During 2015 Toyota updated the Auris. Like with the Avensis, which received updates at the same time, the exterior changes were subtle. Toyota were once again focusing on safety and engine efficiency. The Auris is in a funny category because it is in direct competition with the Corolla. The subtle changes to the exterior include new headlamps and a lower grille. The Auris now looks slightly sportier and more aggressive than before. This would only be noticed if you were to sit an older model next to the updated version. The rear has a new lower bumper as well as new reflector lights.
There are five engines available at present to the Irish market. Petrol offerings include a 1.33 Dual VVT-i engine that offers 99 bhp. This particular engine has been around for a while and Toyota are keeping it on the market to see if the other engine choices prove popular. A new petrol is the 1.2 Turbo engine that offers 116 bhp, this would be a more exciting offering and it is smooth and quiet. This should bring you from 0-100 km/h in 10.1 seconds and according to Toyota it has an excellent combined fuel economy of 4.7l/100km – this of course depends on how efficiently it is driven.
Diesel options include a 1.4 D-4D that offers 90 bhp and a 1.6 litre D-4D that gives maximum power of 112 bhp. This is a BMW-built engine and it feels nice to drive. Of course there is also a hybrid version available with a 1.8 litre engine. This offers 136 bhp.
As part of its upgrade the Auris received a better suspension set up and it deals better with bumps and imperfections than before. The vehicle also received improvements to its steering and it is now more responsive. The steering still feels a little bit light but it is a big improvement on the pre-upgrade model.
The Auris has also received improved sound insulation with extra silicon used around the gaps. This is better than before but some road and wind noise does seep through, although it wouldn’t stand out as the worst in its segment for this.
The interior also received a slight update and it now houses Toyota’s new “Touch 2” infotainment system. This technology is delivered through an extremely easy to use seven inch touch screen. The instrument panel is also laid out better than before. The interior is now borderline exciting and it’s certainly a good move by Toyota.
During 2013 the Auris underwent the Euro NCAP tests and received a full five stars. It scored an excellent 92% for adult occupancy and 84% for child occupancy. For pedestrian safety it received 68%. Like the updated Avensis, the Auris also receives Toyota’s Safety Sense package as standard. This include Pre-Collision System, Lane Departure Alert, Automatic High Beam and Road Sign Assist. Toyota’s aim here is to reduce traffic accidents within Toyotas. The system is very good and it should help to make our roads safer. The pre-collision system uses cameras and lasers to check the area in front of the car. If it feels that a collision is about to occur the system automatically applies the brakes.
The Auris is a spacious vehicle with an estate-like feel. It feels more spacious than the Nissan Pulsar for example. The boot area is good and there are no leg or head room issues to the front or rear.
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