Toyota Auris (Series)

All models with tests, data, prices and costs

The introduction of the Auris marked the end of an era for Toyota – at least in Europe. The Japanese Golf competitor replaced the long-running Corolla, which had been around for decades. However, the manufacturer’s change of strategy in the compact segment was not entirely stringent. The name Corolla was retained for the notchback version and the markets outside Europe. In terms of vehicle technology, the Auris offers a special feature, particularly in terms of the drive system: the estate version is available as a full hybrid – something that no other brand offers.

Data

The compact model, whether hatchback or estate, is currently available with two petrol engines, one diesel (each with four cylinders) and a hybrid version. The petrol engines with 1.33 litre or 1.2-litre displacement produce 99 hp or 116 hp, are capable of 175 km/h or 200 km/h and have a standard consumption of 5.5 litres and 4.8 litres respectively. All engines are equipped with a 6-speed manual gearbox as standard, only the 1.2-litre can also be ordered with a CVT automatic transmission (1600 euros extra). The 1.6 D-4D with 112 hp also reaches a maximum speed of 200 km/h but consumes much less with 4.2 litres of diesel. It is only undercut by the 1.8 VVT-i hybrids with 136 hp, which consumes 3.5 litres of fuel and reaches a maximum speed of 180 km/h.

• Narrow engine and power range
• Full hybrid version
• CVT automatic only for one engine

Test

In tests, the Auris makes a solid impression. The workmanship is considered good, despite some cheap plastic in the interior. When it comes to space, the compact doesn’t have to hide behind its competitors – this is especially true for the estate, which can hold 530 litres to 1658 litres and comes with a partition net as standard. While the unique selling point of the hybrid drive in the station wagon attracts repeated attention, the combustion engines are considered refined. Although there are no proven powerful engines, the 1.2-litre turbo engine is considered perfectly adequate for everyday use, also thanks to a maximum torque of 185 Nm reached early on. The chassis is said to be pleasantly comfortable. The only flaws are in the details: the window protection does not work reliably and the headrests in the rear are a little too low – a compromise in view of the rather poor all-round visibility in many cars.

• good space
• refined engines
• comfortable chassis

Prices

The Auris is offered from 16,490 Euros – at this starting price, the 1.33-litre petrol engine with 99 hp is available. The 1.2-litre is a hefty 6,000 Euros more expensive but is also the more powerful and at the same time more economical engine. The only diesel is listed at a minimum of 25,140 euros. This makes it even more expensive than the hybrid version, which is listed at 23,490 Euros. The estate costs 1200 euros more each. The standard safety equipment is quite extensive with seven airbags, collision warning and lane departure warning, for extras Toyota charges average prices. For example, LED headlights cost 950 Euros, a glass sunroof 750 Euros and leather upholstery from 850 Euros. With a three-year new car warranty, Toyota offers one year more than German manufacturers.

• Hybrid cheaper than diesel
• three-year warranty
• Extensive safety equipment

Series description

At the 2006 Paris Motor Show, the Auris study announced the production model, which rolled into German dealerships in 2007 as a three- and five-door model a few months later. At 4.22 metres, the Auris was three centimetres longer, slightly less wide and a touch higher than the VW Golf, which was identified as the main competitor by its dimensions alone.
Nevertheless, Toyota did not use its hybrid expertise to set the Auris apart from Wolfsburg. At the market launch, the compact model was only available with two petrol and two diesel engines, each generating 97 hp to 177 hp from a displacement of 1.4 to 2.2 litres. This meant that the Auris could reach speeds of up to 215 km/h. Faster than any current model.

Later, a 1.33-litre petrol engine with 101 hp was added, as the first unit with an automatic start-stop system and with a standard consumption of 5.8 litres on average (CO2 emission: 135 g/km). Power transmission for the compression-ignition models was via a 6-speed gearbox, while the more powerful petrol engine could also be ordered with a continuously variable CVT automatic transmission typical of Japanese manufacturers and paddle shifters on the steering wheel.

Discreet growth in length, fresh face

A special safety feature was a knee airbag for the driver – a first in the class. ABS, brake assist and the stability system VSC, which other manufacturers call ESP, were also on board as standard. While the air conditioning did not cost extra either, the Auris lost out in terms of boot space with only 354 litres compared to the VW Golf with 380 litres. However, the interior had a lot of storage space.

Toyota’s special motor path only became apparent in 2009 at the IAA, when the full hybrid study Auris HSD (Hybrid-Synergy-Drive) was on display. But before the tandem of internal combustion engine and electric motor went on sale, Toyota renewed the entire model in the course of a facelift. This meant a redesigned front end and a fresh interior for the compact model. Technically, only the steering and chassis were revised. The now somewhat bulkier car face brought a discreet increase in length to 4.25 metres.

In autumn 2010, customers could buy the 136 hp full hybrid with drive technology from the Prius for the first time. At least according to the datasheet, the Auris HSD consumed only 3.8 litres on average, which meant CO2 emissions of 89 g/km. The standard equipment was more extensive and included alloy wheels, an MP3-capable audio system and automatic climate control. The higher Executive variant featured Bluetooth hands-free equipment, rain sensor, keyless entry system and automatic dipped headlights.

The temperament of the Toyota Auris Hybrid is rather subdued.

Better use of space, fewer engines

At the 2012 Paris Motor Show, Toyota showed the new edition of its compact car, in parallel with the Golf, whose seventh generation was presented at the same show. Generation number two came with a sleeker design and was, therefore, more aerodynamic, which, combined with lower vehicle weight, also led to less fuel thirst.

Although the dimensions were hardly changed, the space utilisation of the new model was better: The boot now held 360 litres, which was 6 litres more, and the back seat was a little airier. The novelty par excellence, however, was the Touring Sports, the first Auris estate, which was also available with hybrid drive and is thus still unrivalled in the compact class.

On the other hand, the hatchback’s wealth of variants suffered: The three-door model was taken out of the range, and the engine range was also thinned out. There were only two petrol and two diesel engines with a power range from 99 hp to 124 hp. There was nothing new under the bonnet until the autumn 2015 facelift.

Extensive safety equipment

The model update brought a new turbo petrol engine with 116 hp from 1.2 litres of displacement as well as a 116 hp diesel engine supplied by BMW. The entire range now complied with the Euro 6 emissions standard, and the hybrid version’s fuel consumption dropped to 3.5 litres (CO2 emissions: 79 g/km).

Instead of the usual car face, the most recent revision mainly renovated the interior, which now offered a larger touchscreen. The range of driver assistance systems also increased with the addition of a collision warning system and emergency brake assist, as well as electronic aids for high beam and lane-keeping. Blind Spot Assist and drowsiness detection, however, are still not available.