the Auris, is its quiet cabin and overall refinement. The vehicle makes light work of both city and long-distance commutes, with minimal road and wind noise intruding into the cabin resulting in an easy-to-drive feeling.

The chassis offers a great balance between comfort and ‘sportiness’, with McPherson strut configuration up front, and a well-tuned torsion beam design in the rear. The ride quality in particular is excellent, well damped and allows for smooth progress over a variety of surfaces.

The Auris is, of course, based on the world’s most loved car – the Corolla – and is in fact badged as the Corolla hatch in some markets, endowing it with an impressive pedigree.

Addiction: Stratospheric power outputs, insatiable fuel consumption and frenetic power delivery

Antidote: Proven 1.6-litre engine, flat consumption curve and relaxed cruising

The Auris Xi utilises Toyota’s proven 1.6 litre normally-aspirated petrol engine, which features VVTi (Variable Valve Timing intelligent) and Valvematic (electronically controlled valve lift in lieu of a conventional throttle), to promote excellent combustion efficiency and smooth, linear power delivery. The four-pot mill churns out 97 kW and 160 Nm of torque.

The rev-happy nature of the engine is well suited to the six-speed manual transmission, with a tall sixth gear promoting low fuel consumption and a low cruising rpm.

An interesting aspect to note with this engine is the flat fuel consumption curve. Whilst some engines may boast impressive ‘cruising’ economy figures, their fuel usage increases exponentially when driven with more ‘gusto’.

Contrastingly the Auris’ 1.6-litre engine manages to deliver a good median fuel economy figure – even when pressing on. Playing the numbers game sees the combined cycle figure register at 6.2 litres per 100 kilometres.

Eco-conscious drivers needn’t be alarmed as the CO₂ emissions are kept in check at 145 g/km.

Addiction: Low sweeping roof lines, form-over-function, compromised spaces

Antidote: Focus on convenience, spacious boot and useful features

As a nod to convenience and practicality, the Auris features a spacious interior with room for five adults. The traditional hatchback profile affords the car excellent packaging, with efficient use of space. A large luggage compartment features shopping hooks conveniently placed on either side to secure items, with a low loading-sill allowing easy movement of cargo.

On the safety front, Auris comes fully decked out with Driver + Passenger + Side airbags whilst active safety is looked after by an alphabet soup of ABS+BAS+EBD. The obligatory ISOFIX seat anchor system is naturally part of the specification array.