Review of the new Toyota Auris SR180

More than just another Toyota Auris, the SR180 version offers a 175bhp 2.2-litre diesel engine producing 400Nm of torque and multilink rear suspension for a sportier driving experience. It's comfortable, well-built and understated compared to rivals with similar performance but it can still entertain when the need arises.

A central part of the remit given to the development team behind Toyota's Auris was to inject some fire into its belly and some panache into its public image. More than any other Auris model, the onus of achieving this falls on the SR180. This is a rather spicier development of the original Auris T180 featuring Toyota Motorsport lowered suspension springs giving the car a ground-hugging stance. Buyers also get a neat rear spoiler positioned atop the tailgate and dark-tinted rear privacy glass. There's also five-spoke 17-inch alloys and a choice of body colours including an uber-cool Pure White.

Despite all of this, it would still be wrong to think of the Auris SR180 as a hot hatch, despite the fact that it isn't lacking in raw pace. Toyota have, perhaps wisely, made a marked move away from offering focused performance versions of their mainstream models. Instead, the SR180 capitalises on the impressive quality and comfort of the Auris platform by plumbing in a 175bhp 2.2-litre D-4D diesel engine. With this kind of power on tap, it was never going to be slow and the 8.3s 0-62mph acceleration is conformation that it isn't. This is some way off Focus ST or Golf GTI pace but the diesel unit's powerful 400Nm torque output means the Auris SR180 can match the fieriest hatchbacks on in-gear acceleration and mid-range urge. In real world driving conditions when you're accelerating on to a motorway or overtaking lorry on a B-road, the SR180's surging power delivery is ideal.

"It would be wrong to think of the Auris SR180 as a hot hatch, despite the fact that it isn't lacking in raw pace.."

This Auris is certainly a more vibrant driver's car than you might expect, mainly because Toyota have taken the significant step of swapping the torsion beam rear suspension on the standard models with a more advanced double wishbone multilink setup. Multilink suspension is bulkier and more expensive but it offers greater handling finesse and feel to the driver. In combination with tauter springs, larger brakes and retuned steering, the suspension brings a new level of driving enjoyment to the Auris but it's still more of a cruiser than a bruiser.

Elsewhere, the grown-up theme continues with the sober but solidly built interior giving off a genuine air of quality. Passenger accommodation is extremely generous with good leg and headroom all-round. The rear seat backs recline for extra comfort and a flat floor means that the middle berth in the back isn't the short straw it is in some rivals.

The Auris SR180's appeal is that of an understated but quick car for people who enjoy their driving but prioritise comfort, reliability and reasonable running costs. It goes up against the upper echelon of diesel family hatchbacks and, perhaps, the second strata of warm hatch performance models. It feels a quality product and with prices starting at around £18,500, it's priced as such. Equipment levels are the same as the plush T-Spirit Auris trim level with the addition of an electric sunroof. That means keyless entry and start, dual zone climate control, rain-sensing wipers, dark-sensing headlamps and cruise control. Factor-in that impressive engine as well as the addition of multilink rear suspension and it looks a desirable package.

Diesel engines in family hatchbacks don't come any more powerful than the 175bhp 2.2-litre D4-D in the SR180 but it's a modern common-rail diesel engine with Toyota's Optimal Drive upgrades and D-CAT clean diesel technology so running costs are more than manageable. CO2 emissions are pegged at 158g/km which helps with the old tax burden but the D-CAT system and its DPNR four-way catalyst also works to incinerate nitrogen oxides and soot particles before they are released into the atmosphere. This is one of the cleanest diesels on the market with the potential to help change your carbon footprint out of its hobnail boots and into some nice sandals.

The official combined fuel economy figure for the SR180 is 47mpg, hardly a disgrace when this kind of performance is available. Then there's the legendary Toyota reliability. This manufacturer's products have one of the best reputations around when it comes to staying the course and there's no reason to suspect that the Auris will be any different.

The standard Auris is more exciting than its Corolla predecessor but not by much. The SR180 range-topping model narrows the desirability gap to the top family hatch contenders with a powerful diesel engine and a completely different multilink rear suspension system but the core Auris strengths remain its build quality, comfort and reliability.

The SR180 looks very good value for money when you consider the technology you're getting. There's that 2.2-litre D4-D common-rail engine married to the D-CAT clean diesel system and the revised suspension set-up. It's a fast hatchback that can certainly entertain but remains composed and refined on everyday trips. The styling doesn't draw too much attention to the car's impressive underlying capabilities with the SR180 favouring a low key, sophisticated approach that will appeal to buyers turned off by hot hatchback excesses.

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