Toyota Auris (Parallel Imported)

Prior to the Auris i was driving a Honda jazz, and instantly i felt like this was the right decision.

First thing i noticed when i got into the Auris were the seats, you instantly feel very safe and snug because they resembled bucket seats, much like the ones you get in other popular hot hatches.

After driving through a couple of windy roads, everything started to make sense. Toyota most certainly had this cars handling and performance held in high priority. Combined with the wide wheelbase, i'd say this car qualifies to join the Hot-Hatch ranks.

Unlike my previous jazz, i was tightly stuck in my seat through corners. Quite the opposite from the jazz.

The next thing i absolutely MUST elaborate on is the gearbox. It is Brilliant!

Toyota calls this the Super Sequential Shift-Matic but what it resembles is the Dual clutch technology in Volkswagen and Audi. It shifts so quickly, you don't even feel it. I am still very impressed and i'm guessing, its excellent fuel consumption is due to this as well.

Fuel consumption is advertised at 18km/l which I always take with a little salt.

In my recent month of driving, i accomplished 17.2km/l with a about 70% highway and 30% regular roads. That't more than what i had hoped for!

Now let me talk about the looks. Toyota has outdone itself with the exterior styling, it oozes lexus'es sexy curves combined with the right angles. It is very visually appealing. Ride height is low, but still functional, no issues with any humps or HDB carparks which is a plus point for me.

Interior wise, the dashboard exudes stylish and fine finishing, not too plastic-like, again, very visually appeasing.

To sum this review up, if you want to have a car that is relatively low on cost but provides an emotionally connected driving experience with good looks and low petrol consumption, this car should be at the top of your list.

For starters, this review combines elements of both the UK-built Auris (from BM) and the Japanese version (from PIs). BM doesn't bring in the Auris anymore, so I'll share my thoughts on the PI-Auris, which I was lucky to drive while in Perth

For a start, I alot of pple will compare this vehicle to the Golf and the i30. I haven't driven the i30 but I have done the Golf. I think the comparison isn't fair when you consider that the Golf doesn't run on a NA solution.

Moving off probably takes a lot more effort given the vehicle weighs close to 1.3 tons, esp. in the 1.5l version. But the 1.8l version doesn't feel that way at all. The doors are firm and gives a sense of security, and if that doesn't make you feel that way, the 7 air bags and ABS will. Traction controls comes as standard, though I prefer to turn that off if you want a bit of fun during sharper corners.

Once it's off, I would describe the drive as being engaging. I have no complaints about the ease at which the steering wheel turns - some reviewers find it too light but I find it firm and a useful feature esp. if you're sharing this car with the wife.

I tried the 1.8l version in Perth and along bending and winding roads, I find that's where the car came into it's own, gripping the roads firmly despite clearly being overpumped at 270kpa. I never felt insecure while moving around the bends, and credit must go to the aerodynamic design of the vehicle.

If I have a major complaint, it would be about the fuel economy. The 7 spd CVT doesn't groan as much as most online reviews say, but I don't exactly get the 5.7l/100km described by BM from my UK-built Auris.

It's still a solid built. Though take note if you're buying a brand new Auris, it'll be the Japanese version which has less features (which is fine, see blow) and feels less posh than the UK version. But for 10k less, I think it's worth your while.