WE featured our first Auris test – the 1,4 RS – in October, but, as with most Toyota ranges, there is an engine and specification level to suit almost every buyer out there. In total, the Auris range comprises no fewer than nine different variants. The version on test here, the 1,8 RS, is the flagship petrol model, which differs little from the 1,4 except in power, of course.
Inside there is the same high quality of fit and finish, though we still question the longevity of the plastic surfaces. Like all Auris models, this one boasts the bridge-type section of the lower facia. It’s trendy but restricts front occupant space. It also places the handbrake lever in an upright position, which isn’t ideal if you prefer to sit close to the steering wheel, Timing-intelligent (VVT-i) system is utilised to alter phasing on both inlet and exhaust camshafts, thereby flattening the torque curve. Unlike smaller displacement Auris models, the 1,8 employs a six-speed transmission to deliver its power to the front wheels.
Out on the road the valvetrain trickery and advertised 100 kW do not quite make their presence felt as you may expect. Perhaps it is the manner in which the power is delivered, but those that drove the car all felt that there is a lack of urge. Against our V-Box measuring equipment the 1,8 was not embarrassed. A 0-100 km/h sprint time of 10,03 seconds is respectable, as is the 193 km/h true top speed. These figures are not a world apart from the 1,6-litre Corolla we tested last month. The engine powering that car delivers 91 kW and 157 N.m, and is identical to the unit found in the 1,6 Auris. From 100 km/h to zero, an average stopping time of 2,93 seconds was achieved, which earns it a good rating by our standards. Test summar y Against its rivals, the Auris fares well. It is competitively priced, offers good specification, including seven airbags, and a long-term service plan. However, the 1,8 RS Auris’ biggest threat comes from within its own house. For near-on R10 000 less, you can have a 1,6-litre version. your elbow making contact with the seat bolster whenever you use the handbrake.
On the whole, though, the Auris still impresses for its overall refinement. There is a level of quality evident in this car that its predecessor lacked, and it is obvious that Toyota was aiming to take the Auris more upmarket than the RunX, which it replaced. Suspension set-up is identical across the range, that is to say MacPherson struts for the front wheels, and a space-saving torsion beam connecting the rears. An anti-roll bar is fitted at the front to counter body lean through corners. The system works well, but doesn’t communicate exactly what’s going on between the road surface and tyre contact patches. This lack of feedback is not helped by the electricallyassisted power steering.
Handling is without any peculiar trait, just tending towards mild understeer if you are over enthusiastic with the throttle at large steering angles. Overall though, the 1,8 package is as impressive as the 1,4 we tested earlier. The major difference is that the 1,8 makes 100 kW of power and 175 N.m of torque – the former produced at 6 000 r/min, the latter at 4 400. Although the torque peak may seem high, Toyota’s own Variable Valve Timing-intelligent (VVT-i) system is utilised to alter phasing on both inlet and exhaust camshafts, thereby flattening the torque curve. Unlike smaller displacement Auris models, the 1,8 employs a six-speed transmission to deliver its power to the front wheels.
Out on the road the valvetrain trickery and advertised 100 kW do not quite make their presence felt as you may expect. Perhaps it is the manner in which the power is delivered, but those that drove the car all felt that there is a lack of urge. Against our V-Box measuring equipment the 1,8 was not embarrassed. A 0-100 km/h sprint time of 10,03 seconds is respectable, as is the 193 km/h true top speed. These figures are not a world apart from the 1,6-litre Corolla we tested last month. The engine powering that car delivers 91 kW and 157 N.m, and is identical to the unit found in the 1,6 Auris.
From 100 km/h to zero, an average stopping time of 2,93 seconds was achieved, which earns it a good rating by our standards.