The Toyota Auris 2010

Never let it be said that we at Car Articles don’t pay attention to ‘proper’ cars. What I mean by that is cars that are actually sold in reasonable numbers on forecourts up and down the country, as opposed to specials, one-offs and super-expensive hypercars. The new Toyota Auris 2010 is just such a ‘proper’ car that many of us may well consider buying this year and beyond.

There is the restyled exterior, where Toyota has gone back to the sheet metal to give its new Auris 2010 more road presence and driver appeal. The front end has been comprehensively reworked with a new deep bumper with integrated fog lamps (TR and SR models), new swept-back headlamps, a revised bonnet profile with stronger crease lines and a grille that adopts the Toyota family identity established by the latest generation Avensis and Verso.

New 16-inch and 17-inch alloy wheels have been designed for the TR and SR models and all versions feature turn indicator lights integrated into the door mirrors. At the rear there is a smart flash of chrome across the top of the number plate, revised lamp clusters and a new rear bumper with extended corner sections that create a “catamaran” look. Owners can choose from seven exterior colours, including three new metallic shades.

The interior is also improved, with a soft touch cabin, a much better looking instrument binnacle and the centre console has been revised with changes to the instrument design for smarter appearance and improved clarity. Auris’s distinctive bridged centre console has a new silver finish that matches the doorhandles and the shape of the handbrake has been changed for easier operation and improved tactile quality.

Two petrol and one diesel engine is available to power the new Auris for 2010, with my recommendation being the 1.33 VVT-i with stop start technology. Prices range from £14,500-£17,500 OTR.

Options include a rear parking sensor pack, leather interior and a boot liner. See www.toyota.co.uk for more information.