Upgraded Auris Sensible, as well as Smart

It’s not the most commonly seen hatchback on our roads, yet the outgoing Toyota Auris still manages to lure away a whole 10 percent of potential VW Golf and Hyundai i20 buyers with the magnitude of its name badge. It’s the Corolla that really shines here, but now that the Auris has been refreshed, we might just see sales figures climbing considerably.

Aimed at professional young singles and couples in their thirties, the Auris is not just the safe, reliable choice anymore. And with the last few upgrades, I think it’s safe to say that it’s earned a bit of street cred. It looks more resolute, masculine, and sporty: The thinner upper grille and narrow headlamps with double chrome ‘eyeliner’ that flow into a larger Toyota emblem, all add to the feeling of dynamism. The lower grille now runs the full width of the car, which widens to include integrated fog lamps (from Xs model upwards). This is framed by a thin, chrome strip to add a bit of bling. A new shark fin roof antenna and turbine-inspired 16-inch alloy wheels have also been added. And in the rear, the Auris’s wide stance is pronounced by a more muscular bumper design, and reflector housings on the bottom, outer corners. Redesigned rear lamps and a thin chrome line at the very bottom, complete the Auris’s new look.

But changes aren’t limited to the Auris’s outer shell. The cabin has been upgraded as well, to impart a more premium look and feel. The modern new tablet-like touchscreen in the middle of the dashboard immediately places the Auris in a different class. New soft touch plastics, leather inserts and a dashboard with a layered look, is decidedly stylish.

At the local launch in Cape Town, I was given a manual Auris 1.6 XR, in eye-catching Citrus Metallic, to drive all over the Mother City, as I would on a typical day.
It’s easy to drive the new Auris, once you get used to the clutch. The enhanced electrical power steering definitely gives more feedback, and because the Auris is so low to the ground, it felt firmly planted around the bends of De Waal Drive. Much has been done to insulate the Auris from engine and road noise, and when the engine is running, you can hardly tell.

The suspension has also been tweaked, and ride quality is good. The 6 speed gearbox is flawless, and getting around town is comfortable. In this trim level, I would have liked to have Hill Start Assist, though. Any Capetonian will tell you how often you have to pull away at an incline. And the added new colour? Well, you either love it or hate it. Most people loved it. But if it gives you a headache, the new Metallic Blue is perhaps more socially acceptable.

Every Auris from the bottom up, offers an extensive value package: Entry-level X and Xi models which are available with 1.3 (with 73 kW and 128 Nm) and 1.6-litre (with 97 kW and 160 Nm) engines, have Bluetooth, Follow-me-home headlights, a shark fin antenna, a leather gear lever and steering wheel, electric power steering, air conditioner, dual front and side airbags, remote central locking, ABS with Brake Assist and Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD), seatbelt warning for all occupants, RDS audio four-speaker system, electric windows with and steering switches. (The X model comes with 15-inch steel wheels; the Xi model is equipped with 16-inch alloys.)

The Mid-range Xs model is only available on the 1.6-litre engine. This derivative is also equipped with the all-new audiovisual touch screen, and features front fog lamps, a piano black gloss finish for the grille and rear bumper with chrome trim accents, reverse camera with guidelines, a six-speaker sound system, vanity mirror lamps and Sport fabric upholstery.  (Safety spec is the same as in the X and Xi variants.)

The flagship XR models are available on the 1.6 manual and CVT as well as the Hybrid Derivative, which launches later this year. The XR variant gains auto lights, an electro-chromatic rearview mirror, a multi-information display (between the speedometer and rev counter), cruise control, smart entry and a push start button, dual-zone climate control, curtain airbags and a driver’s kneebag, full leather upholstery with seat heaters for the front seats, and electric lumbar support for the driver.

Every Auris comes with a three-year/100 000 km warranty. The Auris comes standard with a five-year/ 90 000 km service plan and a 24 hour ToyotaCare Roadside Assistance Programme.

PRICES

Auris X        -	R223 700
Auris Xi        -	R249 100
Auris Xs       -	R259 800
Auris XR         -	R287 700
Auris Xr CVT        -	R301 700