T180 Due Friday 16/11/07

[Cablechap]

Yes, my 5 door black T180 arrives a week on Friday. I've gone for the style pack but will remove the chrome strip.

Dealer will be mounting the lowering springs and I am getting a quote for fitting the front and side skirts which needs to be less than Toyotadirectparts' £570, and will add the rear mudflaps to finish it off. Also intend to cut the exhaust end pipe and attach a stainless steel oval trim. Might get a Lindop power chip once the engine's run in.

Insurance quote for all the mods inc the chip is coming in at less than £400 full comp with £200 total excess - so not bad.

Will upload photos when complete.

Anyone considered the sports steering wheel from TTE?

One more question: my wife's cheap Corsa 1.4 sxi has auto volume control depending on the engine speed and she ribs me about it - has Toyota added this to the Auris, as my Corolla T-Sport doesn't have it?

My T-Sport needs to go if anyone is interested.....

[G6-R]

Congratulations :D

[OldSkoO1]

No auto vol control i'm afraid - the button is right by your thumb though :)

be carefull over bumps; t180 is lower anyway and i've scraped the suspension on a hump at an angle so with lowering make sure you go over humps straight on.

Have fun!

[Cablechap]

No auto vol control i'm afraid - the button is right by your thumb though :)

be carefull over bumps; t180 is lower anyway and i've scraped the suspension on a hump at an angle so with lowering make sure you go over humps straight on.

Have fun!

Thanks,

Hers has steering wheel volume control too as well auto volume control. I suspect it may not matter on a diesel as they usually run noiser at low speeds so setting it at an acceptable level then should still remain audible at higher speeds.

I guess it will be similar to driving my lowered/bodykitted Corolla T-Sport over bumps/rough road, so have 4 years experience of that already. I'm hoping the Auris front skirt will not be quite as low as the mkI Corolla one.

Keep a look out for it - I'm driving up and around the West Midlands all the time.

You still on the AVForums, as well as me?

[Sinttruijen]

..... I'm hoping the Auris front skirt will not be quite as low as the mkI Corolla one.....

You still on the AVForums, as well as me?

hahaha , Keep on dreaming. I am already up for my second front skirt on my T180 after a small jump.

But, no worry.

Your dealer will put up a front skirt on stock for you after you have been a few times

[G6-R]

Never scratched mine on my AURIS and its lowerd to

[OldSkoO1]

t180 is VERY quiet for a diesel; apart from the occasional diesel clatter (and mild clatter at that) at some RPM intervals, you would never know it was diesel.

everyone i know never thought it was a diesel :) you can hear the turbo whistle over the engine at any rpm over 1.5k when the turbo spools up.

nothing like a ford or vag

[OldSkoO1]

t180 is VERY quiet for a diesel; apart from the occasional diesel clatter (and mild clatter at that) at some RPM intervals, you would never know it was diesel.

everyone i know never thought it was a diesel :) you can hear the turbo whistle over the engine at any rpm over 1.5k when the turbo spools up.

nothing like a ford or vag

and i must say; so damm good in the wet like today. Oooodles of grip from standstill and tonnes of grip in the turns, never lets go unlike the t3 i think it was i drove which saw me oversteer then side ways in the wet (this was on an open patch of tarmac btw).

today in the wet was great. better traction than the compressor for sure. Funny to remember how all the standard hatches just used to spin their wheels in the wet. It reminded me as someone pulled out of the Shell station tonight in an meganne and his wheels spinning frantically at fairly low speeds as it struggled for traction on the wet road. :D

[Jp-Auris]

driving a T3 yes the traction is fairly poor but i like it that way, i found myself turning left off a round about and on 2nd gear i was wheel spining, but its weird the T3 i was going round a round about in 3rd (big round about) and when i force myself to slide it would, i would tweek the steering to the left and back to the right and it would slide but with control, this is where i think the weight of the car comes in, it keeps my four tyres on the ground and simply nudge it back straight and im going straight again.

[Cablechap]

Running a bit late with picking up my T180 should be tomorrow rather than last Friday, as-per-usual the new insurance certificate did not arrive in time. Lowering springs are on (doesn't look any lower though) and body kit is fitted - photos to follow.....

