First Few Thoughts

[Exmeg2]

I recently bought a Toyota Auris TR 1.6 Valvematic and thought that I might share a few of my initial experiences with readers of this forum.

When I first started to look for a new car I concentrated most of my efforts on the small family sector. After a long hard slog around dealers collecting information and taking test drives I eventually drew up a shortlist of ten cars for more detailed assessment. At the start of the assessment I placed the Auris near the bottom of the list but gradually, as I applied more and more of my requirements, it moved slowly up until it reached second place behind the Golf. Unfortunately VW dealers could not reduce their prices to get within my budget so with reluctance I gave it a miss. Some of the factors which helped the Auris up the list were, reputation of Toyota for reliability, Toyota dealers seem to attract higher ratings for service than those of most volume car makers, number and proximity of dealers, the fact that in a previous life I owned a Corolla in which I covered close to 200,000 miles of trouble free motoring and never once failed the MOT, and a sizeable discount on the TR.

On first sight of the Auris in the showroom I was very impressed with its general air of quality – excellent paintwork and well fitted panels. Once inside the cabin this impression quickly vanished. Confronted by large areas of cheap looking hard brittle plastic, seat operating levers that look as if they will snap at the drop of a hat and seat fabric which does not inspire confidence that it will wear well I found it hard to believe that Toyota was asking over £15000 for this car. With two exceptions all controls seem to be well placed and easy to use. The exceptions are the two small buttons which change the Optitron instrument presentation; they are awkward to get at and might easily distract a driver who wishes to make a change when on the move. The wide range of seat and steering wheel adjustments make it easy to set up a comfortable position. Interior space is excellent especially in the rear. Generally good all round visibility is let down in the quarter light area. For me, the gear change lever is in the perfect position. The handbrake will take some getting used to.

On the road it quickly becomes obvious that the Auris is not a drivers’ car. The steering is almost lifeless, there is too much body roll and the rear suspension does not take kindly to rough roads. Wind noise is very well contained but road noise is intrusive. The car does not like crosswinds. The Optitron dials are clear and easy to read but there is no facility to adjust their illumination for daylight use. The engine is quiet, responsive with useful low down torque. The six speed close ratio gear box is a delight, quick, slick and fingertip light. There is a disconcerting increase in engine speed of about 3-400 rpm when changing gear and I have been told by Toyota dealers that this is a feature of the new Valvematic engine and is designed to minimise emissions. Seat comfort on a long drive is good.

It is far too early for me to come to a concrete conclusion on the Auris but so far I find that there is nothing exceptional about the car and at full retail price better value can be obtained elsewhere. However if discounts of at least £2000 can be negotiated then it is worth serious consideration. I shall not be at all surprised if I hear motoring critics describe the Auris in the same words that were often applied to the Corolla i.e. a car for people who are not interested in cars.