Used Toyota Auris Review (2015-2019) MK2
Independent review by Peter Hayward from Driving Force
4-minute read
Overview
- Quiet on the move
- Reliable
- Pleasant driving experience
- Sluggish automatic gearbox
- Rivals are better looking
- Interior may feel dated
What's the Toyota Auris like?
The series of Toyota’s Auris built between 2015 and 2019 might not stand far out from the crowd in the car park, but it’s so well-built that it should last for many years.
And as well as being very comfortable, it also handles well and is much better fun than its predecessor to drive.
Also, and this is a big plus for private buyers, cars that are less than five years old will benefit from Toyota's 5-year 100,000-mile transferrable warranty, giving peace of mind.
There are 5-door hatch and estate versions to choose from and all have plenty of interior space for four, or five at a pinch.
The Auris is about the same size as the Vauxhall Astra and Ford Focus, and offers similar performance.
This later model is much better looking and has lower running costs than its predecessor. It’s also more British than any Ford, having been built at Burnaston in Derbyshire.
Engines
Engines in the range from 2015 were a 1.2-litre turbo petrol with 114bhp, a petrol/electric hybrid with 98bhp and a 1.6-litre turbo diesel with 110bhp.
The 1.2-litre is probably the pick of the bunch for most people, with a zesty feel, giving 0 to 60mph in a decent 9.8 seconds while managing a best of 68mpg.
The hybrid uses the same setup as the Prius, a 1.8-litre petrol engine plus electric motor, giving 98bhp and 0 to 60mph in 10.5 seconds. It really scores in the economy and emissions stakes, being capable of 81mpg and just 79g/km of carbon dioxide.
The diesel has 110bhp and takes 10.2 seconds for the 60mph sprint. It can do 67mpg.
Both the diesel and 1.2-litre have a 6-speed manual gearbox as standard but were available with a continuously variable automatic option (CVT), which is standard on the hybrid.
The diesel was dropped in 2017, as Toyota concentrated on its hybrid models’ low emissions and high economy.
The hybrid is not a plug-in, but the batteries are charged on the move by regenerative braking and by the petrol engine.
Driving Experience
The Auris is very quiet on the move, with well-sorted wind and road noise and hardly a sound from the engine, which is very smooth when cruising.
Peter Hayward
But the automatic gearbox is sluggish to decide what it needs to do on occasion, and a prod of the accelerator sends the revs up the scale and increases noise levels considerably.
Handling is safe and reasonably good, with plenty of grip, and low levels of roll.
Interior and Equipment
While there’s nothing very special about the interior, all the controls are well laid out and easy to use, and it’s a very easy car to drive.
Mid-range Icon trim brings loads of airbags, traction control, parking sensors, air conditioning, remote locking, electric windows and mirrors, and alloy wheels.
A raft of safety systems are standard, and disc brakes all round make sure the stopping is as good as the going.
Find your Toyota Auris your way with CarStore
Toyota is well-known for making robust and practical family cars, and the Auris is no different. While the Auris may not be catching many eyes out on the road, its excellent build quality ensures it's a hatchback you can rely on, which is one of the many reasons it's so popular amongst families in the UK.
