Review of the new Toyota Auris TR Range

If Toyota's latest Auris is to be the kind of success it needs to be, private customers must be fully convinced of the value proposition on offer. Typically, the world's most profitable car maker is taking no chances in this regard. For evidence, check out the version we're looking at here, the value-packed TR.

The TR models offer equipment upgrades over the entry-level T2 models If the TR can convince retail customers that the Auris is a desirable proposition over a Volkswagen Golf or a Ford Focus, it will have done very well indeed.

All three engines are offered in TR trim. The first is the 100bhp 1.33 VVT-i petrol unit (which manages nearly 50mpg on the combined cycle thanks to 'Stop & Start' technology) and then comes the 1.6-litre Valvematic petrol unit followed by the 1.4-litre D-4D diesel. Both of the petrol engines feature VVT-i, a system that utilises computerised timing control of both inlet and exhaust valves. In theory, this promotes torque at low revs and power at high engine speeds. The 1.6-litre has control over its valve lift too, resulting in the 160Nm maximum torque coming at a more usable 4,400rpm. You'll still need to rev this engine quite hard to get the best from it. The diesel unit is the 1.4-litre D-4D 90, which produces 89bhp and 190Nm of torque.

In a bid to enliven its driving experience, the latest Auris features retuned suspension which is said to better suit the preferences of European drivers and the particular qualities of our continent's roads. High speed stability, ride comfort and handling security have all been addressed. The electric power steering system has also come in for attention and Toyota says it's corrected the detached feel of the helm on the original Auris models.

"Residual values look second only to the Golf in this class."

Rather than anything extreme, the Auris' exterior shape is 'evolutionary.' A less charitable verdict would be unadventurous. If Toyota really wanted to position the Auris as a different and higher quality car than the old Corolla, step one should be to ensure it doesn't look broadly similar in dimension and style to that car. Yet despite the neater touches, well, it does.

The Auris isn't ugly in any way but there's little for the eye to latch onto within the amorphous styling scheme. The gentle curves are cleaner on the latest cars which have a deeper bumper that can house integrated fog lights, a more shapely bonnet and headlamps swept back into the wings.

The cabin is smart and well built with a clear dash design and OPTITRON instruments. The materials quality has been enhanced in recent times bringing a classier feel. The floor of the Auris is flat so there's more foot room for back seat passengers than in most family hatchback models. In general, you wont want for head or legroom in any of the car's five seats and hatchback customers who regularly travel fully-loaded will appreciate this spacious design. The rear seat backrests even recline to make those in the back more comfortable and there's a healthy 354-litre boot behind.

As you'd expect from Toyota, standard equipment levels are excellent and the TR looks an especially good buy. All TR models get 16" alloy wheels, climate controlled air-conditioning, electric mirrors and front fog lights in addition to the specification of the entry-level T2 car. Buyers also get the Auris safety kit of front, side and curtain airbags plus a driver's knee airbag, ABS and EBD but there's no stability or traction control.

The big plus of the Valvematic 1.6-litre engine (or its biggest drawback, depending on your perspective) is that it requires a conscious effort a big dose of revs to drive it hard. At all other times it defaults into a relaxed mode that's reasonably fuel efficient, helping it to a combined fuel economy figure of 42.8mpg and emissions of 153g/km. Again, not much in it. The 1.33-litre engine is much better with 136g/km emissions and 48.7mpg. For those covering higher mileages the diesel will be a better bet with its 60mpg economy.

This low insurance rating is helped by the fact that the Auris is unlikely to attract boy racers and that features like a bolt-on structure for the front bumper reinforcement make the consequences of a front end nudge that much less costly to your insurer. Likewise, the radiator support retracts in the event of an accident to protect the cooling units from damage. In so many small cars, a light tap to the front end will split the radiator and leave the vehicle stranded. Discounts may be hard to obtain, but residual values look second only to the Golf in this class and at 43 per cent after three years for the 1.6-litre petrol model are leagues better than a typical Focus or Astra hatch.

In some ways, no car in Toyota's Auris range faces a tougher task than the TR model. The needs of a private buyer are often drastically different to those of a corporate customer. Whereas the former wants style, equipment and the ability to engender deep envy in their neighbours, the latter wants a tiny pence per mile running cost and a shape that's not going to attract vandals or the boys in blue. The suspicion is that the Auris remains better suited to the demands of gimlet-eyed fleet managers than thrusting twenty and thirty somethings who might normally buy a Volkswagen Golf or a Honda Civic. The TR variants must take on cynics of this persuasion and convince them otherwise.

Compare what the Auris objectively offers and there's very little wrong with the value proposition but retail customers often buy with their hearts as much as their heads and in this area, the Toyota has to really make an impact. If you're prudent you'll buy this car. No question. Wider sales success amongst less sensibly-inclined private users however, may be more challenging for dealers to achieve.

TOP 5 AURIS DEALS

The results below show the top AURIS deals on buyacar

Toyota Auris 1.6 V-Matic TR 5dr Hatchback
Price £9,040 Read Auris Reviews	Save £6,055
Toyota Auris 1.33 Dual VVTi TR 5dr Hatchback
Price £10,040 Read Auris Reviews	Save £6,685
Toyota Auris 1.4 D-4D TR 5dr MM Diesel Hatchback
Price £15,961 Read Auris Reviews	Save £2,824
Toyota Auris 1.6 V-Matic TR 5dr MM Hatchback
Price £10,340 Read Auris Reviews	Save £7,600
Toyota Auris 1.6 V-Matic SR 5dr Hatchback
Price £10,540 Read Auris Reviews	Save £5,560
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