[OldSkoO1]

Moving from a t-sport too

Please post your review and reasons for changing :)

i used to drive a compressor and really enjoyed the change; t180 much more rounded car imho although do miss the noise. The comfort, effortless power delivery and all round ability more than makes up for it. 40mpg is just a bonus.

[Cablechap]

Moving from a t-sport too

Please post your review and reasons for changing :)

i used to drive a compressor and really enjoyed the change; t180 much more rounded car imho although do miss the noise. The comfort, effortless power delivery and all round ability more than makes up for it. 40mpg is just a bonus.

Review to be advised, though I can say right now I would have preferred sportier seats and a spare wheel (I know the boot would have been smaller with having independent suspension - by the way the new Civic Type R got a Top Gear slating for removing it). May buy the sports steering wheel if it's cheap enough - infact I think Toyota should have offered a complete sports pack as an option, partly in lieu of the sunroof. Don't like the mirrors mounted off the door panels, prefer Peugeot 307 solution. One or two negatives I guess but more positives otherwise I would not have bought it. Considered a few others: Civic - not enough power, don't like the rear glass or dashboard, Golf - expensive and getting on a bit, Astra - common and getting on a bit, Leon - don't like the wave line and dealer too far away, Focus - under powered and common. Auris is new, rarer and has loads of power to start with plus lots of toys.

I would have kept the T-Sport if it had more torque lower down, but probably only for another year as it is already 4 years old. I enjoy the engine note but am getting bored with having to rev it like a drill to get at the power - and would like to have effortless power especially when the family are aboard. I also needed a slightly bigger boot over 350 rather than the 289 of the T-Sport. I do just over average miles per annum so will look forward to better mpg savings. Arm rest extension is a must, and may chip it to 210+bhp in a few months.

[OldSkoO1]

The revving did get a bit tedious after time. Drove a copper s the other day and it reminded me of the compressor. However it was a pile compared to my T180. The supercharger was nice but just felt like a quicker 1.6. I instantly missed all the torque from my T180. My foot was jammed in 2nd, wasn't very free revving at all - really didnt like it but thats a diff story.

Also agree with lack of sports options, that really is a shame. I tinted rear windows and i have a grill Badge some mud flaps and i will be getting the rear twin pipes and a chip when i know what is reliable and decent.

I think you'll need the twin pipes to make use of the chip fully and i believe it would be beneficial to install a better air filter thing posted earlier on these forums from TRC tuning.

Looking forward to your review even if you can't drive it until broken in. You'll get plenty of shove from 2.5k rpm which is safe when breaking in but you need at least 3.2k rpm 75% power to get a torque boost from 3rd to 4th. I dont think thats wise until at least 650miles

[Cablechap]

I'm going to add my T180 thoughts as I go along...

Right, picked the beast up last night, looks good to me especially with the bodykit (rear spoiler, side skirts, front skirt and painted rear mudflaps) and springs which are slightly lower after measuring a standard T180, and taking it easy , i.e. changing at 2k, so can't comment on handling and performance yet.

Went to open the drivers window but couldn't find the button straight away - unlit - this is a step backwards compared with my T Sport. I don't understand Toyota logic - give us loads of electronic toys on this model then miss out the obvious ones. While on the subject, I had a Tipo 2.0i.e. 16v in the mid 90s and know Fiats are poor for electrics, but the stalks were even lit on that old car.

Had a quick look in the boot and on first impressions it looks as though there is room for a temporary wheel - so why the punchure kit, hard to believe it is cheaper.

I intend to get a GPS kit for my SPV M3100 phone, but in the meantime I use maps - went to put them in landscape in the seat back pockets - wouldn't fit, so potrait then. The seats don't look smaller than the T Sport's.

The weekend will see some sort of exhaust trim from Demon Tweeks - preferably oval and straight.

Questions:

Where do most of you store the loose cigarette thingy so it doesn't rattle?

Is the armrest technically an armrest as my arm is no where near it - anyone really tall find it of any use? I'd really like to buy/make an extension collar rather than buy the new Toyota £127 armrest thingy.

Anyone know the best solvent/method of removing the rear chrome strip - it makes the boot look fussy?

