First Drive: Toyota Auris

Prices for the all new Toyota Auris will start from €18,995

The all new Toyota Auris range has arrived in Ireland. Sharing the spotlight with the new Toyota Yaris Hybrid, it was launched in Dublin yesterday.

The current Auris model is a big seller here and Toyota has revealed what it believes is a ‘bolder, more dynamic, better equipped and cheaper to run’ new model.

The new generation Auris is squatter than the outgoing one, with a lower and wider stance and enhanced aerodynamics. However, it manages to do this without compromising on head height.

The rear door opening is larger, to allow for easier access. Boot space has also been increased.

The new Toyota Auris is available in five grades, Terra, Aura, Luna, Auris Hybrid and Auris Hybrid Luxury.

The cabin in the new Toyota Auris is spacious and we liked the aluminum dash

Four engines are available, ranging from a 1.33-litre petrol model to a 1.8-litre petrol hybrid. A 1.4-litre diesel will complete the engine options.

Standard spec on the entry level Terra model includes Follow Me Home lights, USB connection and remote audio controls.

Move one step up to the Luna model we took for a quick spin and you get climate control, touch screen infotainment system with USB/iPod connectivity and a reversing camera.

We were driving a manual petrol Luna model and found the cabin to be spacious and legroom good. We liked the titanium silver dash and we think the nice light steering could make it a hit with city drivers.

The fast and soft button on the air conditioning also made an impression. We look forward to giving the car a full review in the coming months.

A three-door model will not be included in the new Toyota Auris range, but there are plans to introduce an Auris Tourer next year.

Ten exterior colour choices will be available, with four new options – Grey, Blue, Dark Steel and Avant-Garde Bronze. As with the Yaris Hybrid, Pearl White is exclusive to full hybrid vehicles.

Toyota Ireland managing director, David Shannon said: ‘The exceptional design [of the new Auris] is very much representative of the changing face of the Toyota brand, which when coupled with its generous specification we believe makes it ideally suited to the Irish motoring market.

‘We fully expect it to be embraced wholeheartedly by the Irish driving public.’

The all new Toyota Auris is available to order now, with prices starting from €18,995.

Visit the Toyota Ireland website or its Facebook page for further details.