17 Nov 06
Out on Japanese tarmac, the Auris rides, steers and grips with authority. As it should do, considering it's based off an all-new platform with new style, wide-track strut/torsion beam suspension and, no doubt, has been benchmarked to within an inch of its life against all the usual C-sector suspects.
With chief engineer Yoshihiko Kanamori talking about a global spec for the Auris' underpinnings, Brits should thus expect the same high level of composure and control from this chassis, which feels like it can take a lot more than the 110-136 bhp currently on offer in Japan.
OK, so the Auris may not cleave through bends with the same precision and grin factor of a Focus (few cars can), yet it's still tidy and well balanced, gripping well at the front, unfazed by sudden dips and camber changes, with strong brakes also out there as a big plus.
It rides well too, efficiently smothering road shocks and road noise is low. By the same token, it's not what you'd really call fun. Capable, yes, very: but it's a Focus or Civic you'd choose for that fast, back road blast. However, the Auris wouldn't be far behind.
Funnily enough, of the two cars we drove, it was the base 1.5 that felt more natural and better damped than the supposedly superior 1.8 with its 20% quicker steering. It felt, in a way, like a roomier, maxxed-up Yaris.
No bad thing, perhaps and a sign the Auris, when it comes, will open a whole new door for Toyota - although some will still argue that ditching the Corolla name (total production now more than 30m units, making it the world's most made car, by a country mile) is a gamble that could backfire.