Based on the Toyota Lindop pdf, I expect a 20% (35bhp) power increase with just the TMC chip alone. This is enough for me, but is it really possible without exhaust and airfilter mods? At present, this chip is being further developed as apparently the T180 diesel works in a different way to other D4Ds.

As usual we tend to pick up on the negatives and niggles - however I am sure I will find plenty that will be positive. If you haven't seen them yet there are two long term test reviews on Fifth Gear website, including draining the Battery by leaving the lights on, and filling with petrol....

[T600]

Great thread; I'm looking forward to hearing how you get on with the car over time, especially the powerchip when available. T180 + 35bhp sounds like lots of fun. I may have to seriously consider going Diesel if it works out as planned. As it is, the T180 sounds like an attractive package anyway.

Do you need to store the loose cigarette thingy? I presume you mean the lighter, in which case unless you smoke in your new car, leave it at home.

[Aldridge Andy]

I'm going to add my T180 thoughts as I go along...

Questions:

Where do most of you store the loose cigarette thingy so it doesn't rattle?

On a shelf in my wardrobe! :D

[OldSkoO1]

I dont smoke but i put it in the door space for now.

Hope the car goes well for you

The armrest was a bit odd for me but you soon get used to it and it actually improves your posture. I find when driving my RAV4 xtr with big armrest i'm leaning to the left a lot so twisting my spine slightly just so i can rest my arm. With the T180 i normally have both hands on the wheel and am pretty square to the wheel.

I loved my T180 when i first got it and never had any negatives and still dont. I really love it as an everyday car. Didnt want a big saloon and like to transport my family in my wifes XTR at the weekend. T180 ticks all the boxes for me. I get in and drive, it does everything else for me. Auto wipers, auto lights, auto air conditioning and auto rear mirror, wing mirror heaters, quick demist, couldn't really want more.

Added bonuses are its quick and it gives me 41mpg :)

P.S. on my daily commute if i'm in traffic and moving along at a steady pace, if you stick to the economy gear changes you'll get the stated 45mpg; maybe not in the winter as the engine burns more fuel to get up to temp and with your lights on, aircon etc you might only get 41mpg but in summer you'll get good economy. I got 52mpg for the whole journey if i took it easy.

Running in, dont labour the engine, i wouldn't stick to the economy changes as the last you want to do is labour the engine. I would make a big habbit of varying the RPM a lot even in gear at a steady speed, dont stay at the same RPM. Constantly vary the engine speed, dont go over 3k for the first 400 miles, you could hit 3.5k a few times between 400 and 650 miles. After 650 miles you can take it up to 3.5k more often but keep varying the RPM at when you change gear until at least 1000 miles and dont ever use cruise control until at least 2k miles is my thoughts.

Dont race or accelerate hard within the first 650 miles and i wouldn't race up the rev range until 1000 miles. I would let the turbo get some miles under its belt before you put it under heavy load.

With brakes dont brake hard within the first 300 odd miles i think it says in the book. But after that occasially press the brakes hard so the pads dont glaze over and reduce braking performance. Its also good to brake quite hard to clear rust off the discs.

Varing the RPM and gradually taking the RPM up over 1-2000 miles i find is the best way to run the car in. I would give it a bit of welly at least once or twice under 1000 miles. And once you reach the 1000 miles milestone i would take it up to 4k and then later on 4.5k to clear the soot out. Once run in, accelerate up to make RPM just to clean to soot out :D

I never get any soot any more and oil looks great for a diesel with 5k miles but Shell fuel also helps to clean!

[Cablechap]

Yes, intend to carry on taking it easy and varying revs within reason. Starting to get use to it and it seems to go round corners pretty well though obviously not thrashing around them yet.

Took it up to Wolverhampton and back today, the most noise I heard at speed was tyre noise. The auto lights are a bit weird - went under a motorway interchange and on they came, out the otherside and off they went - I think the traffic in front thought I was flashing them! Lots of people staring at the car since yesterday, including a few Golf GTI drivers - hopefully for the right reasons.

Interior is growing on me - looks good, but don't think many cars have enough cup holders for 5 people, not sure why you really need that many though.

Had a look round when I got back and already missing a valve cap.

Couple more trips this week, then Wrexham Saturday - miles will soon pile on.

Anyone got answers for the rest of my questions?

