Road test: Toyota Auris Touring Sports
Toyota’S Auris, which replaced the ubiquitous Corolla a few years ago, comes in various petrol, diesel and hybrid guises to which we can now add the Touring Sports — or estate to you and me.
It has a cavernous 530-litre boot, which increases to 1,658 litres with the rear seats down, and a choice of four engines from a 1.33 or 1.6-litre petrol unit, to a 1.4-litre diesel and 1.8 hybrid, which can achieve up to a claimed 76.3mpg and 84g/km of CO2.
Styling is neat but unexceptional, as is the driving experience in the hybrid. Its heavy batteries make it feel a little ponderous in the corners and its CVT gearbox means tackling hills is a noisy business. However, the batteries are hidden away to avoid reducing load space.
The 1.6-litre petrol version with a six-speed manual gearbox was a much better drive, feeling more responsive and nimble. The ride on both models was quiet and smooth.
Despite Toyota’s claims of 70.6mpg for the hybrid on the optional 17in wheels, it managed only 47mpg in our hands during the test, and drivers interested in its load-lugging capacity would be better off choosing a petrol or diesel variant.
Those wanting greater driving fun might opt for estates such as the Ford Focus, Vauxhall Astra or Kia cee’d, but faithful Toyota fans who like the five-year warranty and solid Toyota construction will not be disappointed.
Toyota Auris Touring Sports 1.8
Hybrid Synergy Drive Excel
Top speed: 109mph;
MPG: 70.6
Emissions: 92g/km;
Price: £22,845
