Toyota Auris 1.6

Road Test

Your Say

Test date 17 January 2007 Price as tested £15,130

For Build quality, smooth engine, interior space, kit

AgainstDull to drive, feels slow, lack of oddment space

Toyota’s success is based solely on being the best at making cars, but not making the best cars. Think of the last time a Toyota qualified as the unequivocal leader in any specific category. Unless you run a Land Cruiser Amazon in darkest Africa, we suggest this might prove a difficult task.

Enter the Auris. Pronounce it as you will (the name is derived from the Latin for gold, Aurum, and is therefore supposed to be ow-ris).This is Toyota’s latest attempt to prove to the world that it can produce machines that engage the emotions as effectively as they already appeal to thrifty wallets. The version tested here is the 1.6 VVT-i 5dr.

Ditching the Corolla name for this new car was a move of unprecedented bravery for Toyota. After all, for all its slightly dull connotations, we are talking about the best-selling passenger car range of all time. But take a look at the specification of the Auris and you’ll quickly conclude that this new model marks a small evolutionary step in the development of the family hatchback.