[Cablechap]

Spent sometime skimming through the handbook last night while England were playing, and need to make a correction. Apparently, the T180 doesn't have a sunroof, it's a "moonroof".

Also answering one of my own questions regarding the autolights. There is a sensitivity scale of 1-5, and the default is 3, so that will be changed, as they were going off and on everytime I went under a bridge this morning.

Got another question which I didn't find the answer to last night (though it might be hidden in the handbook somewwhere).

Imagine the scene, it's Saturday afternoon, and your other half has just nipped into the supermarket for a few groceries, while you wait in the car listening to the football. How do you do that without the engine running, as pressing the radio 'on' button doesn't seem to work?

Previously, I was referring to the loose ashtray thingy not the cigarette lighter.

[Aldridge Andy]

Imagine the scene, it's Saturday afternoon, and your other half has just nipped into the supermarket for a few groceries, while you wait in the car listening to the football. How do you do that without the engine running, as pressing the radio 'on' button doesn't seem to work?

Previously, I was referring to the loose ashtray thingy not the cigarette lighter.

You can step throught the usual ignition "steps" such as Accessories... On.... Start (if you press the cluch pedal).... Off.... by not pressing the Clutch Pedal.

As you are aware if you do press the clutch pedal from "Off" you go straight to "Start! :D

... PS I was referring to that "Ashtray thing" in my earlier post, I just put it in my wardrobe! ;)

[Cablechap]

Thanks Andy, I'll look out for yours next time I'm in Aldridge. Called at the dealership tonight for a valve cover and they confirmed your advice re: the engine off radio on, and also how to turn the radio off from the steering wheel - my T-Sport has a separate switch. Dealer also suggested bug/tar remover for taking the chrome strip off - anyone tried?

Been varying the pressure on the right foot to help break it in, wow its's seriously fast off a roundabout and no wheel spinning and obviously I've not put metal to the floor yet. I'm gonna enjoy seeing in my rear view mirror the expressions on the Civic Type R and Golf GTI brigade, etc. On my travels today in Oldbury I saw a black 888 Astra 3dr parking up - Toyota could do with an outfit that messies around with diesels.

Ashtray thingy is currently residing in one of the cup holders between the back seats.

[Cablechap]

Right then, time for an update.

Saturday afternoon was spent at Demon Tweeks, Wrexham. Originally intended to buy a stainless steel Daytona Oval Classic Dia94mm x Dia66mm x150mm exhaust trim for £27 and later fit myself with the help of a hacksaw and a screwdriver, but didn't fit.

So, ended up with a Powerflow (PWFSSTPV189) Oval Dia100mm x Dia80mm stainless steel trim with the original bent exhaust pipe cut and this new one welded on. Total price £58.19 and a nice drive out. You can see from the pics that size wise it's not too far away from the TTE Dia105mm x Dia73mm and helps the sporty look for alot less than the Toyota twin solution, though admittedly without any performance increase.

More photos to follow when I have the time, the car is clean, and there is enough light.

[Cablechap]

First tank of fuel used up - well from the last time I got the flashy bar to this time. Done plenty of motorway driving plus around town and have managed a quite poor 410 miles for 46 litres roughly 10 gallons, so about 41mpg+. Expect this to improve as the engine settles in. Noticed the dash advises you in 3 ways that you need fuel - flashy bar, 'low fuel' message instead of outside temp & clock, and warning symbol.

It's my first black car, washed it at the weekend but is filthy already. My Thunder Grey T-Sport always seemed to look clean.

More Civic Type-Rs showing an interest in Birmingham today, but I'm still taking it easy.

Anyone asked the question - can a space-saver wheel be used with the T180? Tried one (17") from a T-Spirit, it fit in the boot, but against the wheel was too small, so tyre needs to be bigger to match the rolling circumference, which means it probably would'nt fit in the boot with the right size tyre. Was wondering if the independent suspension places too much of a load on the spacesaver wheel aswell.

[OldSkoO1]

I get about 450 miles to a tank and 40mpg with steady driving plus a few foot downs.

Does me fine; in higher temp's you'll get closer to 45mpg.

[Cablechap]

Dug out one of the photos of my T180 before picking up - it has already got the TMS rear spoiler, TMS front and side skirts, and been lowered on the TMS springs.