Toyota Auris 1.6 XR (2015) Review

Toyota has had to up its game in the C-segment hatchback market as more (very capable) entrants have joined the local fray. It can’t rely purely on its brand heritage and reliability anymore as new entrants from Korea and Europe have in recent years pulled away in terms of desirability. This refreshed Auris has an all-new styling package and an interior that isn’t as bland as before. There’s also more value in the whole package at a competitive price point. We tested the 1.6 XR top-of-the-range model to see how it stacks up in a tough segment.

What’s refreshed?

As mentioned at the top, both the front and rear end have had extensive visits to the makeover department. In order to make the Auris more exciting, the front-end is more pointy and angry, and the nose appears lower as well. The rear has been redesigned to appear wider and the lights have been given a more distinctive appearance. The Auris is certainly a more recognisable vehicle now due to the changes. In tandem with the new design there are two new colours available, Citrus and metallic blue.

Inside the Auris

The interior has gone through a revamp as well. The lines inside are swoopy and there’s a huge tablet style touchscreen in the centre. This is standard on the XR and XS models and deals with media functions like Bluetooth, Aux and USB compatibility. The radio has a built-in economy metre that graphically shows the fuel economy over the current drive as well as the long term. The seats in this XR model are upholstered with leather and have two settings for heating (high or low heat). It’s a comfortable car to sit in with electric adjustment for lumbar support and an easy to set up driving position. Much of the details within the cabin have been improved to feel more upmarket and the small changes contribute massively to the premium feel the Auris now displays. Toyota has made sure that build quality remains core to its products’ appeal. The shut lines and trim are all perfectly aligned in the cabin.

Space around the interior is acceptable and rear passengers have good legroom. The boot is reasonable in size, holding 360-Litres. That compares with the VW Golf at 380-Litres and the Ford Focus at 316-Litres.

Safety spec

It’s still a bit strange that Toyota isn’t offering stability or traction control in the Auris, especially since it is now mandatory in Europe. There is ABS and EBD available with seven airbags around the cabin.

Does it have the go?

Powering this Auris XR is 1.6-Litre naturally aspirated petrol engine mated to a six-speed manual shifter. The engine is capable of 90 kW in combination with 160 Nm of torque. Here lies a small chink in the armour of the Auris. Whilst it’s fun to rev the Auris right to the redline and bang it through the gears, it’s not the most efficient way to get around, nor is it the way most owners will drive it. Unfortunately to get it to overtake or accelerate it needs to be revved and shifted up and down the gears regularly. Modern age turbocharged engines with more torque low down are easier to drive and easier to accelerate when overtaking. On long trips it became tiresome having to continuously work the gearbox and revs to overtake. Fuel efficiency wasn’t hurt too severely as we averaged 7.9L/100km over the Auris’ test period with us.

Fun to drive?

The Auris has a good chassis underneath it and you won’t be uncomfortable, whether you face tackling a mountain pass or the long, straight routes of the country. The Auris is very composed on the road with no real body roll or clumsy handling tendencies. The electric steering system is weighted well and the strength of the steering increases as the speed builds up. The clutch and throttle are easy to get accustomed to and in typical Toyota fashion, feel like they’ll last forever. Over rough surfaces, the Auris soaks up the harshness and does an excellent job of remaining solid.

Verdict

Following the recent updates, the Auris has a much stronger personality. The interior is solid and the equipment level is impressive in standard guise. The pricing has also been set at a very competitive point, well below the VW Golf for example. The engine though is the weak point on the Auris as modern turbo engines show up the weaknesses of natural aspiration in an everyday car. If you’re after a better engine then the Ford Focus 1.5 turbo is the best in segment, but if you’re not worried about power whatsoever then the Auris remains a solid, reliable choice.

Toyota Auris Pricing

The Toyota Auris starts as low as R223 700 for the 1.3-Litre model. Our test unit here is the 1.6 XR and costs R287 700. At the top of the range, the hybrid Auris XR HSD is quite dear at R361 800.

You can compare the Toyota Auris against the Golf and Focus here!

Want to buy a new Toyota Auris? Click here for more information.

Team Opinion

“The Toyota Auris is a well-built and well-equipped hatchback. It’s arguably the best Japanese hatchback yet, but its not good enough to sway me from a Volkswagen Golf 7.” – David Taylor

“I was impressed with the quality of the interior, it’s definitely Toyota’s best effort yet. They’ve also finally put some money and time into building/buying a top notch infotainment system, which is as good as any on the market.The noise coming into the cabin, whether via road or wind noise is a little harsher than I think it could be, but its a small gripe in an otherwise well executed package.The Auris’s biggest problem is the Mazda3, a cracking new car from Mazda which is as well specced and well priced.” – Ciro De Siena

“The Auris is now just as well made inside as the class-leading Volkswagen Golf, and that says a lot. It also happens to offer a good drive and the interior is comfortable too.” – Hannes Oosthuizen

We Like: New interior styling and build quality, good ride and handling, decent standard spec

We Don’t Like: Engine not as good as modern turbos, no stability control

Also Consider: Volkswagen Golf, Ford Focus, Mazda3, Hyundai i30, Kia Cerato, Renault Megane, Honda Civic

Toyota Auris 1.6 XR Quick Specs