17 Nov 06
Space, the Auris has plenty of. It stands shorter in length, taller and usefully wider than the outgoing Corolla hatch and is noticeably roomier and comfier in the back than the Civic, for instance, with clever routing of the exhaust making for flat rear floor. Driving position and dash, with simple, clear instruments, are fine.
While it's true there have been fast Corollas before (like the 80s, rear-drive Corolla GT, which was a total blast), the Auris first time out is not cut from the same cloth.
Japan's two versions, a 1.5 and new-tech 1.8, are conventional hatches set up for space, convenience and a bit more fizz and vroom than the bread-and-butter Corolla four-door.
Yes, the accent's on smooth, fuss-free power and sparing economy (there's a small green 'eco' light that flashes when you're getting maximum mpg). Also, low emissions although, remarkably, there are no published C02 ratings in Japan...
The 1.8 is all-new and brilliantly free-revving, spinning to 6,000 rpm and beyond with rotary-like speed and clarity. With Dual VVT-i variable valve timing, it lugs better than the old 1.8. But the killer, if you actually like driving, is the CVT box that's standard in Japan that saps bottom punch and has the engine revving hysterically if you push it hard.
Be thankful you're not getting this. Instead, Toyota's prepping five- and six-speed manuals for Euro duty, plus a MultiMode box with paddle shifters.
Still, much of the goodness of the new 1.8 should theoretically transfer to the new petrol 1.6 Dual VVT-i that'll be launching in the UK Auris.
Alongside, the 1.4-litre petrol and 1.4 D-4D engines will carry over from Corolla. The 2.0 D-4D and 2.2 T180 units are quite new and recently introduced in the 2007 Avensis.
